The first few tries? Let’s just say they were… *interesting*. One was too cakey, another was burnt around the edges, and one was so underbaked it was basically brownie soup! But through those trials and many taste tests (my family are troopers!), I finally landed on a recipe that’s pure perfection.
This Gooey Brownie Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a tradition. It’s the perfect treat for a weeknight pick-me-up, a weekend gathering, or any time you need a little chocolate therapy. And honestly, with busy schedules and everything else life throws our way, having a go-to dessert that’s relatively easy to make is a lifesaver. I know you’ll absolutely love making and sharing this fudgy brownie pie, so let’s get started, shall we?
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips (I prefer semi-sweet, but milk chocolate works too!)
- 9-inch pie crust, pre-made or homemade
Now, a few notes on these ingredients for our delicious Gooey Brownie Pie. I always use good quality butter – it really makes a difference in the richness of the brownie. The type of butter can influence the final product. European butters, for example, often have a higher fat content, leading to a more tender and flavorful brownie. When making your best Gooey Brownie Pie, you can find great cocoa powder at almost any grocery store. A trick I learned from my mom is to bloom the cocoa powder in the melted butter for a deeper chocolate flavor – just whisk them together really well before adding the other ingredients. You’ll notice it really enhances the chocolate notes in the final product.
As for the chocolate chips, I usually have a bag of semi-sweet on hand, but sometimes I like to mix it up with dark chocolate chips or even peanut butter chips for a fun twist. Don’t be afraid to experiment to customize this chocolate brownie pie! Consider using different percentages of cacao for a more intense or milder chocolate experience. When it comes to the pie crust, pre-made is totally fine, especially on busy weeknights. But if you have the time, a homemade crust adds that extra special touch. For cost saving, try buying the ingredients in bulk whenever they are on sale. Flour, sugar, and chocolate chips will last a long time when stored properly.
Leftover ingredients for the Gooey Brownie Pie can also be stored efficiently. Keep your flour and sugar in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. This prevents moisture from affecting their quality. Chocolate chips can be stored the same way, but if you live in a warm climate, consider keeping them in the refrigerator to prevent them from melting.
How to Make – Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get baking our homemade brownie pie! Here’s how I make it, step by step:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate. If you’re using a store-bought crust, just take it out of the packaging and you’re ready to go.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter. I usually do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s fully melted. Now, this is where that mom trick comes in. Add the cocoa powder to the melted butter and whisk until it’s smooth. This is going to give your Gooey Brownie Pie a super rich chocolate flavor.
- Add the sugar, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract to the butter and cocoa mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture will be thick and glossy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure you really incorporate each egg; this helps create that fudgy texture we’re after in our fudgy brownie pie. Don’t worry if your Gooey Brownie Pie batter looks a little shiny at this point – that’s totally normal.
- Gradually add the flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can lead to a tougher brownie. We want that perfect fudgy consistency for our fudgy brownie pie!
- Stir in the chocolate chips. I like to save a few to sprinkle on top before baking for extra gooeyness, but that’s totally optional.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pie crust. Spread it evenly so it fills the crust nicely. I learned the hard way with Gooey Brownie Pie that if the batter isn’t evenly distributed, you’ll end up with some parts overcooked and some undercooked.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly gooey. In my kitchen, Gooey Brownie Pie usually takes about 42 minutes, but oven times can vary, so keep an eye on it. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with some moist crumbs attached – that’s how you know it’s perfectly gooey. Your Gooey Brownie Pie should smell like rich, dark chocolate.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving. This is the hardest part, I know! But trust me, letting it cool allows the center to set up a bit, making it easier to slice and even gooier.
- While the easy brownie pie recipe is cooking, I often tidy up the kitchen and prep any toppings, like whipped cream or ice cream, so that when it’s done, we can dig right in!
Serving Suggestions
Okay, so the homemade brownie pie is out of the oven, cooled (sort of!), and ready to be devoured. Now, how do we serve this masterpiece? Well, my family has a few favorite ways. The kids love our Gooey Brownie Pie when I top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup. It’s pure heaven, especially on a warm evening.
For a slightly more sophisticated treat, I like to serve the fudgy brownie pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt. The salt really brings out the chocolate flavor and adds a nice contrast to the sweetness.
