This 4 Minute Brownie Pie recipe is what last-minute desserts are ALL about! Made from pantry staples, this crustless brownie pie recipe has a rich chocolate flavor with a dense chewy crumb. But the best part? You just dump and mix - no melted butter required!
Brownie Pie Recipe
I am a sucker for pretty dessert recipes like Treacle Tart or Sticky Toffee Pudding. But this brownie Pie? I admit this dessert isn't a showstopper. But what it lacks in looks it makes up for in so many ways!
One, it's truly a 4-minute recipe (ok, 10 if you count time to measure ingredients and wash the bowl). Two, it's made from pantry staples so you can pretty much bake this up on the spur of the moment! Which may, or may not be a good thing!!
So how, you may ask, is brownie pie recipe any different from a regular brownie?
How Brownie Pie is different from Brownies
Although the ingredient list is almost identical, the main difference between this crustless brownie pie and regular brownies is the preparation method. Brownies use melted butter - which adds moisture and flavor but doesn't add any structure.
This Brownie pie uses softened butter, which also adds moisture and flavor but also provides some structure. This difference in preparation method makes this brownie pie less dense than a traditional brownie. Being less dense, the brownie doesn't taste quite as rich.
Which is a good thing! Since it's not as rich, you can serve up a generous slice and not fall into a sugar coma!
What you need to make it!
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cocoa powder - use the best quality cocoa powder for this and if you like dark chocolate use a dark chocolate cocoa powder.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 Tablespoon Kahlua, Bailey's or another liqueur (totally optional but recommended!)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream (totally optional but my favorite way to eat it!)
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Pie
One of the many reasons I adore this chocolate dessert - it is incredibly easy to make!
- Pre heat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease a 9 inch pie dish or Springform pan and set aside.
- Add all the ingredients (except the nuts) to a mixing bowl.
- Using a beater (or a stand mixer) mix on low for 30 seconds until the mixture just begins to come together.
- Increase the speed to medium and beat for 3 ½ minutes. Yes, you need to mix it for exactly 3 ½ minutes!
- Using a spatula spoon into the greased pan and bake the brownie pie for 25 to 35 minutes. The pie should be set on top and not jiggle!
How to Store Brownie Pie
You can store Brownie Pie on the counter overnight. For longer storage, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
Other easy dessert recipes you might enjoy.
I hope you enjoy this recipe and would love for you to give it 5 Star Rating! Cheers, Nancy
📖Recipe
4 Minute Brownie Pie
Equipment
- Measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- mixer
- bowl
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter softened
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup dutch process cocoa
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 Tbsp. Kahlua optional
- ½ cup chopped and toasted walnuts pecans or macadamia nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Pre heat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 inch springform pan or 9 inch pie plate and set aside.
- Combine eggs through Kahlua (if using) in the bowl of a mixer. Mix on low for 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 ½ minutes.
- Stir in nuts if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 20 - 30 minutes until pie is set on top and doesn't jiggle when you move it - pie should look dry on top!
- Remove from the oven and let cool. As the pie cools it will sink - that's ok and is what is supposed to happen!
- Slice and serve!
Recipe Notes
- You can serve this pie with a sprinkle of confectioners sugar, ice cream or whipped cream.
- Serve it at room temperature or evens slightly chilled.
- To store the pie, cover it with plastic wrap and store at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- The Pie can be made up to two days in advance for best results.
aida mollenkamp says
Nancy -- Sorry to hear that you've been sidelined for a few weeks! I'm glad to hear you're feeling better!
Nancy says
Thanks Aida! I don't get sick often but when I do well, I don't go for half measures!! LOL!!
Madonna says
More and more I am looking for quick, but quality food. This one should hold us over until you are up to sharing more of France with us.
I want to use walnuts. Would you recommend toasting the walnuts a little before baking or would that be too much?
Nancy says
Hi Madonna!! Yes, definitely toast the walnuts - it really brings out their wonderful flavors!!! Have a new "french" post coming up in a couple of days... can't wait to share it with you all!!
Madonna says
Reporting back to you. I made this pie today. It is so delicious. I have a feeling it may even be better tomorrow when the flavor develops if any last that long. I highly recommend that everyone copy this recipe and keep it close. It is so easy, and beautiful. I did not have any ice cream of fruit to go with it, but nobody cared. Another “Nancy-keeper”.
Nancy says
Hi Madonna!! Oh, I am SO glad that you liked it!!! I know all about that "last that long part". I made one recently and set it out to cool - when I came back all that remained were crumbs!!!
marla says
4 minutes?? We can all handle that!! Sorry to hear you have been down with flu. Hope u have a speedy recovery!
Nancy says
Thanks Marla - hopefully this next round of antibiotics will do the trick!
Terra says
You had me at four minutes! Love the kahlua in the recipe, sounds simply delicious:-) Hugs, Terra
Aly says
I love that it's fast, and it sounds yummy! I also like that we can customize it so easily.
Nancy says
Me too... I've added lots of additions over the years and they all have been good... but that's what is great about chocolate.. it goes with just about everything!
Maja says
I love it! Nice pics, too 🙂
Nancy says
Thanks Maja!!!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
So sorry you've been under the weather, Nancy! How appropriate that you should post this recipe now when my two grandchildren are visiting. They will just love this and may even enjoy making it themselves.
Nancy says
Thanks Lana - I am onto my next set of antibiotics so hopefully they will do the trick! This is perfect for the grandkids to make - so easy and definitely kid friendly even without the Kahlua!!
Allison [Girl's Guide to Social Media] says
I love how easy this recipe is! I may add some toasted walnuts. Thanks for the idea. Yum.
Dorothy at Shockinglydelicious says
I might have to hate you for this.
How about fresh berries on top!
Nancy says
Uh oh... but this recipe definitely seems right up your alley Dorothy! Fresh berries on top would be awesome!!
Kristina Vanni says
This looks great! Really simple but perfect for any celebration! Thanks!
Daisy@Nevertoosweet says
This is great 😉 I love quick and easy recipes ~ WOO HOO!
Thanks for the recipe 😀
the urban baker says
so sorry you have been under the weather. I am glad to see you back, well and thriving. Thriving due to this brilliant 4 minute brownie. This is something I am going to have my kids make for their teachers next week!
Dorothy at Shockinglydelicious says
I made it, we loved it, and I named it one of my favorite things about June. Here is the link: http://www.shockinglydelicious.com/a-few-of-my-favorite-things-june-2012/
Peggy says
I just found your website and am I glad! I ran across it looking for Guiness bread recipe, but after printing it, I got into the archives. Now, 2 hours later I have a question about the 4 Minute brownies. 10 years ago at a B&B we had a chocolate amaretto cake with some orange notes to it. Would amaretto work in this do you think? I'm thinking a little orange grating for that flavor hit.
Misty says
Self rising or all purpose flour???
Nancy says
Hi Misty,
All purpose flour!! Hope you enjoy!!