The Brownie Pie is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts: brownies and pie. Whether you’re a long-time fan of fudgy brownies or a pie enthusiast, this recipe bridges the gap beautifully. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something indulgent yet straightforward to make. What makes it even more appealing is its versatility—perfect for parties, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in with a good movie.
Imagine that rich chocolate flavor enveloped in a buttery crust, creating the ultimate treat for any occasion. The texture of the brownie filling is fantastic: it’s gooey and fudgy on the inside while the pie crust adds a pleasant crunch. This combination can satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth, and trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll see why everyone loves this dessert.
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How to Make Brownie Pie
Let’s dive right into the nuts and bolts of making this irresistible dessert. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s uncomplicated and requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have at home. Ready to embrace your inner baker? Here’s how to whip up a delightful Brownie Pie!
Ingredients:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade; avoid deep dish and use a shallow 9-inch)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and still warm)
- 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 8 oz chocolate (chopped; bittersweet chocolate works wonders here)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Directions:
Preheat your oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F. This is the initial temperature we need to par-bake the pie crust.
Prepare the pie crust: If you’re using a store-bought crust, you might find it helpful to freeze it for a few minutes beforehand. This technique works wonders to prevent shrinkage as the crust bakes. Once your pie shell is ready, pierce the bottom lightly with a fork—just a few small holes (3-4) should do.
Blind baking: Line your pie crust with a sheet of parchment paper. This step is crucial as it will allow you to easily lift out the pie weights. Fill the parchment with about 2 cups of pie weights (you can use dried beans if you don’t have actual weights). Bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes until the edges start to turn lightly golden.
Remove the weights: After 10 minutes, take your pie out of the oven and carefully lift the parchment paper (with the weights) out. Put the pie crust back in the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes. This extra baking will help achieve the perfect texture before we add the filling.
Reduce oven temperature: After removing the pie crust, you’ll need to adjust the temperature of your oven to 350°F and reposition the rack towards the bottom.
Prepare the brownie filling: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract together until it’s well combined and smooth. Next, add the lightly beaten eggs and mix again.
Adding the star ingredients: It’s time to incorporate the cocoa powder, chopped chocolate, and flour. Using a rubber spatula, mix everything together until you no longer see any pockets of flour. Remember, overmixing isn’t a good idea for this recipe; we want a tender brownie filling!
Combine and bake: Spoon the luscious brownie filling into your par-baked pie shell, spreading it evenly. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The magic happens here—your kitchen will scent of sweet, chocolatey goodness!
Cool: Once the baking time is up, remove the Brownie Pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 60 minutes. This cooling period is essential as it allows the filling to set properly.
How to Serve Brownie Pie
Serving your Brownie Pie is where the fun really begins! You can serve it warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. I recommend slicing it into generous wedges and pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creamy ice cream complements the dense brownie beautifully.
Want to take it up a notch? Drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel syrup on top, and maybe even sprinkle some chopped nuts or fresh berries for added texture and flavor. Not only does this make for a stunning presentation, but it elevates the taste experience, making each bite a true delight.
When presenting your pie, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for that extra bit of elegance. Imagine serving this to friends or family—everyone will be wowed by not only how it looks but how it tastes!
How to Store Brownie Pie
If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare, believe me!), storing your Brownie Pie is quite simple. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Then cover it with either plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it at room temperature for a couple of days.
For longer storage, place it in the refrigerator, where it will be good for up to a week. If you want to enjoy it later on, you can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before you plan to serve it again.
Tips to Make Brownie Pie
Quality of Chocolate: Don’t skimp on the chocolate—use a good quality bittersweet chocolate, as it will make all the difference in flavor. It’s the heart of your dessert, after all!
Be Mindful of Temperature: Ensure your butter is melted but not boiling hot. If it’s too hot, it can scramble the eggs when added, leading to an undesirable texture.
Don’t Overbake: The key to a perfect brownie texture is to bake until just set. If a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re right on track. Overbaking can make your pie dry.
Chill the Pie Crust: As mentioned, freezing the pie crust before baking can help prevent shrinkage. This is a little trick that really pays off!
Experiment with Toppings: The top can be as simple or as fancy as you want it. Explore toppings from fresh fruits to sauces, or even nuts. Have fun with it!
Brownie Pie
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- 9-inch Pie Pan
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust or homemade if preferred
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pie crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow it to set.
Notes
Healthy Notes About Brownie Pie
While this dessert is certainly a treat, there are a few ways to feel better about indulging in it.
Quality Ingredients: The inclusion of bittersweet chocolate provides some health benefits. Dark chocolate is known for its antioxidants, as it can help in improving heart health and potentially lower blood pressure.
The Butter Factor: While butter is used in moderation here, unsalted butter can be beneficial when replacing trans fats with healthier fats. Enjoying dessert in moderation and with high-quality butter can make it slightly better for you.
Cocoa Powder Goodness: Unsweetened cocoa powder is rich in nutrients and naturally contains less sugar. It can also help give an extra boost of antioxidants.
When you enjoy Brownie Pie, remember that desserts are all about balance. Savoring a slice occasionally, especially when made with love and quality ingredients, is a wonderful part of life!
Variation
If you want to mix things up a bit, there are plenty of delicious variations to explore!
Nutty Brownie Pie: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the filling for a delightful crunch. It adds not only flavor but also some healthy fats.
Mint Chocolate Brownie Pie: Incorporate a teaspoon of peppermint extract into the filling for a refreshing twist. This pairs beautifully with the richness of chocolate.
Fruit-Filled Brownie Pie: Consider adding dollops of fruit preserves like raspberry or cherry on top of the brownie filling before baking. The tartness of the fruit contrasts nicely with the deep chocolate flavor.
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Brownie Pecan Pie Ooey Gooey Butter Cake
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5 Irresistible Miso Caramel Brownies You Need to Try!
FAQs
Can I use a gluten-free pie crust?
Absolutely! If you need a gluten-free option, you can easily find gluten-free pie crusts at many grocery stores. Alternatively, consider making your own from gluten-free flour blends.
Can I freeze the Brownie Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the Brownie Pie! Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. It can last for up to three months.
What’s the best way to reheat the pie?
If you want to enjoy your pie warm, you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. For the entire pie, preheat your oven to 350°F and heat the pie for about 10-15 minutes, tenting it with aluminum foil to keep it from drying out.
With these tips and insights, you’re all set to create a Brownie Pie that will leave everyone reaching for another slice. Happy baking!