If you’re on the hunt for a rich, fudgy dessert with a twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Maple Brownie Pie with Chocolate and Espresso Recipe. I absolutely love how this pie combines deep chocolate flavor with a subtle hit of espresso and that unmistakable warmth from real maple sugar. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it your go-to dessert for cozy nights in or impressing guests without the fuss. Ready to dive in? Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fudgy and Flavor-Packed: The combination of dark chocolate and espresso powder takes this brownie pie to a whole new level of richness.
- Maple Sugar Magic: Maple sugar lends subtle caramel notes that make every bite unique and comforting.
- Easy to Make: Using a store-bought pie crust keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- Versatile Dessert: Delicious served warm with ice cream or just on its own with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together beautifully, with each playing a vital role in balancing flavor and texture. When I shop for this pie, I always pick good-quality dark chocolate and real maple sugar—it really makes all the difference.
- Refrigerated pie crust dough: The quick shortcut to a flaky, tender base without extra effort.
- Unsalted butter: Choose high-quality butter for richer flavor in your brownie filling.
- 70% or higher dark chocolate: The darker, the better to get that decadent chocolate punch.
- Maple sugar: Adds a warm, natural sweetness that you won’t get from regular sugar.
- Espresso powder: Just a touch amps up the chocolate depth without making it taste like coffee.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Eggs: They bind the filling and give it that chewy brownie texture you love.
- Dutch process cocoa powder: For an extra smooth, rich chocolate flavor with low acidity.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure without making the filling cakey—perfect balance.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Maple Brownie Pie with Chocolate and Espresso Recipe because it’s so forgiving and versatile—feel free to tweak it for your taste buds or dietary needs!
- Nutty addition: I often sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a delightful crunch contrast.
- Vegan twist: Swap butter for coconut oil and eggs for flax eggs, and you’ll get a surprisingly delicious dairy-free brownie pie.
- Spiced up: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder amps up warmth and gives the pie a festive vibe during colder months.
- Alcohol infusion: A splash of bourbon or coffee liqueur stirred into the batter takes this pie from everyday to wow-worthy.
How to Make Maple Brownie Pie with Chocolate and Espresso Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pie Crust Like a Pro
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C)—you want it ready when your brownie filling is prepared. Take your store-bought pie crust out of the fridge and roll it out gently on a lightly floured surface to about 11 inches round and very thin, around an eighth of an inch thick. If the dough gets too sticky, don’t hesitate to pop it back in the fridge for 15-20 minutes—that little chilling step saved me more than once from a dough disaster! Next, carefully transfer it to your tart or pie pan, pressing firmly along the bottom and sides. Fold any excess crust over itself around the edges to build a thicker, more rustic rim. Pop the whole thing back in the fridge while you whip up the decadent brownie filling.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate to Silky Smoothness
Grab a microwave-safe bowl and combine your unsalted butter with chopped dark chocolate. Zap it for 1 minute, then give it a good stir. It might not all be melted just yet—if so, microwave it in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until you have a glossy, smooth mix. This slow melting trick is what I learned after burning batches the hard way—patience here really pays off!
Step 3: Mix Maple Sugar, Espresso, Salt, and Eggs
To your warm chocolate mixture, whisk in the maple sugar, espresso powder, and salt until everything is perfectly combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until the batter is smooth and shiny. This step binds everything together and forms the base of your indulgent brownie filling.
Step 4: Add Cocoa Powder and Flour
Next, sift in the Dutch process cocoa powder and whisk again until smooth. Finally, gently stir in the flour, being careful not to overmix—you want a thick but tender batter that holds moisture for that fudgy texture. Overworking the flour here can lead to a cakey pie, and that’s not the vibe we’re going for with this recipe!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your brownie batter into the chilled pie crust and spread it out evenly. Bake for 40 to 55 minutes—start checking at 40 minutes by poking the center with a toothpick. You’re looking for a few moist crumbs clinging to it but not wet batter. You might see some cracks forming at the edges, and that’s totally normal. I learned to slightly underbake this pie because the filling continues to set as it cools, keeping things irresistibly gooey inside.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once out of the oven, set your Maple Brownie Pie with Chocolate and Espresso on a rack to cool for 30-45 minutes before slicing. Serve it warm or at room temperature with a light dusting of powdered sugar. If you want to get fancy (and I know you might!), add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle some salted maple caramel sauce over each slice for a luscious finish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Pro Tips for Making Maple Brownie Pie with Chocolate and Espresso Recipe
- Keep Your Dough Cold: Chilling the pie crust dough if it gets sticky prevents tears and keeps the edges crisp and flaky.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Investing in good dark chocolate really pays off in the flavor depth of the filling.
