Chocolate Lovers (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 1 pie crust round (homemade or store-bought).
02 - 1 egg, beaten, for brushing.
03 - Vanilla sugar or coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional).
04 - 4 large eggs.
05 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar.
06 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
07 - 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules.
08 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
09 - 10 tablespoons salted butter, melted.
10 - 1 tablespoon hazelnut liquor (optional).
11 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
12 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks.
13 - 1 cup heavy cream.
14 - 1 tablespoon real maple syrup.
15 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
16 - 1 tablespoon hazelnut liquor (optional).

Instructions:

01 - Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 375°F.
02 - Fit the pie crust into a deep 9-inch pie plate. Brush the edge with beaten egg and sprinkle with vanilla or coarse sugar, if desired. Lightly prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights, beans, or rice. Freeze for 10-15 minutes.
03 - Bake the crust until set, about 20 minutes. Remove pie weights and bake until golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.
04 - Meanwhile, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth. Add the cocoa powder, instant coffee, and salt. Whisk in the melted butter, hazelnut liquor (if using), and vanilla extract. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour the mixture into the baked crust.
05 - Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the pie is puffed on top but still slightly wiggly in the center. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with whipped cream or refrigerate and serve chilled.
06 - For the whipped cream, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the maple syrup, hazelnut liquor (if using), and vanilla, then whip until combined and fluffy.

Notes:

01 - This Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie is a rich and gooey chocolate dessert with a molten center and crackly top.
02 - It pairs wonderfully with a hazelnut-infused whipped cream, adding an extra layer of flavor.
03 - Serve warm for a gooey texture, or chill for a more set filling.