Chocolate Gem Pie
A rich and indulgent chocolate gem pie featuring a crunchy pecan crust and a smooth, chocolatey filling topped with whipped cream. Perfect for chocolate lovers and special occasions, this dessert combines nutty, sweet, and creamy flavors for a decadent treat everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour ⓘ
- 2/3 cup ground pecans ⓘ
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons shortening ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup ⓘ
- 3 squares unsweetened chocolate ⓘ
- 3/4 cup butter softened ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon instant coffee ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup sifted powdered sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine flour, ground pecans, and brown sugar to make the crust.
- In a heavy saucepan, melt shortening and one square of unsweetened chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly.
- Stir the melted mixture into the flour mixture until well combined.
- Mix vanilla with water and sprinkle over the mixture while tossing.
- Form the mixture into a ball.
- Roll out the dough to make a 12-inch circle between two sheets of wax paper.
- Remove the wax paper from the dough.
- Place the crust into a 9-inch pie plate and flute the edges.
- Prick the crust well with a fork.
- Bake until the surface appears dry, then cool.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter crust, consider substituting half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a nut-free option, you can replace ground pecans with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. To enhance the chocolate flavor, adding a dash of espresso powder can elevate the taste without overpowering it. Be sure to bake the crust until it's just dry to avoid a soggy bottom.
Serving Suggestions
This Chocolate Gem Pie pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an elegant presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving. A drizzle of chocolate syrup enhances the dessert, making it a showstopper for dinner parties. Consider serving it alongside a light salad or a fruit platter for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Chocolate Gem Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy it cold. For a delightful experience, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Gem Pie contains roughly 1435 calories, with 13g protein, 187g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value) and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 478mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
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 store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust can save time and effort. Just make sure to pre-bake it according to the package instructions before adding the filling to ensure a crisp texture. This can be particularly useful if you're short on time while preparing for a gathering.
How can I make this pie gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free Chocolate Gem Pie, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum, which helps provide structure. Additionally, you can use almond flour or a combination of almond and coconut flour for a nutty flavor that complements the pecans in the filling.
What can I do if I don’t have unsweetened chocolate?
If unsweetened chocolate isn't available, you can substitute it with unsweetened cocoa powder. Use 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder along with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or melted butter to replace one square of unsweetened chocolate. This will help maintain the desired consistency and flavor in your pie.
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).