- Don’t Overbake: Slightly underbaking keeps the filling gooey and fudge-like—it’s less messy and more indulgent!
- Adjust Espresso Wisely: The espresso powder should enhance, not overpower; a tablespoon is perfect for this balance.
How to Serve Maple Brownie Pie with Chocolate and Espresso Recipe
Garnishes
I typically keep it simple: a light dusting of powdered sugar is elegant and lets the pie’s flavor shine. But when I want to spoil myself or guests, I top slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or drizzle creamy salted maple caramel sauce over the top. If you’re feeling extra, a few toasted pecans add a beautiful crunch and look stunning.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a light coffee or espresso to echo the pie’s subtle mocha hints. For something less caffeinated, a cup of herbal tea or a glass of cold milk balances the richness perfectly. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a simple mixed berry salad for a fresh, fruity contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to slice the pie into small tartlets using mini tart pans instead of one big pie. It makes for adorable individual servings and is great for parties. Another fun idea I tried was cutting the pie into bars and wrapping them in parchment paper tied with twine as little gifts for friends—I swear, they loved the personal touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually cover leftovers with plastic wrap or store slices in an airtight container in the fridge. The pie keeps well for up to 4 days, and each day the flavors deepen more. I find it tastes even better the next day, once those maple and espresso notes have had time to really meld.
Freezing
This Maple Brownie Pie with Chocolate and Espresso freezes beautifully. I wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When I want it, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and it’s almost as good as fresh. Just avoid freezing if you plan to add ice cream or caramel sauce before serving.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, I pop slices into a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes—this warms through the pie without drying it out. Reheating keeps the filling soft, and you can add a little extra caramel drizzle or a fresh scoop of ice cream for a perfect dessert encore.
FAQs
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Can I make this Maple Brownie Pie with Chocolate and Espresso Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Make sure your pie crust is gluten-free, too, or bake it in a gluten-free tart shell. The maple and chocolate flavors remain just as stunning.
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What’s the best way to store leftover pie?
Store leftover pie covered tightly in the fridge for up to 4 days. Bring slices to room temperature or lightly warm before serving to enjoy the fudgy texture and rich flavors at their best.
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Can I skip the espresso powder?
Sure, the espresso powder enhances the chocolate depth but isn’t mandatory. If you omit it, consider adding a teaspoon of instant coffee or just leave it out for a straightforward chocolate brownie pie.
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How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—not wet batter. Some cracking around the edges is normal. If you overbake, the brownie filling becomes dry, so err on the side of underbaking.
Final Thoughts
This Maple Brownie Pie with Chocolate and Espresso Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s just so wonderfully simple yet crave-worthy. The blend of maple sweetness with rich chocolate and that hint of espresso feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, this pie never fails to impress without the stress. Go ahead, give it a try—I promise it will soon be one of your most-requested desserts!
Print
Maple Brownie Pie with Chocolate and Espresso Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy maple brownie pie combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the rustic charm of a buttery pie crust. Infused with high-quality dark chocolate and maple sugar, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and depth, enhanced by a hint of espresso. It’s a simple yet decadent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 store bought refrigerated pie crust dough
Brownie Filling
- 12 tbsp (170g) unsalted butter
- 4 oz. (113g) 70% or higher chocolate, roughly chopped
- 1 ¼ c (250g) maple sugar (substitute granulated sugar if needed)
- 1 tbsp espresso powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ c (55g) dutch process cocoa powder
- ¾ c (90g) all purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Remove the refrigerated pie crust dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into an 11-inch round, about 1/8 inch thick. If the dough becomes sticky, chill it in the fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes. Fit the dough into your pie or tart pan, pressing firmly along the bottom and sides. Fold the excess dough at the edges to create a thicker crust border. Place the prepared crust in the fridge while you make the brownie filling.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and chopped chocolate. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue heating in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth.
- Add Sugar and Flavorings: Whisk in the maple sugar, espresso powder, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Whisk in the Dutch process cocoa powder until fully incorporated with no lumps remaining.
- Mix in Flour: Gently stir the all-purpose flour into the batter until just combined, careful not to overmix.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the brownie batter evenly into the chilled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 40-55 minutes. The filling is done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Expect some cracking around the edges. Slightly underbaking is recommended to keep the filling fudgy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool in its pan on a cooling rack for 30-45 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or accompanied by ice cream or salted maple caramel sauce.
Notes
- Use a high-quality dark chocolate with 70% or higher cocoa content for best flavor.
- Maple sugar can be substituted with granulated sugar if unavailable, though the maple flavor will be less pronounced.
- For a crispier crust, pre-bake (blind bake) the pie crust for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling.
- Keep an eye on baking time to avoid overbaking; the center should remain slightly fudgy.
- Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg