We’ve all fallen for the irresistible allure of Chocolate Crack Pie, that decadent treat blending rich chocolate with a buttery, crumbly crust that’ll have you coming back for more. It’s a modern twist on a beloved classic from Momofuku’s inventive world, where simple ingredients transform into pure indulgence.
As dessert enthusiasts, we’re excited to share our take on this crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without fuss. Let’s dive into what makes this pie a go-to favorite in our kitchen.
Ingredients
As we dive into our Chocolate Crack Pie recipe, let’s gather the essential ingredients that make this decadent dessert irresistible. We’ll organize them by category for clarity, starting with the crust and then moving to the filling. This ensures a smooth preparation process, drawing from our expertise in creating this modern twist on a classic treat.
Crust Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats: Toasted for a nutty flavor that forms the base of our buttery crust.
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour: Provides structure and a tender crumb to hold the pie together.
- ½ cup unsalted butter: Melted to bind the ingredients and add rich, golden depth.
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar: For a caramel-like sweetness that enhances the crust’s texture.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors in every bite.
Filling Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: The foundation for the gooey, chocolate-infused center that defines our Chocolate Crack Pie.
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep, molasses note to the filling.
- ¼ cup milk powder: Creates a creamy, addictive texture that’s signature to this recipe.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter: Softened to blend seamlessly and deliver that signature buttery richness.
- ½ cup heavy cream: For a silky smoothness that makes the filling luxuriously pourable.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses aromatic warmth into the chocolate mixture.
- 4 large eggs: Beaten to incorporate air and ensure the filling sets perfectly.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Melted to introduce the star element, turning this into a chocolate lover’s dream.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the chocolate’s intensity without overpowering the other flavors.
These carefully selected ingredients, measured precisely, will help us craft a pie that’s as easy to make as it is to devour. Remember, accurate prep—like toasting the oats or melting the chocolate—ensures the best results for your homemade version.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our irresistible Chocolate Crack Pie, we rely on a few key tools that make the process smooth and efficient. After gathering the ingredients for the crust and filling, we’re ready to equip our kitchen for mixing, baking, and assembling this decadent treat.
Here’s a breakdown of the essential equipment, organized by function for easy reference:
- Mixing Bowls: We use medium and large stainless-steel or glass bowls to combine dry ingredients for the crust and whisk the filling mixture, ensuring even blending without spills.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for our recipe’s success, so we recommend a set of these for precise scooping of flour, sugar, and liquids like vanilla extract and heavy cream.
- Food Processor: This tool is indispensable for pulsing the rolled oats and other crust components into a fine, crumbly texture—a step that enhances the pie’s signature buttery base.
- Saucepan: We need a medium-sized one to melt butter and chocolate chips gently over low heat, preventing scorching and achieving a smooth, glossy filling.
- Whisk: A sturdy wire whisk helps us incorporate air into the eggs and cream for the filling, creating that perfectly rich and velvety consistency.
- Spatula: This flexible tool is key for scraping down bowl sides and folding in ingredients, ensuring nothing goes to waste during preparation.
- Pie Dish: Opt for a 9-inch deep-dish version, preferably ceramic or glass, to hold the pie’s structure as it bakes to golden perfection.
- Baking Sheet: We place this under the pie dish in the oven to catch any drips, promoting even heat distribution and preventing messes.
- Oven: A standard oven preheated to the right temperature is essential for baking the pie to achieve its crave-worthy, crackly top.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, we use this to let the pie cool evenly, allowing flavors to set without sogginess.
With these items on hand, we’re set to transform simple ingredients into our mouthwatering Chocolate Crack Pie masterpiece.
Instructions
With our ingredients measured and equipment at hand, we guide you through creating the irresistible Chocolate Crack Pie, step by step, to achieve a gooey, chocolate-filled center with a buttery, crumbly crust that delights the senses.
Prepare the Crust
First, we toast the rolled oats to enhance their nutty flavor and texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), spread 1 ½ cups of rolled oats on a baking sheet, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and fragrant—watch closely to avoid burning.
Next, we combine the dry ingredients in a food processor for a fine, even mix. Add the toasted oats, ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, then pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
We incorporate the fat to bind everything together. Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter and add it to the processor, pulsing until the dough forms a cohesive ball that feels soft and pliable under your fingers.
Finally, we press the dough into a 9-inch pie dish, using your fingers or the back of a spoon to create an even ¼-inch thick layer up the sides and bottom, ensuring a sturdy base that will hold the decadent filling.
Make the Filling
We start by melting the chocolate to create a smooth, glossy base for the filling. In a saucepan over low heat, melt ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips with ½ cup of unsalted butter, stirring constantly until fully combined and silky—inhale the rich, cocoa aroma that fills the kitchen.
In a large mixing bowl, we blend the dry components for sweetness and structure. Whisk together ¾ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ cup of milk powder until uniform, noting how the sugars add a caramel-like depth.
Then, we add the wet ingredients to form a luscious mixture. Pour in ½ cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the melted chocolate-butter mix, followed by 2 large eggs and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. Whisk vigorously until smooth and glossy, imagining the creamy texture that will ooze with every bite of the finished pie.
