I've said it before and I'll say it again: I have a hard time editing myself in the kitchen. I always go too far. A batch of brownies is perfectly delicious, so why am I compelled to frost, fill, and/or dip them? I've always seen this as a sort of weakness; something that I need to control. I'm starting to change my thinking on this. You know what? Maybe it's a gift. Sure, things can go too far. They can be too rich, too sweet...but they can also be over-the-top fantastic. THIS is what happens when I stop editing myself: Kahlua Brownie Pie!
This Kahlua Brownie Pie was originally inspired by King Arthur Flour's [Chocolate Icebox Pie]. KAF's pie is completely gorgeous and delicious all on its own...but I couldn't help but let my imagination run away with it. I added a brownie crust, and amped up the flavor in the filling a bit. When I couldn't decide on what flavor of whipped cream to use, I decided on three!
Edit schmedit.
I made three additions to the original filling recipe to really make that chocolate flavor pop:
1. You know me, vanilla bean paste is in everything! Delicious and more economical than whole vanilla beans, this ingredient is my go-to for an extra punch of flavor. You can find it online [here]. If you prefer to substitute, you can use an equal measure of vanilla extract.
2. I highly recommend the chocolate extract in this recipe! I know, it's already chocolate, but the extract lends amazing depth of flavor to chocolate baked goods! If you can't find it in your local grocery store, you can find some [here]. Even better, make yourself some [Homemade Chocolate Extract] for next time!
3. Last, I used my own [Homemade Kahlua] in this recipe. Store-bought Kahlua is absolutely fine, I just NEED you to know that you can make it yourself. The homemade stuff is SO DELICIOUS! If you decide to make your own, it does take 2-3 weeks to do it's thing before you can use it. It also makes an awesome gift! (Don't worry, I'll remind you closer to the holidays.) 😉
There's no *need* to make three different flavors of whipped cream, that's just how I roll. 😀 I made one batch of whipped cream, then divided it into thirds and flavored each differently. You do you and make whatever kind of whipped cream you want. The piping also isn't a requirement, of course. Dollop that goodness on with a spoon and dig in!
So I think from now on, instead of using the term "editing" myself, I might say "limiting" instead. After all, if I don't do all the crazy things that I do in the kitchen, who will? 🙂
Other posts you may like:
Cookie Dough Brownie Cheesecake
Vanilla Bean Blondie Cheesecake
Blackberry Lavender Brownie Pie
Inspired by King Arthur Flour's Chocolate Icebox Pie (link here). Brownie crust adapted from Cooking with Mamma C (link here).
Kahlua Brownie Pie
Ingredients
Brownie Crust:
- 4 oz chocolate, chopped (I used 60% cacao)
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter (½ stick)
- ¾ cup sugar
- pinch salt
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon chocolate extract (see note)
- ½ cup flour
Dark Chocolate Icebox Pie Filling:
- ⅓ cup water, hot
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (I used dark cocoa)
- 1½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste (see note)
- 1½ teaspoon chocolate extract (see note)
- 3 tablespoon Kahlua (see note)
- 1⅓ cup dark chocolate chips (I used 60% cacao)
- 1½ cups heavy (whipping) cream
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- pinch salt
Whipped Cream:
- 1½ cup heavy (whipping) cream
- 2 tablespoon powdered sugar
Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream:
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste (see note)
Kahlua Whipped Cream:
- 2 teaspoon Kahlua (see note)
- 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder (I used regular cocoa)
Chocolate Whipped Cream:
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (I used dark cocoa)
Instructions
For Crust:
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a 9" springform pan. Set aside.
- In a large heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave on 30-seconds burst, stirring after each burst.
- Add sugar and salt. Stir to combine.
- Add eggs, vanilla extract, and chocolate extract (see note). Stir to combine. Add flour, and mix until just incorporated.
- Scrape the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not overbake! Allow brownie to cool completely.
For Pie Filling:
- In a small heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate chips in the microwave on 30-second bursts, stirring after each burst, until smooth. Set aside to cool.
- In a large heatproof bowl, combine hot water, cocoa powder, vanilla bean paste (see note), chocolate extract (see note), and kahlua (see note). Stir to combine.
- Add cooled, melted chocolate to the cocoa mixture and stir to combine.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cream, sugar, and salt. Whip to soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture in three additions, taking care to not deflate the cream.
- Once no white streaks remain, scrape the filling into the pan on top of the cooled brownie crust. Refrigerate one hour, or until firm.
For Whipped Cream(s):
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine cream and powdered sugars. Beat to soft peaks.
- Divide the whipped cream evenly between three bowls.
- For the vanilla bean whipped cream: add vanilla bean paste (see note), and stir to combine.
- For the Kahlua whipped cream: add Kahlua (see note) and cocoa powder and stir to combine.
- For the chocolate whipped cream: add cocoa powder and stir to combine.
Finishing:
- Remove the chilled pie from the springform pan and transfer to a serving plate.
- Pipe or dollop whipped cream on top of the pie. Store in the refrigerator.Enjoy!
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