Brenda Gantt Chocolate Pie Recipe

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Known for her down-to-earth charm and her heartwarming approach to traditional recipes, Brenda has won over countless hearts (and stomachs) across the nation. Among her repertoire of delectable dishes stands one that takes the cake—or should I say pie? Yes, I’m talking about none other than Brenda Gantt Chocolate Pie.

This isn’t just any chocolate pie; it’s a journey back to your grandma’s kitchen, a taste of nostalgia, and a slice of comfort all wrapped into one. Brenda’s recipe harks back to a simpler time when recipes were passed down through generations and made with love. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a bit of that heartfelt warmth in their lives?

How to make Brenda Gantt Chocolate Pie

Brenda Gantt’s Chocolate Pie is a classic Southern dessert featuring a creamy, rich chocolate filling in a pie crust. It’s known for its smooth texture and deep chocolate flavor, often made with simple ingredients like cocoa powder, sugar, milk, and eggs. The ultimate comfort food, it’s perfect for a sweet finish to a meal.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup shortening (Brenda prefers using Crisco)
• 4-5 tablespoons ice water

For the Chocolate Filling:

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• A dash of salt
• 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Meringue Topping:

• 3 egg whites (leftover from the filling)
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Pie Crust:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Cut in the shortening using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add ice water, stirring with a fork, until the dough holds together.
3. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
4. After chilling, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a circle that fits a 9-inch pie plate.
5. Place the dough in the pie plate, trim and crimp the edges, and pierce the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.

2. Making the Chocolate Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, mix sugar, cocoa, salt, and flour.
2. Stir in milk gradually until the mixture is smooth.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils. Keep boiling and stirring for 1 minute.
4. Remove from heat and stir a little of the mixture into the beaten egg yolks, then pour the egg yolk mixture back into the pan, stirring vigorously.
5. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
6. Stir in butter and vanilla until smooth.

3. Baking the Pie:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared pie crust.
3. Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes until the crust is lightly golden.

4. Preparing the Meringue Topping:

1. In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
2. Gradually add sugar and vanilla, beating until stiff peaks form.
3. Spread meringue over hot filling, sealing the edges at the crust.

5. Final Baking:

1. Bake an additional 10-12 minutes or until meringue is golden brown.
2. Cool the pie on a wire rack completely before serving.

Tips:

• Chilling the Dough: Ensure that your pie crust dough is well-chilled; this makes it easier to work with and helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
• Smooth Chocolate Filling: To avoid lumps in your chocolate filling, ensure your milk is at room temperature and add it gradually to the dry ingredients while constantly stirring.

What to serve with

Pairing additional treats with Brenda Gantt’s Chocolate Pie can elevate your dessert experience, transforming it into a more rounded and decadent affair. The pie itself, with its rich chocolate filling and fluffy meringue, is a centerpiece dessert. However, when looking to complement it, you want to consider tastes and textures that contrast or enhance but don’t overshadow your main dish.

Beverage Pairings:

Coffee:

Style: A rich, dark roast coffee

Why It Works: The bitterness and depth of the coffee balance the sweetness of the chocolate, enhancing its deep flavors without competing with them.

Tea:

Style: Earl Grey or Chai

Why It Works: The subtle citrus notes of Earl Grey or the warm spices in Chai can contrast nicely with the chocolate, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.

Milk:

Style: Cold whole milk or almond milk for a dairy-free option

Why It Works: Milk is a classic pairing with chocolate. Its creaminess juxtaposes the intensity of the chocolate, creating a harmonious balance.

Dessert Wine:

Style: Port or a sweet red wine

Why It Works: The richness of dessert wines compliments the depth of flavors in the Brenda Gantt Chocolate Pie, making for an indulgent pairing.

Light Bites and Desserts:

Fresh Fruit:

Selections: Strawberries, raspberries, or cherries

Why It Works: Fresh berries provide a juicy, tangy contrast to the richness of the chocolate, cleansing the palate between bites.

Whipped Cream:

Style: Lightly sweetened homemade whipped cream

Why It Works: An additional dollop on top or on the side can add a luxurious creaminess and a slight sweetness that enhances rather than competes with the Brenda Gantt Chocolate Pie.

Nut Selection:

Selections: Roasted almonds or hazelnuts

Why It Works: Nuts offer a crunchy contrast to the smooth filling and crust, and their earthy flavors complement the chocolate well.

Cheese Board:

Selections: Brie, Camembert, or Aged Cheddar

Why It Works: A small cheese board with a selection of mild to medium cheeses provides a savory counterpoint to the sweet dessert, pleasing the palate.

Ice Cream:

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream:

Style: A scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream

Why It Works: The simple, creamy flavor of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with Brenda Gantt Chocolate Pie, adding a cold, melty texture contrast.

Ingredients Substitutes

Brenda Gantt’s Chocolate Pie is a classic Southern dessert. If you need to make ingredient substitutions in her recipe, here are some options you might consider:

Sugar

Original Ingredient: Granulated White Sugar

Substitutes:

• Brown Sugar Will add a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the Brenda Gantt Chocolate Pie.
• Powdered Sugar: Use in a pinch, but since it contains cornstarch, it might change the texture slightly.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Liquid sweeteners can be used but would require adjustments to other liquid ingredients to balance out the consistency.

Milk

Original Ingredient: Whole Milk or Evaporated Milk

Substitutes:

• Half-and-half or Heavy Cream Will make a richer Brenda Gantt Chocolate Pie.
• Plant-Based Milk: Almond, soy, or coconut milk can be used for dairy-free options.

Chocolate

Original Ingredient: Unsweetened Baking Chocolate

Substitutes:

• Cocoa Powder: Use a ratio of 3 tablespoons of cocoa plus 1 tablespoon of fat (butter, oil) to substitute for each ounce of unsweetened baking chocolate.
• Semi-Sweet or Bittersweet Chocolate: Reduce the sugar amount since these chocolates are already sweet.
• Chocolate Chips: These are convenient and can be melted down as an alternative.

Eggs

Original Ingredient: Large Eggs

Substitutes:

• Egg Replacer: Follow the package instructions for how much to use per egg.
• Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: This can be used to thicken the filling in place of eggs, but it will not provide the same richness.

Butter

Original Ingredient: Salted Butter

Substitutes:

• Unsalted Butter + Salt: Simply add salt to taste if you only have unsalted butter.
• Margarine: Works as a one-to-one substitute for baking.
• Vegan Butter: For a plant-based version of the pie.

Vanilla Extract

Original Ingredient: Pure Vanilla Extract

Substitutes:

• Vanilla Bean Paste: Offers a stronger vanilla flavor with visible specks of vanilla bean.
• Almond Extract: Use cautiously, as it has a very different flavor. Only a few drops might be needed.

Cornstarch

Original Ingredient: Cornstarch (as a thickening agent)

Substitutes:

Flour: Use twice the amount of flour to replace cornstarch.

Salt

Original Ingredient: Salt

Substitutes:

Omitting salt might alter the flavor slightly, but this can be done if necessary.

• Sea Salt or Kosher Salt: Use similar quantities, but note that kosher salt is less dense, so you might need more to taste.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, Brenda Gantt’s Chocolate Pie, rich with flavor and swirled with sweet, nostalgic memories. Enjoy this delicious slice of southern comfort with friends, family, or your favorite coffee.

More Pie Recipe:

• Brisket, Jalapeno and Cheese Pot Pie Recipe
• Fig Pie Recipe