Assemble the Pie
With the crust ready in the pie dish, we pour in the filling to build layers of flavor. Gently transfer the prepared filling into the crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly and avoid air pockets, creating a uniform surface that promises a perfectly balanced Chocolate Crack Pie.
We ensure the pie is assembled on a baking sheet for easy handling and to catch any potential overflow, allowing the flavors to meld as the pie bakes into a irresistible treat.
Bake the Pie
We preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to set the pie perfectly. Place the assembled pie on the center rack and bake for 30-35 minutes, rotating halfway through for even cooking, until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly—this key step locks in the gooey chocolate goodness.
Monitor the pie closely; it should emerge with a golden-brown crust and a filling that smells of warm vanilla and chocolate, signaling a dessert that’s both visually appealing and sensory-rich.
Cool and Chill
Immediately after baking, we transfer the pie to a cooling rack and let it cool at room temperature for 1 hour, allowing the filling to firm up slightly and preventing sogginess in the crust.
Once cooled, we cover the pie and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours—or ideally overnight—to enhance the flavors and achieve that signature fudgy texture, making Chocolate Crack Pie even more addictive when served chilled.
Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best features of our Chocolate Crack Pie is its make-ahead potential, allowing us to prepare it in advance for effortless entertaining or busy days. We focus on techniques that preserve the pie’s fudgy texture and rich chocolate flavor, ensuring it remains irresistible when served.
Preparing Components Ahead
We can streamline the process by prepping the crust and filling separately:
- Crust Preparation: Toast the rolled oats and mix the dry ingredients up to 2 days in advance. Store the formed crust in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, to keep it fresh and ready for filling.
- Filling Preparation: Whisk together the dry ingredients for the filling a day ahead and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. For the wet components, melt the chocolate and butter, then cool and refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours before combining with eggs and other ingredients.
Assembling and Baking in Advance
To maximize convenience, we recommend assembling the entire pie ahead of time:
- Bake the pie as directed, then cool it completely on a rack for about 1 hour. This step ensures the structure sets properly.
- Chill the baked pie in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight. Overnight chilling enhances the flavors, making the chocolate more intense and the texture ultra-fudgy.
- If preparing further in advance, cover the chilled pie with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Always check for freshness before serving.
Freezing for Longer Storage
For extended make-ahead options, freezing works wonders for Chocolate Crack Pie. Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:
| Step | Action | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Freeze the Baked Pie | Up to 2 months | Wrap the cooled, unbaked or baked pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn and maintain moisture. |
| 2 | Thawing Process | 4-6 hours in fridge | Transfer the pie to the refrigerator to thaw slowly, preserving its texture and flavor. Avoid microwave thawing to prevent sogginess. |
| 3 | Rejuvenating Before Serving | 30 minutes | After thawing, let the pie sit at room temperature briefly, then re-chill if needed, for the best gooey consistency we love. |
By following these tips, we ensure our Chocolate Crack Pie stays decadent and ready to impress, saving us time without sacrificing taste.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve joined us on this chocolate adventure with our Chocolate Crack Pie recipe. It’s a surefire way to create a decadent treat that’ll wow your guests and satisfy those sweet cravings effortlessly.
Remember, baking this pie lets us turn simple ingredients into unforgettable moments. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in our kitchen—enjoy every irresistible bite!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chocolate Crack Pie?
Chocolate Crack Pie is a decadent dessert with a rich chocolate filling and a buttery, crumbly oat crust. Originating from Momofuku, it’s a modern twist on classic pies, designed to satisfy intense sweet cravings. This homemade treat is easy to make and perfect for dessert lovers.
What ingredients are needed for Chocolate Crack Pie?
For the crust, you’ll need rolled oats, all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, brown sugar, and kosher salt. The filling requires granulated sugar, brown sugar, milk powder, butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, eggs, semisweet chocolate chips, and kosher salt. Use precise measurements for the best results.
What equipment is required to make Chocolate Crack Pie?
You’ll need mixing bowls for combining ingredients, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a food processor for the crust, a saucepan for melting chocolate, a whisk and spatula for mixing, a pie dish for baking, a baking sheet, an oven, and a cooling rack to ensure even baking and proper cooling.
How do I prepare the crust for Chocolate Crack Pie?
Toast the rolled oats first for extra flavor. Mix oats with flour, brown sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add melted butter to form a dough, then press it evenly into a pie dish. This creates a sturdy, crumbly base that holds the filling perfectly.
How do I make the filling for Chocolate Crack Pie?
Melt chocolate and butter together in a saucepan. In a bowl, blend granulated sugar, brown sugar, and milk powder. Whisk in the melted mixture, heavy cream, vanilla extract, eggs, and salt until smooth. Pour into the prepared crust and bake until edges set but the center is slightly jiggly.
Can I make Chocolate Crack Pie ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the crust and filling separately up to a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble and bake the pie ahead, then chill for better flavor. For longer storage, freeze the baked pie for up to a month; thaw in the fridge and serve cold for optimal texture.
How should I store Chocolate Crack Pie?
Store the pie in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container to keep it fresh. For freezing, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Always serve chilled for the best fudgy consistency and enhanced flavors.