Indulge in Brownie Bottom Butterfinger Ice Cream Pie: A Delightful Dessert for Every Occasion
Are you still pondering creative and delicious ways to utilize leftover Halloween candy, or perhaps just craving an extraordinary dessert? Look no further! This spectacular Brownie Bottom Butterfinger Ice Cream Pie is a beloved classic that never fails to impress. Combining a rich, fudgy brownie crust with creamy ice cream and crunchy Butterfinger candy, it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will captivate any sweet tooth. This recipe has been a long-standing favorite, and for good reason—it’s deceptively simple yet yields an undeniably impressive result, perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just a special weeknight treat.
The beauty of this Brownie Bottom Butterfinger Ice Cream Pie lies in its layers. The foundation is a wonderfully chewy brownie base, offering a delightful contrast to the cold, smooth ice cream. The middle layer boasts your choice of indulgent ice cream flavors – in our most recent rendition, we used a delightful combination of Banana Pudding Ice Cream and Cookies & Creme, proving how versatile this pie can be. Capping it all off is a generous topping of fluffy whipped cream, liberally sprinkled with heaps of deliciously smashed Butterfinger candy. This pie is not just a dessert; it’s an experience, a perfect marriage of chocolate, creamy goodness, and that iconic peanut-buttery crunch.
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Crafting the Perfect Brownie Bottom Crust
One of the standout features that elevates this ice cream pie above the rest is its unique crust. Unlike the traditional graham cracker or cookie crumb crusts often found in ice cream pies, this recipe calls for a thin, decadent layer of brownie baked directly into your pie dish. This ingenious foundation not only adds an incredible depth of chocolate flavor but also provides a delightful chewy texture that complements the creamy filling perfectly. It’s truly the secret weapon of this dessert, ensuring every bite is a harmonious blend of rich chocolate and cool, sweet ice cream.
While the recipe card includes instructions for a scratch-made brownie crust—which is utterly fantastic if you have the time and inclination—we understand that convenience is often key. Thanks to a clever suggestion from a reader, we’ve also tested and confirmed that a high-quality packaged brownie mix works flawlessly! This flexibility means you can achieve an equally delicious result whether you prefer to bake from scratch or opt for a convenient shortcut. If you desire a thicker, more substantial brownie layer, simply double the crust recipe or use a full box of brownie mix instead of half.
To successfully use a brownie mix for your crust, select your favorite brand and follow the instructions provided on the box, but remember to use only half of the mix and half of the called-for ingredients for a standard thin crust. Different brands may vary slightly in consistency and baking time, so it’s a good idea to monitor your crust. For example, in the photos accompanying this recipe, we utilized half a box of an Aldi brand gluten-free brownie mix, preparing it with half the specified oil, water, and egg. The mixture was then spread evenly into a well-greased, deep-dish pie pan and baked at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 23 minutes. The result was a perfectly set, slightly gooey brownie layer, ideal for supporting the ice cream filling. This method ensures a consistently delicious and easy-to-make brownie base every time.
Effortlessly Removing Your Ice Cream Pie from the Dish
For many, the thought of unmolding a frozen ice cream pie can be a source of dread. The struggle to get those perfect slices without the pie sticking to the dish is a common kitchen conundrum. However, there’s a simple, ingenious trick that will banish those worries forever, ensuring your beautiful pie slides out effortlessly, ready for a flawless presentation. The secret lies in a basic principle of thermodynamics: heat transfer.
Here’s the game-changing method: When your pie is thoroughly frozen and you’re ready to serve, place the entire cold pie dish into a larger, rimmed baking pan. Carefully pour a small amount of hot tap water (not boiling, just hot) into the larger pan, creating a shallow bath around the base of the pie dish. Allow it to sit for just a minute or two. The gentle heat from the water will slightly warm the outer edges of the pie dish, causing the frozen brownie crust and ice cream to very subtly release from the sides and bottom. You’ll find that with this simple step, you can then easily lift or “pop” the pie right out of its dish, or at least loosen it enough for easy slicing directly in the pan. This technique works wonders, saving you from frustration and ensuring your stunning dessert remains intact for serving.
