The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly simple, even if it tastes like you slaved away for hours. I’m not going to lie; there have been times I’ve completely messed up a dessert. Remember that one time I tried making macarons? Disaster! But this gooey brownie pie? It’s practically foolproof. It’s the perfect solution when you need a comforting dessert without any fuss. Trust me, I’ve been there – juggling work, kids, and trying to put a decent meal on the table. This gooey brownie pie is a lifesaver.
My husband, a self-proclaimed dessert connoisseur, declared it the “best brownie creation ever.” High praise indeed! He loves his sweets! I can always count on him to be my official taste-tester! The secret, I think, is the slightly underbaked center that creates that irresistible gooey brownie pie texture.
One time, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted. I was mortified! But guess what? It actually enhanced the chocolate flavor and made the gooey brownie pie even better! Now, I sometimes add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking for that extra touch.
This gooey brownie pie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a memory-maker. It’s the centerpiece of birthdays, the comfort on a bad day, and the sweet ending to countless family dinners.
So, are you ready to bring some chocolatey happiness into your home? Grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s make some gooey brownie pie magic together! I promise, you won’t regret it.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted: I always use unsalted butter so I can control the amount of salt in the recipe. If you only have salted on hand, just omit the extra salt in the recipe. Salted butter has about 1/4 teaspoon of salt per stick, so if you are using salted butter, be sure to reduce the amount of salt you add to the recipe.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: For that perfect sweetness. Sometimes, I’ll use a mix of brown and white sugar for a slightly more caramel-like flavor in the gooey brownie pie. Brown sugar adds a hint of molasses and a chewy texture.
- 4 large eggs: They bind everything together and give the pie its structure. Make sure they are at room temperature for best results. Room temperature eggs emulsify better, which creates a smoother batter and a more even texture in your pie.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for any good brownie. Don’t skimp on the quality – it makes a difference! Pure vanilla extract has a richer, more complex flavor than imitation vanilla, which can elevate the taste of your gooey brownie pie.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Just the right amount to give the gooey brownie pie some substance. For a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Using a blend ensures that the texture is similar to that of traditional all-purpose flour.
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The heart of the chocolate flavor. I prefer Dutch-processed cocoa for a richer, darker color and taste. Dutch-processed cocoa powder has a more mellow flavor and dissolves more easily in liquids.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the pie rise just a bit, giving it a nice texture. Baking powder is a leavening agent that helps the pie to be light and airy.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors. Like I mentioned before, sometimes I add a pinch of sea salt on top too! Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors in the pie.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Because what’s a brownie without chocolate chips? I like using semi-sweet, but you can use dark or milk chocolate, depending on your preference. This really adds to the “gooey” factor of this gooey brownie pie.
Shopping Tips:
When buying cocoa powder, look for a brand that’s dark and rich in color. It’ll make a big difference in the final flavor of your gooey brownie pie.
Budget-Friendly Tip:
If you’re on a budget, you can skip the chocolate chips or use a cheaper brand. The pie will still be delicious!
Storage Hacks:
Store any 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. It’s also delicious cold!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! Here’s how to make the gooey brownie pie:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie plate. I like to use butter and then dust it with a little cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, or it might cook the eggs!
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. This is where the magic starts to happen! The mixture should be smooth and glossy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough brownie.
- Stir in the chocolate chips. I sometimes reserve a few to sprinkle on top before baking for a prettier presentation of the gooey brownie pie.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pie plate and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly gooey. The gooey brownie pie should be soft and fudgy in the middle. Remember, ovens vary, so keep an eye on it!
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving. This is the hardest part, I know! But it allows the gooey brownie pie to set properly.
Personal Experience:
The first time I made this, I was so impatient that I cut into it while it was still warm. It was a mess, but it tasted amazing! Now I know to let it cool completely.
Family Reaction:
My kids love to help me make this. They especially enjoy sprinkling the chocolate chips on top. It’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen and create lasting memories. We love our gooey brownie pie!
Meal Prep Insights:
You can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before baking. This is perfect if you’re short on time during the week.
Leftover Advice:
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds for an extra gooey treat.
Serving Ideas
This gooey brownie pie is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:
- With a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The classic combination! The cold ice cream complements the warm, gooey brownie pie perfectly.
- Drizzled with chocolate sauce: For the ultimate chocolate lover. You can never have too much chocolate, right?
