Brownie Fudge Pie with Bailey's Whipped Cream

Crust
8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus extra for the pie plate
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp instant coffee powder
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup flour plus extra for the pie plate
1/4 tsp salt

Filling
1 1/2 cups heavy or whipping cream
1/2 cup mascarpone, preferably at room temperature
1/2 cup Bailey’s Irish Cream (See note.)
1 ounce bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, shaved or coarsely chopped        

1.Arrange a rack at center position and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour a 9-inch pie plate. In a bowl (set over but not touching) a pot of simmering water, melt 4 tablespoons of the butter, unsweetened chocolate, and instant coffee, stirring constantly, until smooth.           

2.With an electric mixer on medium speed (using a paddle attachment if you have one), beat remaining butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Stop mixer to scrape down sides of bowl with a rubber spatula if necessary. Reduce speed to low, and add eggs, one at a time, then beat in chocolate mixture, vanilla, flour, and salt. 

3.Pour batter into the pie plate and spread in an even layer with an offset metal spatula or table knife. Bake until a toothpick or tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven and, while still hot, gently press down against the center of the crust and push out toward the edges to form a pie shell, protecting your fingers by covering them with a kitchen towel. Repeat the process several times, always pressing gently, until you have a shell about 1-inch deep. Cool shell completely, 40 minutes to 1 hour.           

4.With an electric mixer on medium high speed, whip cream until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone and whip a few seconds more until mixture starts to thicken. Add the Bailey’s Irish Cream and whip another few seconds to thicken again.

5.Using a rubber spatula, mound the whipped cream into the pie shell, making swirls with the spatula. Sprinkle shaved or chopped chocolate over top of pie. Refrigerate pie, tenting top with foil, at least 3 hours or overnight.

Serves 8

Note:Note: Bailey’s Irish Cream is available in large and small bottles at stores where spirits are sold.

Copyright Betty Rosbottom 2024