Description of this recipe
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with our Rich Gooey Caramel Brownie Pie. This decadent treat combines the comforting crunch of a graham cracker crust, the irresistible fudginess of a homemade brownie, and the luscious sweetness of caramel, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to elegant dinner parties, this pie is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why you will love this recipe
You will absolutely adore this Rich Gooey Caramel Brownie Pie for several reasons:
- Ultimate Indulgence: This pie is the epitome of dessert decadence, offering a trifecta of textures and flavors that will satisfy your sweet cravings.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive appearance, this recipe is surprisingly simple to execute, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, nuts, or toppings to create your own unique version of this delectable dessert.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply treating your family, this pie is guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.
- Perfectly Balanced: The rich, gooey brownie filling is perfectly balanced by the crunchy graham cracker crust and the salty-sweet caramel layer, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Ingredients:
→ Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
→ Brownie Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
→ Caramel Layer
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
Preparation:
This Rich Gooey Caramel Brownie Pie comes together in easy-to-follow steps. Here’s how you can make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9-inch pie dish with nonstick spray or butter to prevent the crust from sticking.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish, creating an even layer.
- Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. This will help it set and prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely while you prepare the brownie filling.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Filling
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the butter and chocolate are completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy. This will help create a light and airy brownie filling.
- Gradually pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, whisking constantly until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Sifting ensures that there are no lumps and that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough brownie.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly over the bottom.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the brownie batter. If desired, sprinkle with sea salt to enhance the flavor.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer, smoothing it gently to cover the caramel completely.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the brownie layer is set but the center is still slightly fudgy. The pie should jiggle slightly when you gently shake it.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This will allow the brownie to set and prevent it from falling apart.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Rich Gooey Caramel Brownie Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the pie for added indulgence.
- Top with whipped cream and fresh berries for a festive presentation.
- Serve with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience.
Tips:
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Do not overmix the brownie batter, as this can result in a tough brownie.
- Bake the pie until the center is set but still slightly fudgy for the best texture.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
- Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
35 minutes
Total Time:
55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: The following values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
Calories: Approximately 450-550 per slice
Protein: 5-7 grams per slice
Sodium: 200-300mg per slice
Conclusion
The Rich Gooey Caramel Brownie Pie is a dessert masterpiece that combines the best of brownies, caramel, and pie into one irresistible treat. With its easy-to-follow instructions and crowd-pleasing flavors, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this pie is the perfect choice. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate dessert experience!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of crust for this pie?
A: Absolutely! While the graham cracker crust provides a classic and complementary flavor, you can certainly experiment with other crust options. A chocolate cookie crust, a shortbread crust, or even a homemade pie crust would all work well. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I add nuts to this pie?
A: Of course! Nuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the pie. Consider adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the brownie batter or sprinkling them on top before baking.
Q3: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! In fact, making the pie ahead of time can actually enhance the flavors, as it allows the caramel and brownie to meld together. Simply bake the pie as directed, let it cool completely, and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Q4: Can I use a store-bought caramel sauce?
A: While homemade caramel sauce is always a treat, you can certainly use a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce to save time. Look for a caramel sauce that is thick and rich in flavor for the best results.
Q5: What is the best way to reheat this pie?
A: To reheat the pie, you can either microwave individual slices for a few seconds or warm the entire pie in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to overheat the pie, as this can cause the brownie to dry out.