If you’re a fan of decadent desserts that are both chewy and gooey, meet your new obsession: Gooey Brownie Pie. This indulgent treat brings together the best of both worlds—a crispy pie crust and a rich, fudgy brownie filling. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes on the first bite.
Whether you’re prepping for a dinner party or simply treating yourself, this pie is a show-stopping, chocolate-packed delight you’ll want to bake again and again.
Need help choosing chocolate? Read this baking guide to understand the difference between bittersweet and semisweet chocolate—both work wonderfully in this recipe depending on how rich you want it.
And if you’re wondering how to make your pie ultra gooey in the center, it’s all about the science of baking. Learn more from this in-depth guide on how ingredients and baking time affect brownie textures.
What Makes This Gooey Brownie Pie So Special?
Unlike standard brownies, this dessert is structured like a pie but delivers a chewy, fudgy bite in every forkful. The crackly top paired with its warm center gives you everything you love about brownies — only elevated.
Want to know the secret behind that perfect gooey texture? It’s all about science. Serious Eats breaks down the chemistry of achieving ultra-fudgy brownies — and this pie takes those principles to heart.
Just as important as your ingredients is your bakeware. For tall sides and a custardy center that doesn’t overflow, a springform pan is ideal. Not sure why pan choice matters? King Arthur Baking explains it beautifully.
🍫 What is Gooey Brownie Pie?
Gooey Brownie Pie is a combination dessert that layers a traditional pie crust with a deeply chocolatey, molten brownie center. Unlike regular brownies that are sliced into squares, this pie is served in wedges and often topped with ice cream or hot fudge sauce.
Why It’s Trending
- Combines nostalgia of homemade pie with modern brownie indulgence
- Easier than a cake but more exciting than plain brownies
- Popularized by food bloggers and TikTok chefs
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
Before diving in, make sure your kitchen is prepped with:
- 9-inch pie dish (ceramic or glass)
- Mixing bowls (heat-safe for melting chocolate)
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Wire rack (for cooling)
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Gooey Brownie Pie, each ingredient plays a key role in delivering that signature fudgy center and crispy top. Below is a breakdown of what you’ll need and why it matters.
🧂 Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
This gives the brownie structure while keeping it soft and tender. Avoid overpacking your measuring cup for best results. - ¼ tsp baking powder
A small amount gives the pie just a bit of lift, keeping the texture light but dense—not cakey. - ¼ tsp salt
Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances out the sweetness.
🍫 Chocolate & Fats
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
Adds richness and moisture. Melted butter also contributes to the gooey texture. - 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
Chocolate is the star. Use 2 cups for melting into the base and reserve 1 cup for stirring in. Choose high-quality chocolate for the most decadent results.
🥚 Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients and help form the crackly top. Make sure they’re at room temperature for best incorporation. - 1 cup granulated sugar
Provides sweetness and contributes to the shiny, crispy crust we all love in brownies. - 1 tsp vanilla extract
Enhances the flavor and adds warm, aromatic undertones.
🥧 Crust Base
- 1 pre-made or homemade pie crust
This forms the base of your dessert. Use a traditional buttery pie crust, an Oreo crust, or a gluten-free alternative depending on your preferences.
Tip: For a more indulgent base, try a chocolate cookie crust or learn how to make your own flaky crust here.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease a 9-inch pie plate or line with parchment if desired
2. Melt the Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler, melt:
- 6 Tbsp butter
- 2 cups of chocolate chips
- Stir until silky smooth, then cool for 5 minutes
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat:
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Beat on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy
4. Combine & Fold
- Stir in the melted chocolate mixture
- Fold in:
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Gently fold in the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips
5. Assemble & Bake
- Pour batter into pie crust
- Bake 35–40 minutes until edges are set and center jiggles slightly
6. Cool & Serve
- Let it cool at room temperature for 1 hour
- Serve as-is or top with:
- Hot fudge
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
🔥 Visual Texture Guide
When baked perfectly, your Gooey Brownie Pie should have:
- A crisp, golden crust
- A shiny, crackly top layer
- A molten, fudgy center
- Pockets of melted chocolate chips
💡 Tips from Pro Bakers
- Don’t overbake – center should still jiggle slightly when done
- Use high-quality chocolate for best results
- Cool fully before slicing for neater pieces
- Use foil on the crust edges if they brown too quickly
🍬 Variations & Mix-Ins
Get creative with flavors:
- Nutella Swirl – drop spoonfuls and swirl before baking
- Peppermint Extract – add ¼ tsp for a holiday vibe
- Peanut Butter – swirl in for Reese’s-style richness
- Dark Chocolate Chunks – swap for semi-sweet chips
- Salted Caramel Drizzle – add post-bake for sweet & salty combo
🥧 Crust Alternatives
Want to switch it up?
