Description: A ridiculously easy and delicious no-bake pie that’s perfect for any occasion. Creamy, sweet, and topped with a delightful chocolate chip crumble, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s so simple to make, it’s almost stupid! But don’t let the name fool you, the flavor is anything but. It’s a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping (like Cool Whip or homemade)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Crumble Topping:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Extra mini chocolate chips for garnish
Preparation:
Baking the Pie Crust:
Step 1: If using a pre-made pie crust, bake it according to the package instructions. Usually, this involves preheating your oven to around 350°F (175°C), pricking the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up, and baking it for 12-15 minutes, or until it’s golden brown. If you’re making a homemade crust, follow your favorite recipe and bake it until it’s lightly golden. Step 2: Let the pie crust cool completely before adding the filling. This is crucial to prevent the filling from melting and becoming runny. You can place the crust on a wire rack to speed up the cooling process.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling:
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Make sure the cream cheese is properly softened, or you’ll end up with lumps in your filling. Step 4: Gently fold in the whipped topping until it’s evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped topping and make the filling less fluffy. Step 5: Fold in the mini chocolate chips. This adds a delightful chocolatey burst to every bite.
Assembling the Pie:
Step 6: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly into the cooled pie crust. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, even layer.
Making the Crumble Topping:
Step 7: In a separate small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and melted butter. Use a fork or your fingers to combine the ingredients until they form a crumbly mixture. Step 8: Stir in the chopped walnuts or pecans (if using) and additional chocolate chips into the crumble mixture. The nuts add a nice crunch, while the chocolate chips enhance the overall chocolatey goodness.
Finishing and Chilling:
Step 9: Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the cream cheese filling. Make sure to distribute it evenly so that every slice of the pie has a delightful crumble topping. Step 10: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or until the filling is set. Chilling the pie allows the filling to firm up and the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more delicious and satisfying dessert.
Serving:
Step 11: Before serving, top with extra whipped topping and mini chocolate chips for an extra touch of elegance.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Stupid Pie is a winner for so many reasons:
- Effortless Elegance: Despite its simple preparation, this pie looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
- No-Bake Bliss: No need to turn on the oven (except for the crust, if you choose to bake it yourself). This is a lifesaver during hot summer months when you want a cool, refreshing dessert.
- Customizable Delight: Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! Swap out the chocolate chips for other candies, use different nuts in the crumble topping, or add a layer of fruit preserves to the filling.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of creamy filling, chocolatey chips, and crunchy crumble topping is a surefire hit with people of all ages.
- Perfect for Beginners: This recipe is so easy to follow, even novice bakers can make it with confidence.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled, straight from the refrigerator.
- Garnish with fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries, for a pop of color and flavor.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack or dessert.
Tips:
- Use a deep-dish pie crust for a taller, fluffier pie.
- Chill overnight for cleaner slices and deeper flavor. The longer the pie chills, the more the flavors meld together.
- If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can make your own by grinding granulated sugar in a food processor or blender until it’s a fine powder.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese and heavy whipping cream for the whipped topping.
- If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought whipped cream instead of making your own.
- To prevent the crust from getting soggy, brush it with melted chocolate or a thin layer of jam before adding the filling.
- If you want to make the pie ahead of time, you can assemble it and chill it for up to 2 days before serving. Just wait to add the final toppings until right before serving.
- Get creative with the toppings! Try adding crushed Oreo cookies, chopped peanut butter cups, or sprinkles.
- If you don’t have walnuts or pecans, you can use other nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust and gluten-free flour in the crumble topping.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Per slice, approximate)
Calories: 340 kcal
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 200mg
Conclusion:
Stupid Pie is the ultimate easy dessert that delivers big on flavor. With its creamy filling, chocolatey chips, and crunchy crumble topping, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, give it a try – you won’t regret it! It’s the perfect dessert for potlucks, parties, or any time you’re craving something sweet and satisfying. Don’t be fooled by the name, it’s anything but stupid! It’s just ridiculously simple and delicious. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of crust?
A: Absolutely! While a traditional pie crust is recommended, you can definitely experiment with other types of crusts. A graham cracker crust would add a nice textural contrast, or you could even use an Oreo cookie crust for an extra chocolatey kick. Just make sure the crust is pre-baked and cooled before adding the filling.
Q2: Can I make this pie without nuts?
A: Yes, definitely! The nuts in the crumble topping are optional. If you have a nut allergy or simply don’t like nuts, you can omit them altogether. The crumble topping will still be delicious with just the brown sugar, flour, and butter. You could also substitute the nuts with other ingredients, such as shredded coconut or chopped pretzels, for added texture and flavor.
Q3: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A: Of course! The recipe calls for mini chocolate chips, but you can easily substitute them with other types of chocolate. Chopped milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate would all be delicious. You could also use chocolate chunks or chocolate shavings for a different texture. Feel free to get creative and use your favorite type of chocolate!
Q4: Can I make this pie vegan?
A: It’s possible to make a vegan version of this pie with a few substitutions. Use a vegan pie crust, vegan cream cheese, and vegan whipped topping. You can also replace the butter in the crumble topping with vegan butter or coconut oil. Be sure to check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are vegan-friendly.
Q5: How long does this pie last in the refrigerator?
A: This pie will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. The pie may become slightly softer over time, but it will still be delicious. It’s best to consume it within 3 days for optimal taste and texture.
