Easy Decadent Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie with Hazelnut Whipped Cream Recipe

Chocolate lovers find pure bliss in this decadent molten chocolate crackle pie that melts hearts with every luxurious bite.

The rich, gooey center promises an indulgent experience like no other dessert.

Smooth chocolate mingles with a delicate, crackled exterior, creating a stunning contrast of textures.

Topped with silky hazelnut whipped cream, this pie elevates your dessert game to new heights.

Each slice reveals a glossy, cracked surface that gives way to an intensely smooth chocolate center.

The hazelnut cream adds a nutty sophistication that complements the deep chocolate flavors.

You’ll want to savor every single decadent moment of this extraordinary pie.

Your Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie Shopping List

• Pie Crust: A pre-made or homemade base that provides the foundation for the chocolate pie.

• Eggs: The primary binding agent that helps create a smooth and rich texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps to balance the rich chocolate flavor.
• Cocoa Powder: Provides intense chocolate flavor and deep color to the filling.
• Instant Coffee: Enhances the chocolate's depth and complexity.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the overall flavor profile.

• Melted Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the smooth, silky texture of the filling.
• Hazelnut Liquor: Optional ingredient that introduces a nutty, sophisticated flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle, aromatic background note.

• Chocolate Chips: Creates pockets of melted chocolate and adds extra richness to the filling.

• Heavy Cream: The base for creating light and airy whipped cream.
• Maple Syrup: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the whipped cream.
• Hazelnut Liquor: Optional ingredient that complements the hazelnut flavor.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor of the whipped cream.

Essentials for Baking Crackle Pie with Hazelnut Cream

• 9-inch pie plate: Deep dish for creating the perfect pie base.
• Pastry brush: Used to apply beaten egg on pie crust edges.
• Pie weights/beans/rice: Prevents crust from puffing during blind baking.
• Parchment paper: Helps protect crust while blind baking.
• Fork: For pricking pie crust bottom.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing filling ingredients smoothly.
• Electric mixer: Needed for whipping cream to perfect consistency.
• Large mixing bowl: For preparing filling and whipped cream.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Instructions for Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie Bliss

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

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

Select a deep 9-inch pie plate for your delectable creation.

Step 2: Shape Pie Crust

Gently press the pie crust into the pie plate.

Delicately brush the edge with beaten egg and sprinkle with vanilla sugar or coarse sugar for extra texture.

Lightly prick the bottom with a fork.

• Pie weights
• Dried beans
• Uncooked rice

Place the crust in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm up.

Step 3: Initial Crust Baking

Bake the crust until it sets, approximately 20 minutes.

Remove the weights and continue baking until it turns golden, about 5 more minutes.

Take the crust out of the oven and lower the temperature to 350°F.

Step 4: Create Chocolate Filling

• Eggs
• Sugar

Blend until smooth.

• Cocoa powder
• Instant coffee
• Salt

• Melted butter
• Hazelnut liquor (optional)
• Vanilla extract

Gently fold in chocolate chips.

Pour the rich mixture into the pre-baked crust.

Step 5: Bake Chocolate Pie

Bake for 45-55 minutes.

The pie should puff up on top but remain slightly jiggly in the center.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

Step 6: Prepare Hazelnut Whipped Cream

Using an electric mixer, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.

• Maple syrup
• Hazelnut liquor (optional)
• Vanilla

Continue whipping until the cream becomes light and fluffy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pie warm with a dollop of hazelnut whipped cream.

Alternatively, refrigerate and enjoy chilled for a different texture experience.

Pro Tips for a Showstopping Chocolate Crackle Pie

• Blind bake the pie crust with weights to create a crisp base that won't get mushy from the rich chocolate filling.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate chips for a deeper, more complex flavor that complements the decadent filling.
• Watch the pie closely during baking – it should be slightly jiggly in the center but puffed on top for that classic molten consistency.
• Add a splash of hazelnut liquor to both the filling and whipped cream for an extra layer of nutty richness.
• Enjoy the pie warm for a gooey center or chilled for a more set texture, depending on your preference.

Creative Variations for Crackle Pie Lovers

• Vegan Chocolate Dream Pie: Replace eggs with silken tofu, use dairy-free chocolate chips, swap butter for coconut oil, and create whipped cream using chilled coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Sensation: Substitute traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crust, ensuring all other ingredients remain naturally gluten-free.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Indulgence: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, dark chocolate with minimal sugar content, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
• Nutty Chocolate Crunch Variation: Add chopped roasted hazelnuts or almonds directly into the filling, sprinkle extra nuts on top, and incorporate ground nuts into the crust for added texture and depth.

