Description
This Chocolate Mint Cream Pie offers a delightful blend of rich chocolate shortbread crust, creamy peppermint-infused filling, and a decadent dark chocolate topping. Perfectly chilled and garnished with fresh mint and chocolate accents, this pie is an elegant and refreshing dessert ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chocolate Shortbread Crust
- 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or all-purpose flour)
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup coconut sugar (or organic cane sugar)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup cold butter (cubed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons cold water (as needed)
Filling
- 12 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup coconut sugar (or organic cane sugar)
- 1 ½ teaspoons peppermint extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ teaspoons spirulina powder or matcha (optional, for natural green color)
- 1 ½ cups cold heavy cream
Chocolate Topping
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces organic dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), chopped
Garnish
- Fresh mint leaves
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Cacao nibs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Prepare the Chocolate Shortbread Crust: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat pastry flour, cocoa powder, coconut sugar, and sea salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, pulse in a small food processor. Stir in vanilla extract and cold water a tablespoon at a time until the dough just forms.
- Shape and Bake Crust: Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch pie pan. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent air bubbles. Optionally, roll out between parchment sheets for cleaner edges. Bake for 12-15 minutes until set, then let cool completely.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add coconut sugar and continue beating until fully incorporated. Mix in peppermint extract, vanilla extract, and optional spirulina or matcha for color.
- Whip Heavy Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Combine Filling: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a smooth and fluffy texture.
- Assemble Pie: Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to set properly.
- Prepare the Chocolate Topping: Warm the ¼ cup heavy cream until hot but not boiling. Pour over chopped dark chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add Topping to Pie: Drizzle or spread the chocolate topping over the chilled pie evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Decorate with fresh mint leaves, dark chocolate shavings, and cacao nibs as desired. For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe between each cut. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Note 1: Whole wheat pastry flour can be substituted with all-purpose flour if preferred.
- Note 2: Add cold water gradually to achieve the right dough consistency; dough should just come together.
- Note 3: Softened cream cheese should be at room temperature for smooth blending.
- Note 4: Peppermint extract provides the signature mint flavor; adjust quantity based on taste preference.
- Note 5: Spirulina or matcha powder is optional and used here for a natural green tint to the filling.
- Note 6: Using a food processor to cut in butter ensures even crumb texture.
- Note 7: Pricking the crust prevents air bubbles and helps it bake evenly.
- Note 8: The crust should be set and slightly firm before adding filling to prevent sogginess.
- Note 9: Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks to ensure the filling holds its shape.
- Note 10: Folding whipped cream gently maintains the airy texture of the filling.
- Note 11: Chilling time is essential for the pie to set properly.
- Note 12: Warm cream just enough to melt chocolate but avoid boiling to prevent separation.
- Note 13: Let melted chocolate and cream mixture rest to soften chocolate before stirring.
- Note 14: Wiping the knife between cuts keeps pie slices neat.
- Note 15: Chocolate topping can be drizzled artistically or evenly spread based on preference.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
