Are you looking for a dessert that will wow your guests and have everyone asking for the recipe? Look no further than this Deep Dish Cookie Pie! Rich, gooey, and packed with chocolate chips, this cookie pie is perfect for any occasion. The best part? It’s made with a secret ingredient that no one will suspect: white beans or garbanzo beans.
This dessert is not only indulgent but also has a unique twist that adds a bit of nutritional value without sacrificing flavor. The creamy texture from the beans combined with the sweetness of brown sugar and the richness of chocolate chips creates a melt-in-your-mouth experience that people won’t be able to get enough of.
Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, this Deep Dish Cookie Pie is a must-try. In this article, we’ll dive into the detailed recipe, explore variations and customization options, and provide helpful tips for making this pie a show-stopping success!
What is a Deep Dish Cookie Pie?
A Deep Dish Cookie Pie is essentially a giant, thick cookie baked in a springform or deep dish pan, giving it a soft, gooey center and a slightly crispy edge. It’s the best of both worlds – part cookie, part pie, all delicious. Unlike traditional cookies, which are thin and crisp or chewy, a deep dish cookie pie has more depth, making it perfect for those who love soft, fudgy desserts.
The key difference between a regular cookie and a cookie pie is the texture and presentation. While cookies are typically small, flat, and baked on a sheet, a cookie pie is baked in a deeper pan, giving it a dense, cake-like texture. Plus, it’s loaded with chocolate chips, making every bite a perfect balance of sweet and rich.
But what sets this recipe apart is the surprising addition of white beans or garbanzo beans. You might be skeptical at first, but trust us—these beans give the pie a velvety smooth texture while keeping it moist. And don’t worry, you won’t taste them at all!
Ingredients for Deep Dish Cookie Pie
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for this amazing cookie pie:
- 2 cans white beans or garbanzo beans (500g total, once drained): The beans add creaminess and structure to the pie without overpowering the sweet flavor.
- 1 cup quick oats or almond flour: Oats or almond flour give the pie its body and help bind the ingredients together.
- 1/4 cup applesauce or yogurt: These ingredients add moisture and a subtle tang, helping to keep the pie soft and tender.
- 3 tbsp oil or 1/4 cup nut butter: Oil or nut butter adds richness and helps give the pie its gooey texture.
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the flavor and adds warmth to the pie.
- 2 tsp baking powder: This helps the pie rise and gives it a light, airy texture.
- 1/2 tsp baking soda: Baking soda works with the baking powder to help the pie rise and ensures a soft texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 1/2 cup brown sugar or unrefined sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness, depth, and a slight caramel-like flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: These are the star of the show, adding rich bursts of chocolate throughout the pie.
Why Use White Beans or Garbanzo Beans?
Using beans in a dessert may sound unconventional, but they work incredibly well in this recipe. The beans provide a creamy, smooth texture without adding any noticeable flavor. They also help to create a healthier dessert by replacing some of the flour and fat typically used in cookie pies. Beans are a great source of protein and fiber, which makes this dessert a bit more nutritious without sacrificing indulgence.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Deep Dish Cookie Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Beans
Start by draining and rinsing your white beans or garbanzo beans thoroughly. Make sure to remove any excess liquid, as too much moisture can affect the texture of the pie. Once the beans are drained, set them aside.
Step 2: Blend the Ingredients
In a food processor, combine the rinsed beans, oats or almond flour, applesauce or yogurt, oil or nut butter, vanilla extract, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and brown sugar. Blend everything until you have a smooth, creamy batter. This step is crucial for achieving a uniform texture, as the beans need to be fully blended to avoid any lumps.
