Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie

The Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie is a delightful dessert that transforms the classic chocolate chip cookie into a rich, fudgy pie. Originating from the renowned Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts, this pie has become a beloved treat for many. Its warm, gooey center filled with semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts offers a comforting and indulgent experience. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or at room temperature, this pie is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie shell
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. Prepare the Pie Shell: Place the unbaked pie shell onto a baking sheet to catch any drips during baking.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
  4. Add Sugars and Butter: Mix in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour to the mixture and stir until fully combined.
  6. Add Chocolate Chips and Walnuts: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  7. Fill the Pie Shell: Pour the batter into the prepared pie shell, spreading it evenly.
  8. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
  9. Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (1 slice, assuming 8 servings per pie):

  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 40g
  • Protein: 5g

A Delicious Dessert for Any Occasion

The beauty of the Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie lies in its simplicity and versatility. It takes just a few common ingredients to create a dessert that feels rich, indulgent, and comforting. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and walnuts creates a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. The chocolate chips melt into a fudgy filling, while the walnuts add a crunchy contrast that makes every bite satisfying.

Unlike many other pies that are made with custards or fruit fillings, the Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie has a chewy, cookie-like texture that appeals to those who love chocolate chip cookies. It’s a wonderful dessert to serve after a hearty meal or as a sweet ending to a casual dinner with friends and family. The fact that it can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it even more irresistible.

This pie is also incredibly easy to prepare, which makes it a great option for those who want to create an impressive dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients means that even beginners can tackle the recipe with ease, and the pie is likely to turn out perfectly every time.

Why This Pie is a Favorite

There are several reasons why the Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie has remained a favorite over the years. First, the taste is unbeatable. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate and buttery, flaky pie crust creates a dessert that is both satisfying and comforting. The pie has a wonderful balance of sweetness and richness, which makes it the perfect treat for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Second, the versatility of the pie adds to its popularity. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other desserts or beverages. The warmth of the pie, when served fresh from the oven, is a perfect match for a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For those who prefer a different flavor, the pie can also be served with a side of whipped cream or fresh fruit.

The pie is also adaptable to different occasions and dietary needs. While it is perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, it can also be a simple treat for a weekend afternoon. Additionally, while this recipe includes traditional ingredients like butter, sugar, and chocolate chips, it can be adapted for those with dietary restrictions. For example, a gluten-free pie crust can be used for individuals with gluten sensitivities, or dairy-free substitutes can be made for those who are lactose intolerant.

The Joy of Baking with Chocolate Chips

Chocolate chips are a key ingredient in this pie, and their versatility makes them a pantry staple for many bakers. While chocolate chips are often associated with cookies, they are also perfect for use in cakes, brownies, and pies. Their small size and shape allow them to melt evenly into baked goods, creating pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the dish. In the case of the Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie, the chocolate chips create a rich, fudgy filling that is both sweet and indulgent.

The use of chocolate chips in this pie recipe brings another level of convenience for bakers. Unlike chopping up a bar of chocolate, chocolate chips can be added directly to the batter, saving time and effort. This simplicity is one of the reasons why chocolate chips are often the go-to choice for desserts like this one. Additionally, chocolate chips come in a variety of types, including semi-sweet, milk, and dark chocolate, which means that bakers can customize the flavor profile of the pie based on their preferences.

Walnuts: A Perfect Complement to Chocolate

In addition to the chocolate chips, walnuts are another essential component of the Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie. Walnuts add a delightful crunch to the pie, creating a contrast to the smooth and gooey chocolate filling. The slightly bitter flavor of the walnuts complements the sweetness of the chocolate, making the pie more balanced and less overwhelmingly sweet.

Walnuts are not only a delicious addition to the pie but also a nutritious one. They are an excellent source of healthy fats, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Walnuts are also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making them a great addition to any diet. Including walnuts in the Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie not only enhances the flavor and texture of the dessert but also provides added nutritional value.

If you prefer a different nut or want to make the pie nut-free, almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts could be used as substitutes. Alternatively, the nuts can be omitted altogether for those with allergies or personal preferences.

A Pie for All Seasons

The Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie is a dessert that can be enjoyed year-round, making it a versatile choice for any season. During the cooler months, the warmth of the pie served fresh from the oven is especially comforting. In the summer, when fresh fruit is in season, the pie can be paired with a scoop of sorbet or a side of berries to add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dessert.

This pie is also perfect for holiday celebrations. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family birthday, the Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie can be a centerpiece dessert that everyone will enjoy. Its familiar flavors and comforting texture make it an ideal choice for gatherings with family and friends. You can even customize the pie by adding seasonal ingredients, such as cinnamon or pumpkin spice, to give it a unique twist during the fall.

The Simplicity of the Recipe

One of the reasons why the Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie is so popular is its simplicity. The recipe requires just a handful of basic ingredients, many of which are likely already in your pantry. There’s no need for complicated techniques or specialty equipment – just mix the ingredients, pour them into a pie crust, and bake.

The simplicity of the recipe makes it a great option for beginner bakers who want to create an impressive dessert with minimal effort. It’s also perfect for busy individuals who want to make something homemade without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Even if you’re not an experienced baker, this pie is easy to put together and results in a crowd-pleasing dessert every time.

Conclusion: A Dessert for Every Sweet Tooth

The Toll House Chocolate Chip Pie is a classic dessert that has earned its place in the hearts of many. It combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate and walnuts with a buttery, flaky pie crust to create a treat that is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re enjoying it as a special dessert for a holiday gathering or simply as a sweet treat after a meal, this pie is sure to satisfy your cravings.

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