A barista’s best accomplishments expressed in pie form! Every forkful includes delicate espresso meringue; creamy vanilla custard; rich, bittersweet chocolate ganache, and crisp, buttery crust.
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven. If you have a baking stone, place it on the oven rack.
To make the crust: Roll out the pastry to a 13" circle. Use it to line a 9" pie pan that’s at least 1 1/4" deep; crimp the edges. Refrigerate the crust for 20 minutes.
After chilling, line the crust with foil or parchment, put weights inside, and parbake on the heated stone for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, remove the lining and weights, and chill the crust while you make the fillings.
To make the chocolate filling: Place the chocolate and cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 40-second bursts until the cream begins to steam and bubble. Remove from the microwave and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Spread the filling in the pastry-lined pan, smoothing the top. Return the pan to the refrigerator.
To make the vanilla filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the salt, sugar, cornmeal, and cornstarch. Whisk in the cream and vanilla until smooth. Whisk in the eggs and yolks until thoroughly combined and smooth.
Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator and carefully pour the vanilla filling into the shell. Cover the edge of the pie with a crust shield or strips of aluminum foil.
Place a piece of parchment on the oven rack or on the baking stone. Transfer the pie to parchment and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the crust shield and continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, until the filling is set 1 1/2" from the center and the center reads 180°F on a digital thermometer.
To make the topping: About 10 minutes before the vanilla filling is done baking, whip the egg whites with the cream of tartar and espresso powder until soft peaks form.
Combine the sugar and cornstarch, then sprinkle into the meringue with the mixer running. Continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Remove the pie from the oven and carefully pipe or spread the meringue across the top, bringing it all the way to the edges.
Return to the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes more, until the meringue is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature before serving.
Refrigerate any leftovers, covered, for up to five days.