While some commenters have had success using a blender, it’s highly recommended to use a food processor for the best results. The texture comes out much smoother, which is important for achieving that gooey, cookie-like consistency.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate Chips
Once the batter is smooth, fold in the chocolate chips. You can use a spatula to mix them in, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Prepare the Pan
Grease a 9 or 10-inch springform pan or a deep-dish pie pan. The springform pan is preferred because it makes it easier to remove the pie after baking, but any deep pan will work. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookie pie for 35 minutes. The edges should be set and slightly golden, while the center remains soft and gooey. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can bake it for an additional 5 minutes, but be careful not to overbake it, as the center should remain soft and fudgy.
Step 6: Let It Cool
After removing the pie from the oven, let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the center to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve. You can serve the pie warm for a gooey, melted chocolate experience, or let it cool completely for a firmer texture.
Tips for the Perfect Deep Dish Cookie Pie
1. Use High-Quality Chocolate Chips
Since chocolate chips are a key ingredient in this pie, opt for high-quality chocolate. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work best, but you can also experiment with milk chocolate or even white chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
2. Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once you’ve blended the ingredients in the food processor, avoid overmixing when folding in the chocolate chips. Overmixing can make the batter tough and dense, so gently fold the chips in until just combined.
3. Customize the Add-Ins
Feel free to get creative with this recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins. Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts), shredded coconut, or even dried fruit can add extra texture and flavor to the cookie pie. You can also swirl in some peanut butter or Nutella for a decadent twist!
4. Serve with Ice Cream
This cookie pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream contrasts with the warm, gooey pie, creating the ultimate dessert experience.
Variations of Deep Dish Cookie Pie
One of the best things about this Deep Dish Cookie Pie is how versatile it is. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
1. Sugar-Free Version
For those looking to reduce their sugar intake, you can make a Sugar-Free Deep Dish Cookie Pie by substituting the brown sugar with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. You can also use sugar-free chocolate chips to cut down on sugar even further.
2. Gluten-Free Option
To make this pie gluten-free, simply use gluten-free oats or almond flour in place of regular oats. Both options work well and provide a similar texture to the original recipe.
3. Vegan Version
This recipe is already easy to adapt for vegans! Simply use a plant-based yogurt (such as almond or coconut yogurt) and opt for nut butter instead of oil. Additionally, make sure to use vegan chocolate chips, which are widely available in stores.
4. Peanut Butter Cookie Pie
For peanut butter lovers, try substituting the oil with peanut butter for a delicious twist. You can also swirl in extra peanut butter on top of the batter before baking for a double dose of peanut butter flavor.
5. S’mores Cookie Pie
Turn this cookie pie into a s’mores-inspired dessert by adding graham cracker crumbs to the batter and sprinkling mini marshmallows on top before baking. For an extra touch, you can also drizzle melted chocolate on top after it comes out of the oven.
Storing and Reheating Deep Dish Cookie Pie
Storage:
If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), you can store the deep dish cookie pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the pie for up to 5 days. The pie tastes great even when chilled, though the texture will be firmer.
Reheating:
To enjoy the pie warm and gooey again, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This will soften the pie and melt the chocolate chips, recreating that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
Why You’ll Love This Deep Dish Cookie Pie
- Gooey and Rich: Every bite is packed with melty chocolate chips and a soft, fudgy center.
- Secretly Healthy: Thanks to the beans and oats, this dessert has a sneaky boost of fiber and protein, making it a slightly healthier option.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving this at a party or making it for your family, this cookie pie is always a hit.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this pie ready to go in under an hour.
- Customizable: From peanut butter to vegan options, this recipe can be adapted to suit a variety of dietary needs and flavor preferences.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Dessert
This Deep Dish Cookie Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a comforting, indulgent treat that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe!). With its rich, gooey center and crispy edges, this cookie pie strikes the perfect balance between a traditional cookie and a pie.
The addition of white beans or garbanzo beans adds a surprising yet effective twist, making the pie extra creamy while boosting its nutritional content. But don’t worry—no one will ever guess that this dessert contains beans!
Whether you’re making this pie for a special occasion or as a weeknight treat, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Pair it with a scoop of ice cream or enjoy it on its own, and get ready to fall in love with this deliciously decadent creation.