Are you craving a warm, gooey, chocolatey dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Toll House Pie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth anytime. Forget complicated baking projects; this recipe is your ticket to homemade happiness, even on a busy weeknight. It's one of those easy recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort – the best kind of delicious dish!
Ingredients:
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For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
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For the filling:
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Make the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
- Gradually pour in the melted butter, mixing until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should be damp but not soggy.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
Make the Filling & Bake the Pie:
- While the crust is cooling, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth.
- Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. The center will continue to set as it cools.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to fully set and prevents a messy, runny pie.
Tips for Toll House Pie Perfection:
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry pie. Check for doneness around the 20-minute mark. A slight jiggle in the center is okay.
- Cool completely: Patience is key here! Allowing the pie to cool completely prevents a runny filling and ensures a perfect slice every time.
- Use good quality chocolate: The flavor of the chocolate chips really shines through in this recipe, so splurge on your favorite brand.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt: A pinch of sea salt on top of the finished pie enhances the chocolate flavor.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Toll House Pie: Stir in ½ cup creamy peanut butter with the condensed milk mixture for a delicious twist.
- White Chocolate Toll House Pie: Substitute white chocolate chips for semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Add different nuts: Pecans, macadamia nuts, or hazelnuts would all be delicious additions.
- Make it a mini pie: Use smaller pie dishes for individual servings.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15g
- Sugar: 30-35g
- Protein: 4-5g
This Toll House Pie recipe is a quick dinner idea dessert that's perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings. It's a delicious dish that's easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and guaranteed to impress. Enjoy this simple yet incredibly satisfying homemade treat! It's one of the best recipes for a comforting and delicious dessert.