Candy Bar Pie
Who could resist the allure of a Candy Bar Pie? This dessert brings back sweet memories from my childhood, especially when I’d hear the delightful sound of the pie crust being sliced into after dinner. I remember the first time I made this for my family; their eyes lit up, and the anticipation was palpable. This pie is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of flavors, combining the richness of chocolate, the crunch of nuts, and the creamy texture of whipped topping. It’s the kind of dessert that bridges generations, often sparking conversations around the dinner table and filling the air with laughter and joy.
Recipe Snapshot
52 mins
40 mins
12 mins
Medium
350 kcal
4 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
22 g
9-inch pie plate, Saucepan, Electric Mixer
Why We Love This Candy Bar Pie
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
One of the reasons I love Candy Bar Pie is the amazing balance of flavors. The nutty crust made from walnuts adds a delightful crunch, while the filling is a luscious blend of chocolate and marshmallows. Each bite is a taste of indulgence that leaves you craving more!
Easy to Make
Don’t you love desserts that come together quickly? This pie can be prepped in no time. The steps are simple enough that even novice bakers can master it. Plus, once you pop it in the freezer, you can forget about it until it’s time to serve. It’s perfect for last-minute gatherings.
Customizable for Any Occasion
What I find fantastic about Candy Bar Pie is its versatility. You can use any chocolate candy bar you have on hand, from classic Snickers to creamy Milky Way. This allows you to cater to different taste preferences, making it a hit at any party!
Impressive Presentation
When you bring a Candy Bar Pie to the table, you can expect oohs and aahs. The beautiful layers and the glistening topping create an impressive visual that makes everyone excited about dessert. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary genius!
A Sweet Nostalgia
This recipe isn’t just about the dessert itself; it’s about the memories it creates. Every time I make this pie, I’m reminded of the family gatherings and special moments we’ve shared together. It brings a sense of nostalgia that resonates with everyone who enjoys it.
Fun for All Ages
Kids and adults alike love Candy Bar Pie. It’s fun for everyone to dig in and enjoy the layers of flavor. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get the kids involved in the kitchen. They can help mix, measure, and perhaps even choose their favorite candy bars!
Ingredients Overview for Candy Bar Pie
The ingredients for Candy Bar Pie are not only scrumptious but also complement each other beautifully. The combination of walnuts, chocolate, and marshmallows creates a rich flavor profile that is simply irresistible. Together, they form a dessert that is creamy, crunchy, and absolutely satisfying.
- 1½ cups (6 ounces) walnuts, coarsely ground: The base for the crust, adding a nutty crunch.
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted: Helps bind the crust together and adds flavor.
- 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough.
- Four 1.5 ounce milk chocolate bars, chopped: The star of the filling, providing rich chocolatey goodness.
- 1½ cups mini marshmallows (or 15 large): Adds sweetness and a delightful texture.
- ½ cup whole milk: Combines with chocolate and marshmallows to create a smooth filling.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to form soft peaks, creating a rich, creamy layer.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie.
- 2 cups Cool Whip: The light topping that complements the dense filling.
- ¾ cup chopped chocolate toffee candy bars: For that extra crunch and flavor on top.
Cooking Method for Candy Bar Pie
Making Candy Bar Pie is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with incredible aromas. The process involves preparing the crust, melting the chocolate filling, and assembling everything for the ultimate dessert. It’s straightforward and fun!
Preheat your oven to 325℉. This step is crucial for ensuring that the crust cooks evenly and becomes golden brown.
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In a medium bowl, combine the walnuts, butter, and sugar. Use your hands to mix them until they’re well combined. The mixture should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed. This will form the crust.
Press the walnut mixture onto the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate, creating a firm, even crust. Don’t rush this step; take your time to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Once you see that lovely golden color, it’s time to set it aside to cool.
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While the crust cools, take a medium saucepan and combine the chocolate, marshmallows, and whole milk. Cook this mixture over medium heat. Stir continuously until the chocolate and marshmallows melt into a smooth liquid. This part is magical as the ingredients come together, creating a chocolatey goodness.
Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for about 30 minutes. This cooling period is important, as it prevents the filling from melting the whipped cream later.
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This means the cream should be fluffy but not overly stiff.
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Add the cooled chocolate mixture to the whipped cream. Gently stir it with a spatula until everything is combined beautifully. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, inviting you to dive right in!
Scrape the filling into the baked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. The filling should be level and look inviting.
Top the filling with Cool Whip and sprinkle the chopped chocolate toffee candy bars on top. This adds a delightful texture and extra flavor to each slice.
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Finally, freeze the pie for about 8 hours or until it’s firm. This long freeze will solidify the filling and make it easier to slice.
When you’re ready to serve, let the pie sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. This helps soften it just enough for perfect slices!
Things Worth Knowing
- Check your chocolate: Ensure you use quality milk chocolate for the best flavor.
- Crust tips: For a firmer crust, consider baking a bit longer, but watch closely.
- Cooling time: Allow the filling to cool sufficiently to maintain the whipped cream’s texture.
- Freezing: The longer you freeze, the firmer the pie will be; however, don’t freeze it for too long as it can become difficult to slice.
Tips and Variations
Making Candy Bar Pie can be a fun adventure, and I’m here to share some tips that can enhance your experience!
- Storage: Keep leftover pie in the freezer, covered, for up to a week.
- Freezing: Yes, you can freeze slices of pie! Just wrap them individually for easy serving later.
- Pairing: Consider serving this pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Variations: Feel free to swap out walnuts for other nuts like pecans for a different flavor profile.
- Decoration: Add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on top before serving for an elegant touch.
- Serving suggestion: This pie is perfect for birthday parties, picnics, or holiday gatherings.
Pairing Suggestions for Candy Bar Pie
When it comes to serving Candy Bar Pie, the options are wonderfully vast. Here are some pairing suggestions that elevate this delicious dessert!
- Serve with coffee: A warm cup of coffee makes a perfect companion to this sweet pie.
- Ice cream: Vanilla or chocolate ice cream enhances the rich flavors of the pie.
- Fruit sides: Fresh berries or sliced bananas can add a refreshing contrast.
- Special occasions: This pie fits perfectly into birthday parties, holiday dinners, or family gatherings.
- Picnic treat: Slice it up and take to picnics; it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Storage tips: If you have leftovers, wrap them well and store them in the freezer for a tasty treat later.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, Candy Bar Pie is a delightful dessert that brings joy to any occasion. Its rich combination of flavors and textures makes it an unforgettable treat. I encourage you to try making it for your next gathering, and I promise it will be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the sweet moments that come with each slice!
Candy Bar Pie
Equipment
- 9-inch pie plate
- Saucepan
- Electric Mixer
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups walnuts coarsely ground
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
- 4 1.5 ounce milk chocolate bars chopped
- 1.5 cups mini marshmallows (or 15 large)
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups Cool Whip
- 0.75 cup chocolate toffee candy bars chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325℉.
- In a medium bowl, combine the walnuts, butter, and sugar.
- Press the walnut mixture onto the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate, creating a firm, even crust.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let it cool.
- Combine the chocolate, marshmallows, and whole milk in a medium saucepan.
- Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring until melted. Remove from heat and cool for 30 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Add the cooled chocolate mixture to the whipped cream, stirring gently until combined.
- Scrape the filling into the baked pie crust and smooth the top.
- Top with Cool Whip and sprinkle with chopped chocolate toffee candy bars.
- Freeze the pie for 8 hours or until firm. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Tip 1: If you’re preparing this recipe as gluten-free, just be sure to use brands of candy bars, marshmallows and whipped topping that are known to be GF.
- Tip 2: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds if you prefer a different flavor.
- Tip 3: Use any favorite chocolate candy bar — chopped Snickers, Milky Way, or Butterfinger all work!
- Tip 4: For extra crunch and a salty/sweet balance, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving.
- Tip 5: For clean slices, freeze the pie for 15 to 20 minutes before serving — it helps the layers hold perfectly.