- Oreo Crust – perfect for a double chocolate version
- Graham Cracker Base – for s’mores vibes
- Gluten-Free Pie Crust – make it celiac-friendly
- Almond Flour Crust – for a nutty, low-carb variation
🍨 Topping Ideas
What sets Gooey Brownie Pie apart isn’t just the rich, fudgy center—it’s how you serve it. A perfectly baked brownie pie is a blank canvas for decadent, flavorful toppings that can take your dessert from great to unforgettable.
Whether you’re going for indulgent, fruity, or balanced, here are some irresistible topping ideas to elevate your creation:
🍦 Ice Cream Pairings
There’s no pairing more classic than warm brownie pie with cold, creamy ice cream. Try:
- Vanilla bean – balances the richness with simple sweetness
- Salted caramel swirl – adds a buttery, salty-sweet contrast
- Chocolate fudge brownie – for ultimate chocolate overload
- Mint chip – refreshing and cool against warm gooeyness
🍫 Sauces & Drizzles
Drizzling your pie creates visual appeal and deepens flavor. Consider:
- Hot fudge sauce – enhances the gooey chocolate core
- Salted caramel drizzle – brings a sweet-savory twist
- Peanut butter sauce – adds nutty creaminess
- Raspberry coulis – tart and bright to cut through richness
🍓 Fruity & Fresh
For a refreshing edge or seasonal vibe:
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries – add tangy contrast
- Sliced bananas – pair beautifully with chocolate and peanut butter toppings
- Cherries or cherry compote – for a black forest pie feel
🥜 Crunch & Texture
A bit of crunch takes the texture to another level:
- Toasted pecans or walnuts – earthy, nutty, and slightly salty
- Crushed pretzels – salty-sweet crunch
- Mini marshmallows – turn it into a s’mores-inspired masterpiece
🧁 Whipped Toppings & Extras
- Homemade whipped cream – simple, soft, and elegant
- Chocolate shavings – for a bakery-style finish
- Sea salt flakes – a trendy touch that enhances chocolate depth
🧊 How to Store & Reheat
- Room Temp: Up to 2 days, covered
- Fridge: Up to 5 days, tightly wrapped
- Freezer: Slice and wrap each piece; freeze up to 1 month
To reheat:
- Microwave slice for 20 seconds
- Or bake at 300°F for 10 minutes
🧁 Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the batter and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking
- Freeze the unbaked pie (double-wrapped) and bake straight from frozen, adding ~10 minutes to cook time
🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Gooey Brownie Pie isn’t difficult, but a few missteps can turn a luscious, molten masterpiece into a dry or underwhelming dessert. Avoid these common baking mistakes to ensure your pie comes out perfect every single time.
❌ Overbaking
- The #1 mistake people make is overbaking.
- Gooey Brownie Pie should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remember: it continues to cook as it cools.
- Insert a toothpick about 2 inches from the edge—not in the center—to test doneness.
❌ Using Low-Quality Chocolate
- Your chocolate is the star ingredient.
- Avoid waxy, low-quality chocolate chips.
- Choose premium semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate with 60–70% cocoa content.
- Learn more about chocolate choices in this guide.
❌ Cold Eggs and Butter
- Baking with cold eggs or chilled melted butter can mess up the batter texture.
- Let eggs come to room temperature.
- Cool your melted chocolate and butter slightly, but not until it hardens.
❌ Overmixing the Batter
- Overmixing introduces air, leading to a cakey result rather than a dense, fudgy texture.
- Stir gently just until ingredients are combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips without overworking the batter.
❌ Skipping Rest Time
- Slicing the pie too soon can cause it to fall apart.
- Always allow at least 30–60 minutes to cool before serving.
- This sets the structure and enhances flavor.
☕ Pair It With…
- Espresso shots
- Sweet red wine like Port
- Baileys over ice
- Vanilla chai latte
❓ FAQs – People Also Ask
What’s the difference between a brownie and brownie pie?
A brownie is typically baked in a rectangular pan and sliced, while brownie pie includes a crust base and is sliced like a traditional pie.
How do you keep brownie pie gooey?
Don’t overbake it—look for a slightly jiggly center and allow it to cool at room temperature to retain moisture.
Can you use boxed brownie mix?
Yes! Just pour the mix into a pie crust and bake as directed. Add extra chocolate chips for a gooier texture.
Best pie crust for brownie pie?
Pre-made refrigerated crust works fine, but a homemade buttery crust or Oreo base adds more texture and flavor.
Can this be made gluten- or dairy-free?
Yes. Use a gluten-free crust and plant-based butter and chocolate. Make sure all ingredients are labeled accordingly.
🎉 Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned dessert connoisseur, Gooey Brownie Pie is one of those foolproof, unforgettable recipes that turns out perfect every time. It’s rich, chocolatey, easy to personalize, and seriously addictive.
So next time your sweet tooth strikes, skip the plain brownies and bake this showstopper instead. Just don’t forget the ice cream.