Craving a dessert that's both decadent and refreshing? Look no further than this incredible chocolate mint pie! This easy recipe combines the rich intensity of dark chocolate with the cool, invigorating zing of mint for a flavor sensation that will leave you wanting more. Perfect for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, this homemade pie is guaranteed to impress. It’s a delicious dish that’s surprisingly simple to make, proving that healthy meals and easy recipes can be incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ounces good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- ½ cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
- Add Butter: Pour in the melted butter and mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should hold together when squeezed.
- Press into Plate: Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie plate, forming an even crust.
- Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
Making the Filling:
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate in a double boiler.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream until well combined.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the peppermint extract and chopped mint leaves.
- Combine Chocolate & Cream Mixture: Gently pour the melted chocolate into the cream mixture and whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour into Crust: Pour the chocolate mint filling into the cooled pie crust.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.
Garnish & Serve:
Before serving, garnish the pie with extra fresh mint leaves. Slice and enjoy this delightful and easy recipe! This quick dinner idea (or rather, quick dessert idea!) is a perfect ending to any meal.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet.
- Adjust the mint: If you prefer a more intense mint flavor, add a bit more peppermint extract or fresh mint. Conversely, reduce the amount for a milder taste.
- Add a chocolate swirl: For an extra touch of elegance, create a swirl effect by using a knife to gently swirl the chocolate filling after pouring it into the crust.
- Make it ahead: This pie can be made a day or two in advance, which makes it perfect for entertaining.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per slice):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Sugar: Approximately 40-50g
This delicious chocolate mint pie is a fantastic example of how homemade cooking can result in a truly special and satisfying dessert. It's a great addition to your best recipes collection, proving that even the most impressive dishes can be made with ease. Enjoy!