Decadent Chocolate Pie Recipe: Simple and Delicious Treats

For chocolate lovers, there's nothing quite as heavenly as a slice of decadent chocolate pie. Whether you're indulging on a special occasion or just fulfilling a sweet craving, this recipe will guide you through the process of creating a chocolate pie that's both simple to make and utterly delicious. Let's dive into making a pie that combines a buttery crust, a rich, creamy filling, and a smooth, glossy chocolate ganache topping.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 ¹⁄₄ cups of all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons of ice water

💡 Note: Keep the butter cold for a flakier crust.

Making the Crust

To start, prepare your pie crust:

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt.
2. Cut in the butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the cold butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together.
4. Form the dough: Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it, and chill for at least 30 minutes.

While your dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Preparing the Filling

Now, let’s make the filling:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₄ cup of cornstarch
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon of salt
• 2 ¹⁄₂ cups of whole milk
• 1 cup of dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 4 large egg yolks, beaten

Follow these steps:

1. Combine dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Add milk: Slowly whisk in the milk to avoid lumps.
3. Heat and stir: Over medium heat, cook the mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
4. Add chocolate: Remove from heat, and immediately add the chocolate, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
5. Incorporate eggs: Gradually whisk in a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks to temper them, then return everything to the saucepan.
6. Cook and thicken: Continue cooking for another 2 minutes while stirring.
7. Add vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Baking the Pie

Here’s how to put it all together:

1. Roll out the crust: On a floured surface, roll out your chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Transfer dough: Place the dough into the pie dish, trimming and crimping the edges.
3. Bake the crust: Line with parchment and fill with pie weights or beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake for 5 more minutes until lightly golden.
4. Add filling: Pour the chocolate filling into the baked crust.
5. Bake the pie: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Ganache Topping

Finish your pie with a glossy ganache:

• ¹⁄₂ cup of heavy cream
• ¹⁄₂ cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips

1. Heat the cream: In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer.
2. Pour over chocolate: Pour over chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
3. Stir until smooth: Let sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
4. Top the pie: Once the pie is cooled, pour the ganache over the top, spreading evenly.

Final Touches

Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set. Serve chilled:

• Optional garnishes include whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries.

📚 Note: For an extra touch of elegance, dust the top with cocoa powder before serving.

With its rich flavor and smooth texture, this decadent chocolate pie is not just a treat but an experience. It’s perfect for celebrations, dinner parties, or simply when you need something sweet to indulge in. The combination of a homemade buttery crust, luscious chocolate filling, and a velvety ganache topping makes every bite worth the effort. Enjoy this masterpiece of simple yet sophisticated dessert with your loved ones or savor it solo as a luxurious personal indulgence.

Can I make the pie crust in advance?

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Yes, you can prepare the pie crust a day ahead. After forming it into a disk, wrap it tightly and refrigerate overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before rolling out.

How long will the chocolate pie keep in the refrigerator?

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The chocolate pie can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.

What can I do if my filling doesn’t set?

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If your filling is too runny, ensure you cook it long enough until it thickens. Also, check if you used the correct ratios of ingredients. Cornstarch is crucial for setting the filling; if you’re unsure, a little extra might help next time.