More Butterfinger Delights to Explore
If you’re a fan of Butterfinger’s unique crisp and peanut butter flavor, you’re in for a treat! This Brownie Bottom Butterfinger Ice Cream Pie is just one of many fantastic ways to incorporate this iconic candy into your baking repertoire. From chewy bars to delicate meringues, Butterfinger adds an irresistible crunch and a distinct flavor profile to a variety of desserts. Here are some other delightful Butterfinger recipes from our collection that you might enjoy, perfect for any occasion where you crave that unmistakable Butterfinger goodness:
- Chewy Butterfinger Bar Cookies
- Butterfinger Meringues
- Butterfinger Cookies with Butterscotch Morsels
- Butterfinger Bark
- Chocolate Butterfinger Pie
Brownie Bottom Butterfinger Ice Cream Pie Recipe
Brownie Bottom Butterfinger Ice Cream Pie
Cookie Madness
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Ingredients
Brownie Crust (Scratch-made, yields a perfect thin crust)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 ½ tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder like Hershey’s Dark.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ⅛ teaspoon baking powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Ice Cream Filling & Topping
- 1 ½ quarts high-quality vanilla ice cream or unleash your creativity with a more adventurous flavor like banana pudding, coffee, or chocolate!
- ¼ cup caramel flavored sundae syrup adjust amount to your taste; more or less as desired.
- 3 cups sweetened whipped cream or whipped topping Homemade whipped cream is highly recommended for best flavor.
- 4 to 8 Fun Size Butterfinger candy bars The more, the crunchier! These should be crushed in their wrappers for easy handling.
- Chocolate Syrup optional, for an extra chocolatey drizzle when serving.
Instructions
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**Prepare the Brownie Crust:** Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish glass pie plate to prevent sticking.
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**Mix the Brownie Batter:** Melt the butter thoroughly in a large saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe mixing bowl. Once melted, remove from heat. Add the cocoa powder and whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps. Next, whisk in the vanilla extract, followed by the granulated sugar, ensuring it dissolves well. Finally, incorporate the large egg, whisking until the mixture is light and well combined. Stir in the baking powder and salt, then gently fold in the all-purpose flour just until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
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**Bake and Chill the Crust:** Spread the brownie batter as evenly as possible into the prepared pie dish. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top appears set but still slightly shiny, indicating a fudgy center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Transfer the baked crust to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Once cool, place the pie dish with the brownie crust into the freezer for at least an hour, or until thoroughly chilled and firm. This step is crucial for achieving a firm base that won’t melt the ice cream.
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**Assemble the Pie Layers:** While the crust is chilling, allow your chosen ice cream to soften slightly at room temperature (about 10-15 minutes) until it’s pliable enough to spread, but not fully melted. At this point, you have an option: you can either gently fold some of the crushed Butterfinger candy into the softened ice cream for integrated crunch, or you can reserve all the candy for topping. Spread the softened ice cream evenly over the chilled brownie base. Drizzle the caramel sundae syrup generously over the ice cream layer. Next, spread a thin layer of sweetened whipped cream over the caramel syrup. For an extra touch, gently drag some of the caramel syrup into the whipped cream to create beautiful swirls and a caramel-infused whipped cream layer. Finally, spread the remaining whipped cream over the top to create a smooth surface, and if you’re feeling decorative, pipe some extra whipped cream around the edges for a professional finish.
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**Freeze to Firmness:** Liberally sprinkle the remaining crushed Butterfinger candy over the whipped topping. This creates a delightful, crunchy crown for your pie. Return the assembled pie to the freezer for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight, until the ice cream and whipped cream layers are very firm and perfectly set. This extensive freezing time ensures the pie holds its shape beautifully when sliced.
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**Serve and Enjoy:** When you’re ready to serve this magnificent pie, employ our special trick for easy removal: set the frozen pie dish on a dish towel that has been thoroughly soaked in hot water for about 1-2 minutes. This gentle warmth will help loosen the crust from the sides of the pan. Carefully cut slices using a sharp knife dipped in hot water between each cut. Garnish each slice with additional caramel syrup and/or chocolate syrup, if desired, for an extra flourish. Serve immediately and savor every glorious bite!
