Next Best Thing to Robert Redford Pie: A Decadent Chocolate Dream

This pie. Oh, this pie. It’s called the “Next Best Thing to Robert Redford” for a reason. Some say it’s the sheer decadence, the layers of textures and flavors that dance on your tongue. Others claim it’s the satisfying crunch, the smooth creaminess, the rich chocolate intensity that evokes a similar feeling to, well, you know. Whatever the reason, this pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a chocolate lover’s absolute dream. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a culinary journey that ends in pure bliss.

It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, special occasions, or simply when you need a serious chocolate fix. While the name might seem a bit… audacious, trust me, the pie lives up to the hype. Think layers upon layers of delightful textures and flavors: a crunchy pecan shortbread crust, a sweet cream cheese filling, a silky smooth chocolate pudding layer, a generous dollop of whipped cream, and a final sprinkle of chocolate shavings. Are you drooling yet?

This recipe might seem a bit involved at first glance, but don’t be intimidated! It’s actually quite simple to make, just requiring a little bit of time and patience. The payoff is well worth the effort, resulting in a pie that will have everyone begging for seconds (and the recipe!).

Ready to dive into chocolate heaven? Let’s get baking!

## The Anatomy of a Chocolate Masterpiece: Layers of Deliciousness

Before we get to the recipe itself, let’s break down what makes this pie so special. Understanding each layer and its contribution to the overall flavor profile will help you appreciate the final product even more.

* **Pecan Shortbread Crust:** This isn’t your average pie crust. The pecans add a delightful nutty flavor and a subtle crunch that complements the richness of the other layers. The shortbread base provides a sturdy foundation and a satisfying buttery taste.
* **Cream Cheese Filling:** This layer adds a tangy sweetness that balances the intensity of the chocolate. The cream cheese provides a creamy texture that melts in your mouth, creating a delightful contrast to the crunchy crust.
* **Chocolate Pudding Layer:** The star of the show! This layer is where the chocolate magic happens. A rich and decadent chocolate pudding provides the deep, intense chocolate flavor that defines this pie.
* **Whipped Cream Topping:** A light and airy whipped cream topping adds a touch of elegance and balances the richness of the chocolate pudding. It also provides a visual appeal, making the pie even more enticing.
* **Chocolate Shavings:** A final flourish of chocolate shavings adds a touch of sophistication and intensifies the chocolate flavor even further. It’s the perfect finishing touch to this decadent masterpiece.

## The Next Best Thing to Robert Redford Pie Recipe

Now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for: the recipe! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a pie that will impress everyone who tastes it.

**Yields:** 12 servings
**Prep time:** 45 minutes
**Chill time:** 4 hours (minimum)

### Ingredients:

**For the Pecan Shortbread Crust:**

* 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 cup chopped pecans
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 3-4 tablespoons ice water

**For the Cream Cheese Filling:**

* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip)

**For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:**

* 2 (3.9 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
* 3 cups cold milk

**For the Topping:**

* 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip)
* Chocolate shavings, for garnish

### Equipment:

* 9-inch pie plate
* Food processor (optional, for the crust)
* Mixing bowls
* Electric mixer
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula

### Instructions:

**Get Started: The Pecan Shortbread Crust**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pecans, and salt.
2. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. **Form the Dough:** Gently press the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the gluten to relax. This will prevent the crust from shrinking during baking.
5. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Pie Plate:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate.
6. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to the prepared pie plate. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate.
7. **Crimp the Edges:** Crimp the edges of the pie crust using your fingers or a fork to create a decorative border. This will also help to prevent the crust from slumping during baking.
8. **Dock the Crust:** Prick the bottom of the crust several times with a fork. This will prevent the crust from puffing up during baking.
9. **Bake the Crust:** Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. Let the crust cool completely on a wire rack before adding the filling.

**The Creamy Dream: Cream Cheese Filling**

1. **Beat the Cream Cheese:** In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
2. **Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla:** Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese, beating until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. **Fold in Whipped Topping:** Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped topping.
4. **Spread into Crust:** Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled pecan shortbread crust.

**Chocolate Indulgence: Chocolate Pudding Layer**

1. **Whisk Pudding and Milk:** In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until well combined. The pudding will start to thicken almost immediately.
2. **Let Pudding Set:** Let the pudding stand for 5 minutes to allow it to fully thicken.
3. **Pour over Cream Cheese:** Gently pour the chocolate pudding over the cream cheese filling, spreading it evenly.

**The Finishing Touch: Whipped Cream Topping and Garnish**

1. **Spread Whipped Topping:** Spread the remaining thawed whipped topping evenly over the chocolate pudding layer.
2. **Garnish with Chocolate Shavings:** Sprinkle the whipped cream with chocolate shavings for a final touch of elegance and chocolate intensity.

**Chill and Serve:**

1. **Chill the Pie:** Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the pie to set completely. This is a crucial step for the best texture and flavor.
2. **Slice and Serve:** Once the pie has chilled, slice it into wedges and serve. Prepare for rave reviews!

## Tips and Tricks for Pie Perfection

* **Use Cold Ingredients:** For the pecan shortbread crust, using cold butter and ice water is essential. Cold ingredients prevent the gluten in the flour from developing too much, resulting in a tender and flaky crust.
* **Don’t Overmix the Crust:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust. Mix the ingredients just until they come together.
* **Blind Bake the Crust:** If you want to ensure a perfectly crisp crust, you can blind bake it. To do this, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown.
* **Soften Cream Cheese Properly:** Make sure the cream cheese is completely softened before beating it. This will prevent lumps from forming in the filling. You can leave it at room temperature for an hour or two, or microwave it in 15-second intervals until softened.
* **Use High-Quality Chocolate:** For the chocolate shavings, use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. You can use a vegetable peeler to create chocolate shavings from a block of chocolate.
* **Make it Ahead:** This pie is a great make-ahead dessert. You can make the crust a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also assemble the entire pie a day in advance and chill it overnight.
* **Variations:** Feel free to experiment with different flavors and toppings. You can add a layer of caramel sauce between the cream cheese filling and the chocolate pudding, or top the pie with chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh berries.
* **Presentation Matters:** For a more elegant presentation, pipe the whipped cream topping onto the pie instead of spreading it. You can use a pastry bag and a decorative tip to create beautiful swirls and patterns.
* **Freezing Instructions:** While this pie is best served fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. To thaw, transfer the pie to the refrigerator overnight.

## Troubleshooting Common Pie Problems

* **Soggy Crust:** A soggy crust is usually caused by not baking the crust long enough or by adding a filling that is too wet. To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to bake the crust until it is lightly golden brown and prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to allow steam to escape. If your filling is particularly wet, you can brush the bottom of the crust with melted chocolate before adding the filling to create a moisture barrier.
* **Cracked Filling:** A cracked filling can be caused by overbaking the pie or by a sudden temperature change. To prevent a cracked filling, bake the pie at a lower temperature and let it cool slowly. Avoid placing the pie in a cold environment immediately after baking.
* **Shrinking Crust:** A shrinking crust is usually caused by not chilling the dough long enough or by overworking the dough. To prevent a shrinking crust, make sure to chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out and avoid overmixing the dough.
* **Lumpy Filling:** A lumpy filling is usually caused by not softening the cream cheese properly or by adding the powdered sugar too quickly. To prevent a lumpy filling, make sure the cream cheese is completely softened before beating it and add the powdered sugar gradually, beating until smooth.

## Why This Pie is Truly Special

Beyond the delightful flavors and textures, the “Next Best Thing to Robert Redford” pie holds a certain nostalgic charm. It’s a dessert that often evokes memories of potlucks, family gatherings, and simpler times. It’s a pie that’s meant to be shared, a pie that brings people together. And let’s be honest, the name itself is a conversation starter! It adds a touch of humor and intrigue to the dessert, making it even more memorable.

This pie is more than just a recipe; it’s a symbol of comfort, indulgence, and connection. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life are the simple pleasures, like a slice of decadent chocolate pie shared with loved ones.

So, go ahead, give this recipe a try. You might just find that it’s the “Next Best Thing” to your favorite celebrity crush. And even if it’s not, you’ll still end up with a delicious and unforgettable dessert that will leave everyone wanting more.

Enjoy your baking adventure, and happy pie-making!