Are you craving a rich, intensely chocolatey dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This Chocolate Pie recipe is a decadent dream, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a classic for a reason, and this version focuses on simple, high-quality ingredients to deliver maximum flavor. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is your ticket to homemade deliciousness. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this irresistible chocolate pie – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
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 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
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream or chocolate shavings (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the 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. Blind bake for 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) or until lightly golden.
Making the Filling:
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Add eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour into crust: Pour the chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for Success:
- Use good quality cocoa powder: The flavor of your chocolate pie will depend heavily on the cocoa powder you choose. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give a richer, darker chocolate flavor.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry pie. Start checking for doneness at 15 minutes. A slight jiggle in the center is okay.
- Chill completely: Allowing the pie to cool completely is crucial for the filling to set properly.
Variations:
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Use different crust: Try a graham cracker crust or a pre-made pie crust for a quicker option.
- Top with fresh berries: Garnish with fresh raspberries or blueberries for a beautiful and delicious contrast.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Fat: Approximately 18g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 11g
- Sugar: Approximately 30g
This easy chocolate pie recipe is a delicious and satisfying dessert that's perfect for any occasion. The rich chocolate flavor and creamy texture will leave you wanting more! Enjoy!