Are you craving a comforting, yet sophisticated dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Angus Barn Pie recipe is a delightful twist on a classic, bringing together the richness of chocolate and the subtle tang of pecans in a beautifully simple pie. This recipe is perfect for those nights when you're looking for delicious dishes and easy recipes that won't break the bank or take hours to prepare. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, ideal for family gatherings or impressing guests with your homemade cooking skills. This is one of the best recipes for a satisfying and quick dinner idea, especially if you're short on time but want something special.
Ingredients:
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For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup ice water
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For the filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecan halves, toasted
Instructions:
Get started with the crust:
- Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the chilled butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the decadent filling:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in milk and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold in the toasted pecans.
Assemble and bake your masterpiece:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle.
- Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Pour the chocolate pecan filling into the crust.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Tips for the Perfect Angus Barn Pie:
- Toasting the pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Blind baking the crust: For a crispier crust, you can pre-bake it for 15 minutes before adding the filling. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans before baking.
- Cooling is key: Allowing the pie to cool completely prevents a soggy bottom and allows the filling to set properly.
Variations:
- Add a touch of coffee: For a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the filling.
- Swap the pecans: Try using walnuts, macadamia nuts, or a mix of nuts for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate chips galore: Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra chocolatey goodness.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 450-500 Fat: Approximately 25-30g Sugar: Approximately 30-35g
This delicious Angus Barn Pie is a fantastic addition to any meal. Enjoy this healthy meal option as a delightful dessert, a comforting treat, or an impressive contribution to your next gathering. It's simple enough for beginner cooks, yet sophisticated enough to wow experienced bakers. This is truly one of the best recipes you'll ever try!