Indulgence takes on a whole new meaning with our decadent creation, the Fudge Brownie Pie. This exquisite dessert is a symphony of rich, fudgy chocolate nestled within a crisp, buttery pie crust. Each velvety bite unveils a heavenly marriage of deep cocoa flavours and a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The contrast of the delicate pie crust against the dense, fudgy interior creates a sensory experience that’s nothing short of divine. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or savoured on its own, this pie is a testament to the blissful union of simplicity and extravagance. Perfect for special occasions or moments when a touch of luxury is called for, our Fudge Brownie Pie is sure to delight discerning palates and leave a lasting impression. Elevate your dessert repertoire with this irresistible creation, and let the indulgence begin.
How To Make This Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 200g plain flour
- 100g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Fudge Brownie Filling:
- 200g dark chocolate, chopped
- 150g unsalted butter
- 200g granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 100g plain flour
- 25g cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Making the Pie Crust:
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold cubed butter.
- Cut in Butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. You want it to hold together when pressed.
- Form a Disk: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in cling film, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out the Crust: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place the crust in the dish, trim any excess, and crimp the edges.
Preparing the Fudge Brownie Filling:
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water (double boiler), melt the dark chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Add Sugar and Mix: Stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sift in the flour and cocoa powder, and gently fold into the mixture until just combined.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Assembling and Baking:
- Pour into Pie Crust: Pour the fudge brownie mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the pie for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centre is slightly gooey.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature. Optional: top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips Of Recipe
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for good-quality dark chocolate for a rich and intense chocolate flavour.
- Chill the Pie Crust: Ensure the pie crust dough is well-chilled before rolling it out. This helps prevent it from becoming too sticky and ensures a flaky crust.
- Handle Pie Dough Gently: When rolling out the pie crust, handle it as little as possible to maintain its flakiness. Overworking the dough can lead to a tough crust.
- Blind Bake (Optional): If you’re concerned about the pie crust getting soggy, consider blind baking it (pre-baking without the filling) for a few minutes before adding the brownie mixture.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients for the brownie filling, be careful not to overmix. This can result in a denser texture.
- Check for Doneness: The pie is done when the edges are set, but the centre should still have a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted into the centre should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the brownie filling set and makes for cleaner slices.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Enhance the experience by serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Store Properly: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat if Desired: If you prefer to serve it warm, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Customize with Toppings: Consider adding chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for added texture and flavour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for the filling? A1: While dark chocolate provides a rich, intense flavour, you can use milk chocolate for a milder taste. Keep in mind that it may result in a sweeter pie.
Q2: Can I make the pie crust in advance and freeze it? A2: Yes, you can prepare the pie crust ahead of time and freeze it. Just be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container.
Q3: Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making it from scratch? A3: Yes, you can use a pre-made pie crust for convenience. Just follow the instructions on the packaging for blind baking, if desired.
Q4: How can I prevent the edges of the crust from burning during baking? A4: You can cover the edges of the pie crust with foil or a pie shield to prevent them from over-browning. This will allow the centre to cook thoroughly.
Q5: Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the brownie filling? A5: Absolutely! Chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even swirls of caramel can be delightful additions to the brownie filling.
Q6: Can I make this pie gluten-free? A6: Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for the pie crust, and choose a gluten-free flour or almond flour for the brownie filling.
Q7: How do I store leftovers and how long will they keep? A7: Store leftover Fudge Brownie Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently if desired.
Q8: Can I freeze leftover slices of Fudge Brownie Pie? A8: Yes, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
Q9: What can I serve alongside Fudge Brownie Pie for a special occasion? A9: Consider serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Q10: Can I reheat individual slices of pie? A10: Yes, you can reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve each slice of Fudge Brownie Pie with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm pie and cold ice cream is heavenly.
- Whipped Cream and Chocolate Sauce: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and drizzle with rich, velvety chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- Berries and Mint: Garnish with a handful of fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries, along with a sprig of mint for a burst of colour and freshness.
- Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pecans on top for added crunch and flavour.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice for an extra layer of sweetness and a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Dusting of Cocoa Powder: Lightly dust the top of each slice with cocoa powder for an elegant finish and an extra hint of chocolate flavour.
- Espresso or Coffee: Enjoy alongside a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a steaming mug of coffee for a perfect pairing that balances the sweetness of the pie.
- Salted Caramel Ice Cream: For a luxurious twist, serve with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream to add a sweet and salty dimension to the dessert.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: Accompany the pie with a refreshing fruit salad made with a variety of seasonal fruits for a light and fruity contrast.
- Creme Fraiche or Greek Yogurt: For a tangy element, serve with a dollop of creme fraiche or Greek yogurt, which balances the richness of the pie.
How to Store
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the pie within 24 hours, you can store it at room temperature. Simply cover it with a cake dome or a large overturned bowl to protect it.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place any leftover Fudge Brownie Pie in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator.
- Avoid Direct Contact: To prevent the pie from absorbing any odours or flavours from the fridge, consider placing it on a plate or in a container before storing.
- Label and Date: If you’re not consuming the pie right away, it’s a good practice to label the container with the contents and date. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored.
- Consume Within 3-4 Days: Fudge Brownie Pie can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Beyond this period, its texture and flavour may start to deteriorate.
- Avoid Freezing: While you can freeze the pie, it’s worth noting that the texture of the brownie filling may change slightly upon thawing. It’s generally recommended to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
How to Freeze
- Cool Completely: Allow the Fudge Brownie Pie to cool down to room temperature after baking. It’s important that it’s completely cooled before freezing.
- Wrap Well: Wrap the entire pie or individual slices tightly in a layer of plastic wrap. Ensure it’s wrapped securely to prevent freezer burn.
- Double Wrap (Optional): For added protection, you can double-wrap the pie in a layer of aluminum foil after the initial plastic wrap.
- Label with Date: Clearly label the wrapped pie with the contents (“Fudge Brownie Pie”) and the date of freezing. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been stored.
- Choose a Freezer-Safe Container (Optional): Alternatively, you can place the wrapped pie in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag. This provides an extra layer of insulation.
- Avoid Stack Pressure: If you’re freezing multiple items, try not to place heavy items on top of the pie to avoid any potential damage.
- Store in Freezer: Place the wrapped or container-sealed pie in the freezer. Try to find a spot where it won’t be disturbed or crushed.
- Use Within 1-2 Months: Fudge Brownie Pie can be stored in the freezer for up to 1-2 months for the best quality. While it can be stored longer, the texture may be affected.
- Thawing: To thaw the pie, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly. This helps maintain the texture and flavour of the pie.
- Reheating (Optional): If you prefer to serve it warm, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8th of the pie)
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 4-6g
- Carbohydrates: 45-55g
- Dietary Fibre: 2-4g
- Sugars: 30-35g
- Fat: 18-22g
- Saturated Fat: 10-12g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6-8g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1-2g
- Cholesterol: 50-70mg
- Sodium: 100-150mg
- Potassium: 180-220mg
- Vitamin A: 8-10% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 0% of the DV
- Calcium: 4-6% of the DV
- Iron: 10-15% of the DV
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
Keep in mind that this is a general estimate and the actual nutritional content may vary depending on the exact ingredients and specific preparation method used. Always refer to specific product labels or consult a registered dietitian for precise nutritional information based on your recipe.
