Satisfy your sweet tooth with our irresistible Fudge Brownie Pie. This delectable dessert marries the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the comforting embrace of a pie. Each mouthful offers a perfect balance of dense, chocolatey decadence and a flaky, buttery crust. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or savoured on its own, this dessert is bound to become a cherished favourite. Prepare to embark on a journey of pure, chocolatey bliss!
How To Make This Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Fudge Brownie Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra indulgence)
Instructions:
Making the Pie Crust:
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and granulated sugar.
- Incorporate Butter:
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until you have pea-sized crumbs.
- Add Ice Water:
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, while gently mixing the dough with a fork. Stop once the dough comes together.
- Form a Disk:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gather it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preparing the Fudge Brownie Filling:
- Melt Butter:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat once melted.
- Add Sugar and Cocoa:
- Stir in the granulated sugar and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
- Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined.
- Optional: Add Chocolate Chips:
- If using chocolate chips, fold them into the batter.
Assembling and Baking:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Roll Out Pie Crust:
- Roll out the chilled pie crust and fit it into a pie dish. Trim any excess edges.
- Pour in Brownie Filling:
- Pour the prepared fudge brownie filling into the pie crust.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool before slicing. Serve on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Enjoy your decadent Fudge Brownie Pie!
Tips Of Recipe
- Chilled Butter for Pie Crust: Use cold, cubed butter when making the pie crust. This helps create a flaky texture.
- Handle Pie Dough Gently: When working with the pie dough, handle it as little as possible to prevent it from becoming tough.
- Refrigerate Pie Dough: Allow the pie dough to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This helps relax the gluten and makes the crust flakier.
- Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder: Choose a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavour in the brownie filling.
- Check Brownie Filling Doneness: Test the brownie filling with a toothpick before removing from the oven. A few moist crumbs indicate that it’s perfectly baked.
- Add Chocolate Chips for Extra Decadence: If you want an even more indulgent pie, fold in chocolate chips into the brownie batter.
- Cool Before Slicing: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This allows the brownie filling to set and ensures clean, neat slices.
- Serve with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the rich chocolate flavours of the pie.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Cover any leftover pie and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days for optimal freshness.
- Reheat for a Warm Treat: To enjoy the pie warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
- Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with toppings like chocolate shavings, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of cocoa powder for a decorative touch.
- Share and Enjoy: This pie is best enjoyed with friends and family, so don’t hesitate to share the decadence!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought pie crust?
- Yes, you can use a pre-made pie crust if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s suitable for a sweet dessert.
- Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?
- Yes, you can use either natural or Dutch-processed cocoa powder, depending on your preference. It may slightly affect the flavour.
- Can I make this pie gluten-free?
- Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend for the pie crust and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers?
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Can I freeze this pie?
- Yes, you can freeze the pie (unbaked) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminium foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
- Can I add nuts to the brownie filling?
- Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be a delightful addition for extra texture and flavour.
- Is this pie suitable for vegetarians?
- Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it does not contain any meat or animal by-products.
- How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
- Blind bake the pie crust before adding the brownie filling. This involves partially baking the crust without the filling to ensure it stays crisp.
- Can I serve this pie warm?
- Yes, serving the pie warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can be a delightful treat.
- What’s the best way to reheat leftover slices?
- You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at a low temperature until warm.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Top each slice with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The warm pie and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. You can also add a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle a rich chocolate sauce over each slice for an extra layer of decadence.
- Fresh Berries: Garnish with a handful of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a refreshing and fruity addition.
- Caramel Drizzle: Add a swirl of caramel sauce for a sweet and gooey complement to the rich chocolate flavour.
- Nuts or Nut Butter: Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or almonds on top, or serve with a side of nut butter for extra crunch and flavour.
- Mint Leaves: Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of colour and a hint of freshness.
- Espresso or Coffee: Enjoy with a cup of hot espresso or a rich cup of coffee for a delightful pairing.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: Lightly dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.
- Fruit Compote: Serve with a spoonful of warm fruit compote, such as cherry or raspberry, for a fruity twist.
- Irish Cream Liqueur: For an adult twist, serve with a drizzle of Irish cream liqueur for a boozy kick.
- Crème Fraîche: A dollop of crème fraîche can provide a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the pie.
How to Store
- Allow to Cool: Let the pie cool completely to room temperature after baking. This prevents condensation from forming inside the storage container.
- Cover with Plastic Wrap: Cover the pie with a layer of plastic wrap. Make sure it’s airtight to keep the pie fresh.
- Use an Airtight Container: If you have a container with a lid that fits well, you can use it instead of plastic wrap. Ensure it’s airtight to maintain freshness.
- Avoid Refrigeration for Short Term: If you plan to consume the pie within a day or two, it’s fine to leave it at room temperature, covered. Refrigeration can sometimes affect the texture.
- Refrigerate for Longer Storage: For longer storage, place the wrapped or container-covered pie in the refrigerator. It can be stored this way for up to three days.
- Avoid Freezing: Due to the texture of the brownie filling and pie crust, freezing is not recommended as it may affect the quality and taste.
- Reheat if Desired: If you want to enjoy the pie warm, you can reheat individual slices in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
- Check for Freshness: Before serving leftover pie, check for any signs of spoilage such as off-smell, unusual texture, or change in appearance. If in doubt, err on the side of caution and discard.
How to Freeze
- Allow to Cool Completely: Ensure the pie is completely cooled to room temperature after baking. This helps prevent condensation inside the storage container.
- Wrap in Plastic Wrap: First, tightly wrap the entire pie with several layers of plastic wrap. Make sure it’s well-sealed to keep out air and moisture.
- Double Wrap with Foil (Optional): For an extra layer of protection, you can then wrap the pie with aluminium foil. This helps prevent freezer burn and maintains freshness.
- Label and Date: Use a marker to label the wrapped pie with the contents and date of freezing. This helps you keep track of storage times.
- Place in Freezer-Safe Bag (Optional): If you have a large enough freezer-safe bag, you can place the wrapped pie inside for added protection.
- Choose a Suitable Freezer Spot: Find a spot in your freezer where the pie won’t be squished or jostled. Lay it flat to avoid any potential damage.
- Freeze Upright: If you’re short on space, you can freeze the pie upright, but ensure it’s well-supported to prevent any bending or breakage.
- Freeze for up to Three Months: The Fudge Brownie Pie can be frozen for up to three months. Beyond this time, the quality may start to decline.
- Thaw in the Refrigerator: When you’re ready to enjoy the pie, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator. Let it thaw slowly and completely, which can take several hours or overnight.
- Reheat if Desired: If you prefer the pie warm, you can reheat individual slices in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes.
