Molten Chocolate Crackle Pie

While the pie is truly delicious and beautiful with that crackled top, it’s actually the simplest to make.

Start with the crust. I did make my own crust, and while I will tell you it’s better than store-bought, I will also tell you that if you don’t want to make the crust, you shouldn’t make the crust! Pies can be stressful, I get it. If the crust is stressing you out pick up your favorite from the store. I hear Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods have great options!

Once you have your crust sorted out, sprinkle it with vanilla sugar (simply just sugar mixed with vanilla beans), then pre-bake it. You want to get the crust cooked before adding the filling to ensure your crust stays crisp and flaky instead of just soggy.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust round (homemade recipe below)
• 1 egg, beaten, for brushing
• vanilla sugar or coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
• 4 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 10 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon hazelnut liquor (optional)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

Hazelnut Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon real maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon hazelnut liquor (optional)