Description
Gluten-free option
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 13 graham crackers (7 oz.; for 1.5 C crumbs)
- 2 T heavy whipping cream
- 2 T chocolate hazelnut spread (such as Nutella)
- 1 1/2 oz. semi- or bittersweet chocolate (I like the mini chips, because they’re great as a final garnish)
- 1 1/2 T unsalted butter
Ganache filling
- 12 oz. semi- or bittersweet chocolate (again, chips are great)
- 2 T chilled unsalted butter
- 1 1/4 C heavy whipping cream
- 2 T medium grind coffee
Meringue topping
- Egg whites from 2 large eggs (check out this post for my meringue tips)
- 1/2 C white granulated sugar (finer is better; avoid organic for this recipe)
- Extra graham crackers
- Mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings
Instructions
- In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers briefly until they’re broken into coarse chunks, making it easier to add the other ingredients. Melt the chocolate (not the hazelnut spread) and the butter in a dish together in the microwave, in 30 second intervals at 50% power, stirring after each interval until liquid. Add the mixture, plus the cream and hazelnut spread, to the food processor. Process until a consistent mixture of fine crumbs forms. Pour into a standard sized (9 inch) pie plate (glass if you have it), pressing it down to form a crust on the bottom and halfway up the sides of the pan. Put in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- When the crust is almost chilled, bring cream, coffee grounds, and 2 T water just to a boil (start at medium heat and slowly increase to achieve a boil) in a small saucepan that has a lid. Turn off heat after reaching a boil, cover, and let stand for 5 minutes. While waiting, chop the chilled butter into ½” cubes. Place in a heatproof bowl and add the chocolate chips. Strain the coffee and cream mixture into the bowl of chocolate and butter through a fine mesh strainer (do not line the strainer with a filter). Stir until the chocolate and butter melt and everything comes together to form a smooth, creamy ganache. It may take a few minutes, but it will get there. Resist the temptation to reheat the whole mixture. Retrieve the pie crust and pour in the ganache, spreading evenly over the crust. Chill for another hour or so, until set (it will be firm to the touch).
- Separate the 2 cold eggs. Cover and bring whites to room temperature (discard the yolks) while the pie chills.
- Once the pie is set, make the meringue (you can do it!). In the glass or metal standalone bowl or that of a stand mixer, use a thoroughly cleaned and dried whisk attachment (I wipe it down with a paper towel just before using) to beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until fluffy and opaque white. While the mixer is running, add 2 tablespoons sugar at a time, beating well after each addition. If your egg whites are uncooperative, before adding the sugar or discarding the attempt, add ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar without stopping the mixer (have it ready before you start if using a hand mixer). When done, the meringue should hold fairly stiff peaks.
- Top the chilled pie with the finished meringue, swirling and spreading it over the top. Sprinkle with extra graham cracker crumbs, mini chocolate chips, or chocolate shavings. Refrigerate for at least another hour or two without covering, until the meringue is chilled and set. Slice and serve!
Notes
Use gluten-free graham crackers, which I did test with success, to make the entire dessert gluten free.
Adapted from Bon Appétit magazine, July 2012.
- Category: Dessert