🍫 Super Moist Chocolate Pie with Crumble: A Decadent Dessert to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

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If you’re a chocolate lover looking for a dessert that combines rich, creamy ganache with a buttery shortbread crust and a crumbly topping, this Super Moist Chocolate Pie with Crumble is your dream come true! This indulgent pie features a velvety dark chocolate filling nestled in a crisp shortbread base, topped with a sandy crumble studded with almond notes. It’s the perfect balance of textures—crunchy, creamy, and tender all in one bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this pie will steal the show. Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat! 😋

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Pie

This pie is a chocolate lover’s paradise, with a rich ganache that melts in your mouth, a flaky shortbread crust that provides the perfect foundation, and a crumble topping that adds a delightful crunch. The use of dark chocolate (70% cocoa) ensures a deep, intense flavor that’s not overly sweet, while the almond powder in the crumble adds a subtle nutty warmth. It’s a sophisticated dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make, and it gets even better after a few hours in the fridge when the ganache sets into an ultra-smooth, fudgy texture. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy night in!

Ingredients (Serves 8-10)

This recipe is divided into three components: the shortbread crust, the chocolate ganache filling, and the crumble topping. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Shortbread Crust (Pâte Sablée):

• 200 g all-purpose flour – Provides structure for the crisp crust.
• 100 g cold butter, cut into cubes 🧈 – Cold butter ensures a flaky, tender texture.
• 50 g powdered sugar (icing sugar) – Sweetens the crust subtly without making it grainy.
• 1 pinch of salt – Enhances the flavors.
• 1 egg yolk – Binds the dough and adds richness.
• 2 tbsp cold water – Helps bring the dough together without making it tough.

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 200 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa preferred) – High-quality dark chocolate is key for a rich, intense flavor.
• 150 ml heavy cream (whole liquid cream) – Creates a silky, creamy ganache.
• 50 ml whole milk – Thins the ganache slightly for a smooth texture.
• 1 large egg – Adds structure and helps the ganache set as it bakes.

For the Crumble Topping:

• 80 g all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crumble.
• 60 g cold butter, cut into cubes 🧈 – Creates a sandy, crumbly texture.
• 60 g brown sugar (cassonade) – Adds a caramel-like sweetness.
• 30 g almond powder (ground almonds) – Brings a nutty depth to the crumble.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create a show-stopping Chocolate Pie with Crumble that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

1. Prepare the Shortbread Crust
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse sand—this process, known as “sanding,” ensures a tender crust. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and cold water, then add it to the flour mixture. Stir with a fork or your hands until the dough comes together into a smooth, homogeneous ball. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon more water; if too sticky, add a sprinkle of flour. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let it rest and firm up, making it easier to roll out.
2. Press and Pre-Bake the Crust
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) with rotating heat (or use the conventional setting and adjust baking time as needed). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch (23 cm) tart pan with a removable bottom. Carefully transfer the dough to the pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough. Prick the bottom of the crust all over with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights, dried beans, or rice to weigh it down. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights, and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
   In a medium saucepan, heat the heavy cream and milk over medium heat until just simmering—don’t let it boil. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly (to avoid cooking the egg), then whisk in the egg until fully combined. The ganache should be glossy and pourable, with a rich chocolate aroma that’s hard to resist.
4. Prepare the Crumble Topping
   In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and almond powder. Add the cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms a sandy, crumbly texture with small clumps. The almond powder adds a lovely nutty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
5. Assemble and Bake
   Pour the chocolate ganache into the pre-baked shortbread crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the ganache, ensuring it covers the surface without pressing it down—this keeps the crumble light and crisp. Bake the pie at 320°F (160°C) for 20 minutes, or until the crumble is slightly golden and the ganache has set but still has a slight wobble in the center (it will firm up as it cools).
6. Cool and Serve
   Let the pie cool to room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) for the best texture—the ganache will become ultra-smooth and fudgy. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts for clean edges. Serve chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Pie with Crumble

• Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step for the shortbread dough—it prevents shrinking and ensures a crisp crust.
• Quality Chocolate: Use a high-quality dark chocolate with 70% cocoa for the best flavor; lower cocoa percentages can make the ganache too sweet.
• Crumble Texture: For a chunkier crumble, pinch the mixture into larger clumps before sprinkling it on the pie.
• Make It Ahead: This pie is even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, covered.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the flour in the crust and crumble for a gluten-free blend, and ensure your almond powder is certified gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Pie with Crumble is a star on its own, but you can elevate it with a few additions. Serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance the rich chocolate. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds a touch of elegance. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, espresso, or a glass of red wine (like a Cabernet Sauvignon) to complement the deep chocolate flavors. It’s perfect for dessert after a savory meal or as a centerpiece for a special occasion like birthdays or holidays.

Nutritional Highlights

This pie is a decadent treat, with dark chocolate providing antioxidants and a small amount of iron. The almond powder adds healthy fats and vitamin E, while the egg contributes protein. Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet, savoring each rich, creamy bite.

Why This Recipe Works for Everyone

The combination of a crisp shortbread crust, silky chocolate ganache, and nutty crumble topping makes this pie a crowd-pleaser. It’s versatile enough for casual gatherings or formal events, and the make-ahead option makes it convenient for busy schedules. Whether you’re a chocolate aficionado or just looking for a new dessert to try, this pie delivers on flavor and texture in every bite.

Final Thoughts

This Super Moist Chocolate Pie with Crumble is a dessert that combines the best of all worlds—richness, crunch, and melt-in-your-mouth goodness. The layers of shortbread, ganache, and crumble create a symphony of textures that will leave you wanting more. It’s a recipe that’s sure to impress, whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones. Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out in the comments below—don’t forget to share your photos! Happy baking! 🍫✨

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