Notes for Success
**Crushing Butterfinger Candy:** The easiest and neatest way to crush your Butterfinger bars is to leave them in their original wrappers. Place them on a sturdy surface and gently but firmly bang them with a rolling pin or any heavy, blunt object (like the bottom of a heavy glass or a meat mallet). This method keeps the candy contained, minimizing mess and ensuring even crushing. Aim for a mix of fine crumbs and small, crunchy chunks for the best texture in your pie.
**Piping Whipped Cream:** You don’t need fancy pastry bags or specialized tips to achieve a beautiful piped edge. Simply spoon some of your sweetened whipped cream into a heavy-duty zipper-top bag. Push the cream into one corner, then snip off a small piece of that corner with scissors. You can then pipe elegant dots, swirls, or a simple border around the edge of your pie with ease. This simple hack makes decorating both fun and accessible for everyone.
**Ice Cream Choices:** Don’t be limited to just vanilla! While classic, experimenting with other ice cream flavors can elevate your pie. Think chocolate fudge swirl, coffee, or even a delightful peanut butter ice cream to amplify the Butterfinger flavor. Just ensure it’s a flavor that harmonizes with chocolate and caramel.
**Make Ahead & Storage:** This pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to 3-5 days in advance. Ensure it is tightly covered with plastic wrap, then foil, to prevent freezer burn and keep it fresh. Store the pie in the deepest part of your freezer where temperatures are most consistent.
Customizing Your Brownie Bottom Butterfinger Ice Cream Pie
One of the most exciting aspects of this Brownie Bottom Butterfinger Ice Cream Pie is its incredible versatility. While the combination of brownie, vanilla ice cream, and Butterfinger is a proven winner, don’t hesitate to get creative and personalize your pie to suit your taste or the occasion. Consider swapping out the vanilla ice cream for a different flavor that you adore. Chocolate, coffee, mint chocolate chip, or even a rich caramel pecan ice cream would pair wonderfully with the chocolate brownie crust and crunchy Butterfinger. For an extra layer of flavor, you could even swirl in a different type of sauce with the caramel, such as hot fudge or a strawberry topping, to create a stunning visual and taste experience.
Beyond the ice cream, feel free to experiment with the candy topping. If Butterfinger isn’t your absolute favorite, or if you have other candy bars to use up, this pie is incredibly forgiving. Snickers, M&M’s, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, or even chopped cookies like Oreos would make fantastic alternatives, offering different textures and flavor profiles. For a non-candy variation, consider toasted nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes over the caramel for a gourmet touch. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this show-stopping dessert truly your own.
Serving and Storage Tips for Your Perfect Ice Cream Pie
To ensure your Brownie Bottom Butterfinger Ice Cream Pie is enjoyed at its absolute best, a few serving and storage considerations can make all the difference. When slicing, a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts will yield the cleanest and most elegant portions. This helps the knife glide through the frozen layers without sticking or dragging, ensuring each slice looks as good as it tastes. For an extra special presentation, drizzle each slice with a little more caramel or chocolate syrup, or add a small dollop of fresh whipped cream.
For storage, proper care is essential to maintain the pie’s quality and prevent freezer burn. Once the pie is fully set, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, ensuring the wrap directly touches the surface of the whipped cream to minimize air exposure. Then, wrap it again securely with aluminum foil. This double layer of protection is crucial for keeping the ice cream fresh and free from ice crystals. Store the pie in the coldest part of your freezer, usually towards the back, where temperatures are most consistent. When stored correctly, your pie can last beautifully for up to 1-2 weeks, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for entertaining or simply enjoying a slice whenever a craving strikes.
This Brownie Bottom Butterfinger Ice Cream Pie is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of indulgence, texture, and flavor. Whether you’re repurposing leftover Halloween candy or simply seeking a show-stopping dessert, this pie delivers on all fronts. Its rich brownie crust, creamy ice cream, and irresistible Butterfinger crunch create a harmonious symphony that is sure to become a new family favorite. Don’t be intimidated by ice cream pies—with our tips and tricks, you’ll master this magnificent dessert in no time. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to create a truly unforgettable sweet treat!