As for side dishes, honestly, this Gooey Brownie Pie is pretty perfect on its own. But if you want to add something extra, a simple bowl of fresh berries can be a lovely complement. The acidity of the berries cuts through the richness of the chocolate, making for a balanced and satisfying dessert. This Gooey Brownie Pie is perfect for birthday parties, holiday gatherings, or just a regular Tuesday night when you need a little something special.
Presentation-wise, I like to keep it simple. A clean slice on a pretty plate is all you really need. But if you’re feeling fancy, you can dust the plate with cocoa powder or add a sprig of mint for a pop of color. Consider a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for added elegance.
If you have extra Gooey Brownie Pie (which is rare in my house!), it’s delicious cold straight from the fridge. You can also warm it up slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that gooey texture. Or, crumble it over ice cream for a decadent sundae! You can also take the extra pieces and crumble them over coffee ice cream for an extra special treat. My friends always ask for this Gooey Brownie Pie recipe whenever I make it for potlucks – it’s always a hit! I have even been asked to sell the recipe, but I could never!
FAQs
Okay, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about this fantastic Gooey Brownie Pie.
Q: My brownie pie is too cakey. What did I do wrong?
A: Ah, the dreaded cakey brownie! Usually, this happens when you overmix the batter or add too much flour. Remember to mix until just combined, and measure your flour carefully. Using a kitchen scale can really help! You know what I do when my Gooey Brownie Pie starts to look a bit cakey? I sometimes add a tablespoon or two of melted butter to the batter, which helps to make it a bit gooier and richer.
Q: The center of my brownie pie is still liquid after baking. Is it ruined?
A: Not necessarily! A slightly gooey center is what we’re going for in a Gooey Brownie Pie. But if it’s completely liquid, it probably needs a bit more time in the oven. Cover the edges with foil to prevent them from burning and bake for another 5-10 minutes. Everyone wants the best Gooey Brownie Pie, don’t fret!
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. I’ve used dark chocolate, milk chocolate, even white chocolate chips in my Gooey Brownie Pie. Just adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, as some chocolates are sweeter than others.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. I recommend one that contains xanthan gum, as it helps to bind the ingredients together and create a nice texture.
Q: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A: Definitely! Nuts add a nice crunch and flavor to the chocolate brownie pie. I like to add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter, or sprinkle them on top before baking. My family is a bit divided on this, some like nuts and some don’t. So when adding nuts, I usually only add them to half of the pie.
Q: How do I store leftover brownie pie?
A: Store leftover Gooey Brownie Pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Q: My pie crust is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: If your pie crust is browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil or use a pie shield. This will protect the crust from burning while the center of the pie bakes. I have gotten this feedback from the blog readers that I need to mention this.
My Final Thoughts
This Gooey Brownie Pie recipe is truly special to me because it represents so many happy memories with my family. From those early baking mishaps to the countless times we’ve enjoyed it together, it’s a dish that’s filled with love and warmth. I know you’ll create your own special memories with it too.
Before I go, here are my Gooey Brownie Pie Pro Tips:
- Don’t overbake: A slightly gooey center is what makes this pie so amazing.
- Use good quality ingredients: Especially the butter and cocoa powder. It makes a huge difference!
- Let it cool: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the pie cool allows the center to set up and become even gooier.
Over the years, we’ve tried a few variations of this recipe. My daughter loves it with a layer of peanut butter cups baked into the bottom. My son prefers it with chopped Oreos mixed into the batter. And my husband is a fan of adding a swirl of caramel sauce on top before baking. My youngest doesn’t like chocolate so I tried adding cheesecake flavoring once and they absolutely loved it. It was the easy brownie pie recipe, but cheesecake.
I hope you give this Gooey Brownie Pie recipe a try. It’s easier than you think, and the results are absolutely incredible. Don’t worry if it doesn’t come out perfect the first time. Baking is all about experimenting and having fun. I’m confident that you’ll create a fudgy brownie pie that your family will love. So go ahead, grab your apron, and let’s get baking! I just know that you’ll create the best Gooey Brownie Pie you have ever tasted!
Gooey Brownie Pie
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these gooey brownie pie recipes! From classic chocolate to creative flavor combinations, there’s a perfect brownie pie for every craving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a large bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually add flour and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in chocolate chips, if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared pie dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with fudgy crumbs.
- Let cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra decadent treat.