Description
Sweet passion meets creamy indulgence in this Valentine’s Day Hot Chocolate Ice Box Pie, blending romantic chocolate richness with playful dessert charm. Dessert lovers will savor each silky, chilled slice that promises pure chocolate bliss with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package pie dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 ounces (113 grams) milk chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) cocoa powder
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) marshmallow cream
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Seasoning:
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnish:
- Chocolate curls
- Marshmallow bits
Additional Ingredient:
- All-purpose flour (for work surface)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a pristine workspace for crafting the pie crust.
- Dust the countertop with flour and carefully roll out the pie dough into a smooth, circular shape that perfectly fits a 9-inch pie dish.
- Delicately transfer the dough into the dish, trimming excess edges and creating an elegant crimped border around the rim.
- Create a protective layer by lining the crust with parchment paper, then generously distribute pie weights or dried beans to prevent unwanted rising.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove the weights and continue baking for an additional 5-7 minutes until it achieves a golden, toasty appearance.
- Allow the crust to cool completely, ensuring a stable foundation for the luscious filling.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cocoa powder, salt, and a portion of heavy cream with chopped milk chocolate, gently heating and stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, homogeneous blend.
- Remove from heat and incorporate sugar and vanilla extract, then set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, tenderly fold marshmallow cream into the chocolate mixture, creating a luxurious, airy texture.
- In a separate bowl, whip the remaining heavy cream until it forms elegant, stiff peaks.
- Gently integrate the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, ensuring a light, cloud-like consistency.
- Pour the velvety chocolate mousse into the prepared crust, using a spatula to distribute it evenly and create a smooth surface.
- Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing it to set into a firm, decadent dessert.
- Before serving, embellish the pie with delicate chocolate curls and playful marshmallow bits for a festive, romantic presentation.
- Present the chilled Valentine’s Day Hot Chocolate Ice Box Pie as an irresistible, show-stopping dessert that promises to melt hearts.
Notes
- Customize the chocolate intensity by experimenting with dark, milk, or white chocolate varieties to match personal taste preferences.
- Create a gluten-free version by using almond flour or gluten-free graham cracker crust instead of traditional pie dough.
- Control the sweetness level by adjusting sugar quantities or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a more nuanced flavor profile.
- Prevent soggy crust by ensuring the pre-baked pie shell cools completely and allowing the filling to set thoroughly in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg