Brownie Pie Delight
A luscious chocolate filling meets a crisp buttery crust for a decadent dessert finish.
Introduction to Brownie Pie
For those who love both brownies and pie, a brownie pie is the ultimate dessert. Combining the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the elegance of a pie, this treat is sure to impress. The Pioneer Woman’s recipe for a brownie pie is a masterpiece, featuring a buttery, flaky crust filled with a moist, chocolatey brownie mixture studded with chocolate chips and toasted walnuts.
Ingredients for Brownie Pie
The ingredients needed for this recipe include:
- 1 1/3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts (optional)
- Ice cream, to serve
Preparing the Crust
To create the perfect crust for your brownie pie, it’s crucial to pre-bake it. This step ensures the crust is crispy and flaky, providing a wonderful contrast to the fudgy brownie filling.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Roll out the pie dough into a 12-inch circle and place it in a 9-inch pie plate, tucking the edges under and crimping as desired.
- Chill the crust in the refrigerator for about 60 minutes or in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove the parchment paper and pie weights, then prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent puffing. Return the crust to the oven and bake until it is lightly golden all over, about 10 to 12 minutes more.
Preparing the Brownie Filling
The brownie filling is what makes this pie truly special. It’s rich, chocolatey, and utterly decadent.
- Melt 2/3 cup of the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power in 15-second intervals until smooth.
- Stir in the vegetable oil and cocoa powder until well combined.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until lighter in color.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the sugar mixture and whisk until combined.
- Stir in the flour and salt until just combined. Fold in the remaining chocolate chips and walnuts, if using.
Baking the Brownie Pie
Once the crust is ready, pour the brownie filling into it and bake until the surface is matte and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
- Pour the brownie filling into the prepared pie shell and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Allow the pie to cool at least one hour before serving.
Serve the brownie pie with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the richness of the chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Should I pre-bake my brownie pie crust?
A: Yes, pre-baking the crust is necessary to achieve a crispy and flaky texture that complements the fudgy brownie filling.
Q: Can I use a store-bought crust for the brownie pie?
A: Yes, you can use a refrigerated pie crust or even a graham cracker crust. Just be sure to pre-bake it before adding the filling.
Q: Is butter or oil better in brownie pie?
A: For a chewier, fudgier brownie, using vegetable oil is recommended. However, butter can be substituted for a cakier texture.
Q: What’s the difference between brownie pie and chocolate chess pie?
A: Brownie pie is a rich, fudgy dessert baked in a crust, while chocolate chess pie is softer and custard-based.
Variations and Tips
Consider these variations to enhance your brownie pie experience:
- Add Ins: Try adding different nuts like toasted pecans instead of walnuts for a unique flavor.
- Chocolate Options: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips to change the flavor profile.
- Toppings: Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added indulgence.
Using Different Nuts
While walnuts are traditional, pecans or hazelnuts can add a delightful twist to the brownie filling.
Exploring Chocolate Options
Using different types of chocolate, such as dark or white chocolate, can significantly alter the flavor profile of your brownie pie.
Creative Toppings
Consider topping your brownie pie with fresh fruit, nuts, or caramel sauce for a unique dessert experience.
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
