Black Bottom Pies

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Black Bottom Pies feature a rich chocolate crust topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, combining deep cocoa flavors with smooth, sweet filling—perfect for dessert lovers and special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 2 teaspoons soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups water
  • 2/3 cup cooking oil
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/3 cup sugar

Instructions

  1. Sift together flour, 2 cups sugar, cocoa, soda, and salt.
  2. Add water, cooking oil, vinegar, and vanilla; mix well.
  3. Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 13-inch cake pan.
  4. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, egg, 1/3 cup sugar, and salt until smooth.
  5. Stir in chocolate chips.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of this mixture onto the cake batter.
  7. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of espresso powder to the batter. If you don't have cream cheese, mascarpone can work as a substitute. Ensure the cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps when mixing. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but check for the right ratio to ensure proper texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Black Bottom Pies warm or chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast. This dessert pairs beautifully with coffee or a glass of milk. For a delightful twist, consider serving it alongside slices of My Old Lemon Pie(Fifty-Five Years Old) to create a dessert platter that offers a range of flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Black Bottom Pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. Allow to cool slightly before serving to retain moisture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Black Bottom Pies contains roughly 898 calories, with 8g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (45% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 936mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).

898 kcal 45% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.9g 16% DV
Total Fat 70.1g 90% DV
Carbs 50.8g 18% DV
Fiber 12.6g 45% DV
Sugar 17.4g 35% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 935.5mg 41% DV
Potassium 1037.1mg 22% DV
Cholesterol 7mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 12.4mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 21.9mg 24% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 90.5mg 7% DV
Iron 5.5mg 31% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of oil in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the cooking oil with vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted coconut oil. Each will provide a slightly different flavor, but they all work well in this recipe. Avoid using olive oil, as its strong flavor might affect the overall taste of the pie.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The Black Bottom Pie is done when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If it seems undercooked, give it a few more minutes, but be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the pie.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to the filling?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to the cream cheese filling. You can also fold in chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Just be mindful of the overall balance of flavors and textures.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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