Ways to Serve Crackle Pie with Hazelnut Whipped Cream

• Chocolate Lover's Paradise: Serve slices of this rich pie on elegant dessert plates, allowing the molten center to ooze beautifully.
• Cozy Coffee Corner: Pair each slice with a hot espresso or cappuccino to enhance the deep chocolate and subtle coffee notes in the pie.
• Hazelnut Heaven: Top the pie with a generous dollop of the homemade hazelnut whipped cream, then sprinkle some crushed toasted hazelnuts for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Chilled Delight Option: Refrigerate the pie for a firmer, more intense chocolate experience that's perfect for those who prefer a denser dessert texture.

Storing Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie the Right Way

• Store leftover pie covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep whipped cream separate in a sealed container to maintain its texture.
• Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power to restore the molten center. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the pie.
• Enjoy the pie straight from the refrigerator for a dense, fudgy texture that's equally delicious as when served warm.

FAQs

• What gives this pie its unique texture?

The combination of melted chocolate chips and eggs creates a luscious, crackly top while maintaining a gooey, molten center that makes this pie incredibly rich and indulgent.

• Can I make this pie without hazelnut liquor?

Absolutely! The hazelnut liquor is optional. If you don’t have it or prefer not to use alcohol, simply omit it from the recipe without compromising the overall flavor of the pie.

• How do I know when the pie is perfectly baked?

Look for a puffed top that’s slightly wiggly in the center. This indicates the pie is done – it will set as it cools, creating that signature molten texture that makes this dessert so special.

What Makes Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie Irresistible

• This recipe transforms intimidating baking into a straightforward, delightful experience even novice bakers can master with simple steps and minimal technical skills.
• Guaranteed to wow guests with its rich chocolate flavor, crackly top, and indulgent molten center that appeals to chocolate lovers of all ages.
• Enjoy warm for a gooey, decadent treat or chilled for a firmer texture, making it perfect for multiple occasions from casual family dinners to elegant gatherings.
• Swap ingredients like hazelnut liquor or add different toppings to personalize the pie and match your taste preferences or dietary needs.

Decadent Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie with Hazelnut Whipped Cream Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Molten chocolate crackle pie showcases rich chocolate layers with delicate hazelnut cream. Rich chocolate and crisp pastry create an indulgent dessert perfect for special occasions that will delight you.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pie Base and Topping:

• 1 pie crust round (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
• Vanilla sugar or coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) granulated sugar
• 10 tablespoons (142 grams) salted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (85 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

Flavor Enhancers and Cream:

• 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon hazelnut liquor (optional)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon real maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon hazelnut liquor (optional)

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Instructions

1. Position the oven rack in the lower third and heat to 375°F, preparing for a decadent chocolate pie experience.
2. Carefully drape the pie crust into a deep 9-inch pie plate, delicately brushing the edges with beaten egg and optionally sprinkling with vanilla sugar for enhanced texture.
3. Gently prick the crust bottom, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights. Freeze for 10-15 minutes to ensure structural integrity.
4. Bake the weighted crust for 20 minutes, then remove weights and continue baking until golden, approximately 5 minutes. Lower oven temperature to 350°F.
5. Whisk eggs and sugar until smooth, incorporating cocoa powder, instant coffee, and salt. Integrate melted butter, hazelnut liquor, and vanilla extract, then gently fold in chocolate chips.
6. Pour the rich chocolate mixture into the pre-baked crust, creating a luscious filling.
7. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the top appears puffed yet maintains a slight wobble in the center, indicating perfect molten consistency.
8. For the hazelnut whipped cream, whip heavy cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add maple syrup, hazelnut liquor, and vanilla, continuing to whip until light and fluffy.
9. Allow the pie to cool slightly, serving warm with the aromatic hazelnut whipped cream, or refrigerate for a chilled dessert experience.

Notes

• Prevent Crust Shrinkage: Freeze the pie crust before baking to minimize shrinking and maintain its shape during the baking process.
• Control Chocolate Consistency: Use high-quality chocolate chips for a smoother, more luxurious molten texture that melts perfectly in the pie.
• Customize Flavor Profiles: Experiment with different liqueurs or extract combinations to create unique variations of the dessert.
• Dietary Adaptations: Substitute gluten-free pie crust and dairy-free chocolate chips for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this decadent treat.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 432
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 126 mg