Chocolate berry pie with cream cheese

Ingredients

The Pie

150 grams (5.3 ounces) flour
40 grams (1.4 ounces) cocoa powder
2 large eggs
200 grams (7.1 ounces) powdered sugar
100 grams (3.5 ounces) butter
10 grams (0.35 ounces) vanilla sugar
pinch salt
150 grams (5.3 ounces) cream cheese
1 large egg #2
20 grams (0.7 ounces) vanilla sugar #2
200 grams (7.1 ounces) berries of your choice

Equipment

Baking tin:
A square baking tin works best for this recipe to ensure even baking and easy cutting.
Whisk:
A quality whisk will help you blend ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
Fine sieve:
Use a fine sieve to sift your dry ingredients, ensuring a lump-free, smooth dough.
Mixing bowls:
Various sizes will help you manage the different steps and keep ingredients organized.
Knife:
A sharp knife will make cutting the pie into perfect portions a breeze.

Instructions

Step 1

1. Melt the butter, then allow it to cool slightly. Tip: Be sure to cool the butter to avoid curdling the eggs when mixed.

Step 2

2. In a large bowl, whip the eggs with the powdered sugar and vanilla sugar until light and fluffy. Add the cooled butter and continue to whip. Tip: Whipping the mixture properly will give your pie a lovely, airy texture.

Step 3

3. In a separate bowl, mix the cocoa, flour, and salt. Be sure to sift everything through a fine sieve. Tip: Sifting ensures there are no lumps and gives a smoother texture to the pie.

Step 4

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture in 2-3 batches, folding gently to combine. Do not overmix. Tip: Overmixing can cause the pie to become dense. Fold gently to maintain a light texture.

Step 5

5. Grease a square baking tin with butter and line the bottom with foil. Spread out 2/3 of the dough in the tin, leveling it evenly. Tip: Use a spatula to spread the dough smoothly for an even bake.

Step 6

6. Prepare the cheese filling by mixing the cream cheese, vanilla sugar, and the additional egg together with a whisk. Tip: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.

Step 7

7. Pour the cheese mixture over the dough in the baking tin. Tip: Tap the tin gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles from the cheese mixture.

Step 8

8. Distribute the berries evenly over the cheese filling, then randomly spoon dollops of the remaining dough on top. Tip: Use fresh or frozen berries, but if using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the pie.

Step 9

9. Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C). Bake the pie for 20-30 minutes. Tip: Check the pie at the 20-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

Step 10

10. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely. Run a knife along the edges of the tin to loosen the pie, then carefully remove it. Tip: Cooling the pie completely ensures it sets properly before serving.

Step 11

11. Cut into pieces and serve. Enjoy! Tip: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

Servings

Imagine the look on your guests' faces as you present this stunning pie! 🍰 It's perfect for an afternoon tea party or a delightful end to a dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your culinary creation:

**Serve with a dollop of whipped cream**: 🌟 Add a light and fluffy touch by serving each slice with a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream. The creaminess complements the pie's rich texture beautifully.

**Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream**: 🍦 For an added indulgence, serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm pie and the cold ice cream is simply divine!

**Garnish with fresh berries**: If you want to add extra color and flavor, top each slice with a few fresh berries. Not only does this enhance the presentation, but it also brings out the berry flavors inside the pie.

**Dust with powdered sugar**: For a simple yet elegant touch, lightly dust the top of the pie with powdered sugar just before serving. 🎩 It gives a lovely finish and adds a hint of sweetness.

Variations

Gluten-Free Variation 🌾: To make this pie gluten-free, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour. Ensure it's a blend that works well for baking to maintain the pie's texture and flavor.

Vegan Variation 🌱: For a vegan-friendly pie, replace the butter with a plant-based margarine and use flaxseed eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) instead of regular eggs. For the cream cheese, use vegan cream cheese and proceed as usual. Enjoy without compromising on taste!

Faq

How do I know if my pie is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the pie; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your pie is ready. Also, the edges should appear set and slightly pulling away from the tin.
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen berries work perfectly well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the pie.
How can I make the pie crust more flaky?
Ensure that all your ingredients, especially the butter, are cold before mixing. This helps create a flakier texture as the butter melts during baking.
What's the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to a month.
Why did my pie crack on top?
Cracking can occur if the pie is overbaked or if the oven temperature is too high. Ensure your oven is properly calibrated and stick to the recommended baking time.
How can I enhance the cocoa flavor?
Try adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients. Coffee enhances the flavor of cocoa, making it richer and more intense.