Decadent Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie with Hazelnut Whipped Cream

Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie is a show-stopping dessert perfect for chocolate lovers. The filling combines cocoa powder, melted butter, and chocolate chips, creating a rich, gooey texture that contrasts with the crackly top. The pie bakes with a crisp crust and melts beautifully with hazelnut whipped cream on top. Whether served warm for a molten effect or chilled for a firmer texture, this pie is sure to impress for any occasion.

A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Saturday 23 November 2024
Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie
Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie Pin it
Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie | Myhomemaderecipe.com

This Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie is a rich, indulgent dessert that combines a gooey chocolate filling with a crackly top and buttery crust. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, it’s even better served with a hazelnut-infused whipped cream for an extra touch of flavor.

INGREDIENTS

  • Pie Crust Round: Provides a buttery, crisp base for the molten filling; use homemade or store-bought.
  • Egg (beaten): Brushed onto the crust for a golden, glossy finish.
  • Vanilla Sugar or Coarse Sugar (optional): Adds a sweet touch to the crust edges, enhancing the pie’s appearance and flavor.
  • Large Eggs: Creates structure in the filling, giving it a gooey, custard-like consistency.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and contributes to the crackly top texture.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor, making the filling rich and decadent.
  • Instant Coffee Granules: Enhances the chocolate flavor without adding a noticeable coffee taste.
  • Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate’s depth.
  • Salted Butter (melted): Adds richness and smoothness to the filling, creating a luxurious texture.
  • Hazelnut Liquor (optional): Adds a nutty, subtle flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor.
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Melts into the filling, creating gooey pockets of chocolate within the pie.
  • Heavy Cream: Forms the base of the whipped cream, adding a rich, fluffy texture.
  • Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness to the whipped cream with a hint of maple flavor.
  • Hazelnut Liquor (optional for whipped cream): Enhances the flavor of the whipped cream, pairing well with the chocolate pie.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:
Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 375°F. Fit the pie crust into a deep 9-inch pie plate, brushing the edge with beaten egg for a golden finish. 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.
Step 2:
Bake the crust until set, about 20 minutes. Remove the pie weights and continue baking until the crust is golden, about 5 more minutes. Remove from oven and reduce the temperature to 350°F.
Step 3:
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until well combined. Add the cocoa powder, instant coffee, and salt. Whisk in the melted butter, hazelnut liquor (if using), and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4:
Gently fold in the chocolate chips or chunks, then pour the chocolate mixture into the pre-baked crust.
Step 5:
Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the pie is puffed on top but still slightly wiggly in the center. The longer you bake, the more set the filling will be. Remove from the oven and let cool for 20-30 minutes.
Step 6:
To make the hazelnut whipped cream, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the maple syrup, hazelnut liquor (if using), and vanilla extract, then whip until fluffy and well combined.
Step 7:
Serve the pie warm with a dollop of hazelnut whipped cream or chill and serve with whipped cream as a cool, set dessert.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serve the pie warm for a gooey, molten texture or chill it for a firmer consistency. Top each slice with a generous dollop of hazelnut whipped cream.
  • This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for added texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore the gooey center.

Helpful Notes

  • For a stronger hazelnut flavor, consider adding an extra tablespoon of hazelnut liquor to the whipped cream.
  • If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup.
  • Instant coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor; omit if preferred, but the coffee taste is subtle.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Chef Jacques Torres recommends using a mix of chocolate chips and chunks for a varied texture in chocolate desserts.
  • Chef Ina Garten suggests serving chocolate desserts with a hint of salt to enhance the flavor.
  • Chef Dominique Ansel advises letting chocolate pies cool slightly to allow the filling to set just enough while retaining its gooey texture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This pie combines a crackly, chocolatey top with a molten, gooey center for the ultimate chocolate lover’s dessert.
  • The hazelnut whipped cream adds a luxurious touch, balancing the richness of the chocolate.
  • With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s an impressive dessert perfect for any occasion.

Variations

  • For a richer filling, add a tablespoon of cream to the chocolate mixture before baking.
  • Try adding chopped nuts, such as hazelnuts or almonds, to the filling for added crunch.
  • For a holiday twist, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the whipped cream.

Chocolate Lovers

This Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie is a gooey, chocolatey delight with a crackly top, served warm with hazelnut whipped cream for an extra treat.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Dessert

Yield: 8 Servings (1 pie)

Dietary: Vegetarian

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

Step 01

Position a rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 375°F.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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

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

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven.
  • 9-inch pie plate.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Pie weights, beans, or rice.
  • Electric mixer.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 54g
  • Protein: 6g