- Topped with whipped cream and fresh berries: Adds a touch of elegance and freshness. The acidity of the berries cuts through the richness of the brownie.
- Served with a glass of cold milk: A simple but satisfying pairing. The milk helps to balance the sweetness of the pie.
- As a birthday dessert: Instead of a traditional cake, why not surprise someone with a gooey brownie pie? It is a fun twist on a classic dessert.
- For a potluck: This pie is always a crowd-pleaser and is easy to transport. You can bake it in a disposable pie plate for easy cleanup.
Occasions:
I make this pie for birthdays, holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion!
Leftover Transformations:
If you have any leftover pie, you can crumble it up and use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. You can also add it to milkshakes for a chocolatey boost. Adding brownie pie to a milkshake creates a decadent and indulgent treat.
Portion Sizes:
A small slice is usually enough to satisfy, as it’s quite rich. But who am I kidding? I usually end up having two!
Family Feedback:
My family always raves about this pie. They love the gooey texture and the intense chocolate flavor. It’s definitely a winner in our house!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the gooey brownie pie:
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate. You can even use chopped chocolate bars for a more intense flavor. The key to a great gooey brownie pie is the quality of the chocolate. High-quality chocolate will melt more smoothly and have a richer flavor.
Q: Can I make this pie gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried it myself, and it works perfectly! The gooey brownie pie will still be just as delicious. Using a blend ensures that the texture is similar to that of traditional all-purpose flour, some blends contain xanthan gum to help provide structure.
Q: Can I add nuts to the pie?
A: Of course! Walnuts, pecans, or almonds would be great additions. Just stir them into the batter along with the chocolate chips. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the batter can enhance their flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the pie from sticking to the pan?
A: Make sure to grease the pie plate thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. You can also dust it with cocoa powder to prevent sticking and add a little extra chocolate flavor. Using parchment paper to line the pie plate is also a great way to prevent sticking.
Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can bake the pie a day ahead of time and store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. Storing the pie in the refrigerator can help it to maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming too soft.
Q: What if my pie is too dry?
A: If your pie turns out too dry, it might be because you overbaked it. Next time, try reducing the baking time by a few minutes. Also, make sure you’re not overmixing the batter, as this can also lead to a dry brownie. The perfect gooey brownie pie is all about that slightly underbaked center.
Q: Can I freeze this pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked pie for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Freezing the pie can help to preserve its flavor and texture.
Q: Can I make this in a different sized pan?
A: While a 9-inch pie plate is ideal for this recipe, you could also use an 8-inch square baking pan. Keep in mind that the baking time might need to be adjusted slightly. A smaller pan will result in a thicker pie, so you may need to increase the baking time.
Q: Can I add a ganache topping?
A: Yes! If you want to make an extra special gooey brownie pie, you could top it with a simple chocolate ganache. Just pour warm ganache over the cooled pie and let it set before serving. Ganache is a mixture of chocolate and cream, and it adds a rich, decadent flavor to the pie.
Conclusion
This gooey brownie pie is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition in my family. It’s the dessert we turn to when we need comfort, celebration, or just a little bit of chocolatey goodness. I really hope you give this recipe a try! For another chocolatey treat, try this Chocolate Brownie Recipe with Greek Yogurt
Here are a few final tips for making the perfect gooey brownie pie:
- Don’t overbake it! The center should still be slightly gooey when you take it out of the oven.
- Use high-quality chocolate. It makes a big difference in the flavor.
- Let it cool completely before slicing. This will allow it to set properly.
My family has also created some variations. One time, my daughter added peanut butter chips. My son likes to add a swirl of caramel on top before baking. Get creative and have fun!
I really hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it has to mine. Let me know in the comments if you decide to try it! I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!
If you want another recipe to change up your brownie game, try this one: Brownies with Yogurt. This gooey brownie pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Happy baking!
Gooey Brownie Pie
Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this decadent brownie pie. The secret ingredient ensures a gooey, fudgy center that’s impossible to resist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box (14.3 oz) brownie mix
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk (the secret ingredient!)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, vegetable oil, water, and egg. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Pour batter into a greased 9-inch pie dish.
- Drizzle sweetened condensed milk evenly over the brownie batter.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly gooey.
- Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, try using dark chocolate chips or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top after baking.