Brandy Alexander Pie: A Decadent Dessert Recipe

Brandy Alexander Pie. The name alone conjures images of sophisticated evenings, roaring fireplaces, and the smooth, creamy indulgence of a classic cocktail. But imagine that cocktail transformed into a pie. Not just any pie, but a luscious, decadent dessert that elevates your baking game to a whole new level. This recipe isn’t just about baking; it’s about crafting an experience, a culinary masterpiece that will have your guests begging for seconds (and the recipe!). Forget the mundane; this Brandy Alexander Pie is a showstopper. Let’s dive in and create this unforgettable dessert!

## What is a Brandy Alexander, Anyway?

Before we get into the pie, let’s quickly revisit the cocktail that inspired it all. The Brandy Alexander is a classic after-dinner drink traditionally made with brandy (or cognac), crème de cacao, and cream, shaken with ice and strained into a cocktail glass. It’s rich, smooth, and subtly chocolatey – the perfect balance of flavors that translates beautifully into a pie.

## Why Brandy Alexander Pie?

Why settle for a drink when you can have a pie? This Brandy Alexander Pie captures the essence of the cocktail in a delightful, sliceable format. Here’s why you’ll love it:

* **Decadent Flavor:** The combination of brandy, chocolate, and cream creates an intensely rich and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Impressive Presentation:** This pie is beautiful! From the golden crust to the smooth, creamy filling, it’s a visual masterpiece.
* **Perfect for Special Occasions:** Whether it’s a holiday gathering, a birthday celebration, or simply a special treat, this pie is sure to impress.
* **Surprisingly Easy to Make:** While it looks and tastes complex, this pie is surprisingly straightforward to prepare.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients. The key to a great pie is using high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the brandy and chocolate. Here’s what you’ll need:

**For the Crust:**

* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
* ¼ cup vegetable shortening, chilled
* 5-7 tablespoons ice water

**For the Filling:**

* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1/2 cup crème de cacao liqueur
* 1/4 cup brandy
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
* Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish (optional)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9-inch pie plate
* Mixing bowls
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Food processor (optional, for crust)
* Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Rubber spatula
* Plastic wrap
* Aluminum foil (for blind baking)
* Pie weights or dried beans (for blind baking)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your Brandy Alexander Pie.

### Part 1: Making the Crust

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.

2. **Cut in the Fat:** Add the chilled butter and shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (work quickly to keep the fat cold), cut the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use a food processor for this step. Pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3. **Add Ice Water:** Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

4. **Form the Dough:** Gently form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).

5. **Roll Out the Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.

6. **Transfer to Pie Plate:** Carefully transfer the dough to the pie plate. Trim the edges and crimp or flute them decoratively.

7. **Pre-bake (Blind Bake) the Crust:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the pie crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the pie weights and parchment paper and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. This process, known as blind baking, prevents the crust from becoming soggy when you add the filling. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.

### Part 2: Making the Filling

1. **Cream the Cream Cheese:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

2. **Add Sweetened Condensed Milk:** Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, beating until well combined.

3. **Incorporate the Liqueur and Brandy:** Pour in the crème de cacao liqueur, brandy, and vanilla extract. Mix until the filling is smooth and evenly flavored. Taste and adjust the brandy or crème de cacao to your liking. Keep in mind the flavor will mellow slightly once chilled.

4. **Fold in Whipped Cream:** Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will deflate the whipped cream.

### Part 3: Assembling the Pie

1. **Pour in the Filling:** Pour the filling into the cooled, pre-baked pie crust.

2. **Chill the Pie:** Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.

3. **Garnish and Serve:** Before serving, garnish the pie with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder, if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

## Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Brandy Alexander Pie

* **Keep Ingredients Cold:** For the pie crust, keeping the butter, shortening, and water as cold as possible is crucial. This ensures a flaky crust.
* **Don’t Overmix the Dough:** Overmixing the pie dough will develop the gluten, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Blind Bake Thoroughly:** Blind baking the crust prevents it from becoming soggy. Make sure to remove the pie weights and bake the crust until it’s lightly golden brown.
* **Use High-Quality Brandy:** The quality of the brandy will significantly impact the flavor of the pie. Choose a brandy you enjoy drinking.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** Taste the filling and adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet pie, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk slightly.
* **Chill Time is Important:** Don’t rush the chilling process. The pie needs ample time to set properly.
* **Whipped Cream Consistency:** Ensure your whipped cream has stiff peaks before folding it into the filling. This will give the pie a light and airy texture.
* **Garnish Creatively:** Get creative with your garnish! Besides chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, you can also use fresh berries, whipped cream rosettes, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

## Variations and Adaptations

* **Chocolate Crust:** For an extra chocolatey pie, use a chocolate pie crust instead of a traditional one.
* **Espresso Powder:** Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling for a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor.
* **Different Liqueurs:** Experiment with different liqueurs. For example, you could use Frangelico for a hazelnut flavor or Kahlúa for a coffee flavor.
* **Non-Alcoholic Version:** For a non-alcoholic version, replace the brandy with brandy extract and increase the amount of crème de cacao slightly. Ensure the crème de cacao is also alcohol free. Many brands offer non-alcoholic versions of liqueurs.
* **Individual Pielets:** Make individual pielets instead of a large pie for easier serving and portion control. Use small tart pans or ramekins.
* **Graham Cracker Crust:** For a quicker and easier option, use a graham cracker crust instead of a homemade one.

## Serving Suggestions

This Brandy Alexander Pie is best served chilled. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **With a dollop of whipped cream:** A simple dollop of whipped cream enhances the creamy texture of the pie.
* **With fresh berries:** A few fresh raspberries or strawberries add a touch of brightness and acidity.
* **With a drizzle of chocolate sauce:** For an extra decadent treat, drizzle with chocolate sauce.
* **With a scoop of vanilla ice cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the rich flavors of the pie.
* **With a cup of coffee or tea:** This pie is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea after dinner.

## Make Ahead Instructions

The Brandy Alexander Pie is a great make-ahead dessert. You can make the crust up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. The filling can also be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Assemble the pie just before serving.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover Brandy Alexander Pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly over time.

## Brandy Alexander Pie Recipe Card

Here is a printable recipe card for your convenience:

**Brandy Alexander Pie**

**Yields:** 8 servings
**Prep time:** 45 minutes
**Cook time:** 25-30 minutes
**Chill time:** 4 hours (or overnight)

**Ingredients:**

* **Crust:**
* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
* ¼ cup vegetable shortening, chilled
* 5-7 tablespoons ice water
* **Filling:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1/2 cup crème de cacao liqueur
* 1/4 cup brandy
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
* Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Make the Crust:** Combine flour and salt. Cut in butter and shortening until coarse crumbs form. Add ice water until dough comes together. Form into a disc, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.
2. **Roll Out and Blind Bake:** Roll out dough and transfer to a pie plate. Trim and crimp edges. Line with parchment paper, fill with pie weights, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.
3. **Make the Filling:** Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sweetened condensed milk and mix well. Stir in crème de cacao, brandy, and vanilla extract.
4. **Fold in Whipped Cream:** Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
5. **Assemble and Chill:** Pour filling into the cooled crust. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
6. **Garnish and Serve:** Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder before serving.

## Conclusion

The Brandy Alexander Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the joy of creating something truly special. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure that will delight your senses and impress your guests. Enjoy!