Are you craving a dessert that's rich, decadent, and utterly irresistible? Look no further than this homemade chocolate fudge pie recipe! This easy recipe delivers a luxuriously smooth chocolate filling encased in a buttery, flaky crust—the perfect ending to any meal or a delightful treat for a special occasion. It’s surprisingly simple to make, promising delicious results even for beginner bakers. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this classic dessert elevated to new heights.
Ingredients:
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
For the Chocolate Fudge Filling:
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (1-ounce) square unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. Blind bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
Making the Chocolate Fudge Filling:
- Melt chocolate: In a medium saucepan, melt the chopped unsweetened chocolate over low heat. Stir occasionally until smooth.
- Combine ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in the sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
- Pour and chill: Pour the chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.
Serving Suggestions:
Once chilled, your decadent chocolate fudge pie is ready to serve! Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance. This delicious dessert is perfect for sharing with loved ones.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Fudge Pie:
- Use good quality chocolate: The quality of your chocolate significantly impacts the taste of the filling. Opt for a dark chocolate or bittersweet chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Don't overbake the crust: Overbaking can lead to a dry and hard crust. Keep a close eye on it during the blind baking process.
- Chill thoroughly: Allowing the pie to chill completely ensures a firm and set filling. Patience is key!
- Get creative with toppings: Experiment with different toppings such as fresh berries, chocolate ganache, or even a dusting of cocoa powder.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Pie: Add ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the chocolate filling for a delightful twist.
- Mint Chocolate Fudge Pie: Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons of peppermint extract into the filling for a refreshing variation.
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Fudge Pie: Drizzle a homemade salted caramel sauce over the chilled pie for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Sugar: Approximately 40-50g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This chocolate fudge pie recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes, healthy meals (relatively speaking for a dessert!), and quick dinner ideas if you prepare the crust ahead of time. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and savor every bite of this delicious dish. It’s sure to become one of your best recipes!