Are you craving a delicious, comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Hello Dolly Pie recipe is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's a delightful blend of creamy, dreamy filling and a buttery, flaky crust that will have everyone asking for seconds. Forget complicated baking – this recipe is designed for effortless homemade happiness, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced dessert enthusiasts. Let's get started on this quick dinner idea that's anything but ordinary!
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 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12 ounce) package semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, your choice!)
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 until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Roll and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough 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 Filling & Assembling the Pie:
- Melt chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Combine filling ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, melted chocolate, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add peanut butter: Stir in the peanut butter until it's fully incorporated into the creamy chocolate mixture.
- Pour & bake: Pour the chocolate peanut butter filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
- Bake: Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. This ensures a creamy texture.
- Cool & serve: Let the pie cool completely before serving. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to fully set.
Cooking Tips for Hello Dolly Pie Success:
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips.
- If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk by a tablespoon or two.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra touch of flavor.
- Don't overbake the pie, or the filling may become too firm.
Variations:
- Chocolate Lovers Delight: Use dark chocolate chips and add a layer of chocolate ganache on top.
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Add a swirl of homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce to the filling before baking.
- Fruity Twist: Add some chopped fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, to the filling for a refreshing contrast.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Always check the labels on your ingredients for accurate nutritional data.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
This Hello Dolly Pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. Enjoy the deliciousness and the ease of this wonderful recipe!