This rich Giada Brownie Walnut Pie is a delicious dessert prepared using unsweetened chocolate, dark brown sugar, eggs, flour, and toasted walnuts.

To make Giada Brownie Walnut Pie, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, mix your ingredients, and bake for about 35 minutes until the center is set.

Whenever I make this pie, it disappears in minutes! Give it a go, and share your thoughts in the comments below. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Can I substitute the walnuts in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer. Each nut gives a different flavor profile, so you can choose your favorite or try different nuts each time you make the Giada Brownie Walnut Pie.

Giada De Laurentiis Brownie Walnut Pie Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, diced
• 3 ounces of unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/4 cups of packed dark brown sugar (about 9 ounces)
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup of flour
• 1/4 teaspoon of fine salt
• 1/2 cup of walnut pieces, toasted
• Biscotti Crumb Crust (recipe follows)
• Walnut halves, optional
• Ice cream or sweetened whipped cream, optional

Biscotti Crumb Crust:

• One 5.5-ounce box of biscotti (about 8), coarsely broken
• 1/2 stick of unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• 1/4 cup of packed dark brown sugar

How To Make Giada De Laurentiis Brownie Walnut Pie

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it is ready for baking.
2. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a heavy medium saucepan, whisk the butter and chocolate over low heat until the chocolate is almost melted.
3. Finish Melting: Remove the pan from the heat and continue whisking until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
4. Add Sugar and Eggs: Whisk in the dark brown sugar thoroughly, ensuring it is well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour and fine salt using a flexible rubber spatula until just combined and no streaks of flour remain.
6. Incorporate Walnuts: Stir in the toasted walnut pieces evenly throughout the batter to ensure each bite has nuts.
7. Prepare the Crust: Scrape the batter into the prepared Biscotti Crumb Crust, spreading it out evenly to cover the bottom.
8. Add Walnut Halves: Press a ring of walnut halves into the batter around the top edge for a decorative touch, if using.
9. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for about 35 minutes. The outer 2 to 3 inches should be puffed and dry looking, and the center should be set but still slightly moist.
10. Check for Doneness: Insert a wooden skewer into the center of the pie. It should come out with some moist batter still attached, indicating it is perfectly baked.
11. Cool the Pie: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to ensure it sets properly and is easy to slice.
12. Serve: Once cooled, cut the pie into wedges and serve with ice cream or sweetened whipped cream, if desired, for an extra treat.

Biscotti Crumb Crust Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the crust.
2. Blend Ingredients: Blend the biscotti, butter, and dark brown sugar in a food processor. Process until the crumbs are moist and stick together when pressed.
3. Form the Crust: Firmly press the crumb mixture over the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch glass pie dish, ensuring you build up a high rim to contain the filling.
4. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust until it turns golden and feels firm to the touch, which should take about 15 minutes. Let it cool completely before adding the filling to maintain its structure.

Can I prepare the pie crust ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can prepare the Biscotti Crumb Crust ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap so it stays fresh. This makes it super convenient when you’re ready to bake the Giada Brownie Walnut Pie.

Recipe Tips

• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: When adding the flour and walnuts, stir just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough pie, so gently fold the ingredients in to maintain a tender texture.
• Line Your Pie Dish: Line your pie dish with parchment paper before pressing in the Biscotti Crumb Crust. This will make it easier to lift out the pie and cut clean slices without the crust sticking to the dish.
• Check for Doneness with a Thermometer: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the pie. Aim for around 200 degrees Fahrenheit in the center for a perfectly set, yet moist, pie.
• Cool on a Wire Rack: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack rather than in the pie dish. This helps air circulate around the pie, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy and ensuring a crisp crust.

Recipe Variations

• Add Espresso Powder: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter. It enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle coffee note, making the pie even more delicious.
• Mix in Dried Fruit: For a twist, mix in some chopped dried cherries or cranberries. They add a chewy texture and a hint of tartness that complements the sweetness of the pie.
• Top with Sea Salt: Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top of the pie before baking. It adds a nice contrast to the sweetness and makes each bite more interesting.
• Substitute Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, substitute them with pecans or almonds. Each nut gives a different flavor profile, so you can choose your favorite or mix it up each time.

What To Serve With Brownie Walnut Pie

Serve your Brownie Walnut Pie with a scoop of matcha green tea ice cream, a spoonful of zesty lemon sorbet, a drizzle of raspberry coulis, a sprinkle of sea salt flakes, and a dollop of mascarpone cheese.

You can also pair it with a glass of port wine or a cup of robust espresso for a perfect combination.

How To Store Leftover Brownie Walnut Pie

In The Fridge:

To store leftover Brownie Walnut Pie in the fridge, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. Place the wrapped slices in an airtight container to keep them fresh. The pie can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days without losing its delicious flavor and texture.

In The Freezer:

Brownie Walnut Pie can be stored in the freezer if wrapped properly to maintain its quality. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil for extra protection. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. The pie can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its texture and taste.

How To Reheat Leftover Brownie Walnut Pie

Reheat your leftover Brownie Walnut Pie in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, until warm. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds, making sure the pie is warmed through evenly.

Check out More Giada Recipes:

• Giada De Laurentiis Cinnamon Chocolate Fudge
• Giada De Laurentiis Chocolate Ricotta Cheesecake
• Giada De Laurentiis Chocolate Mascarpone Pound Cake