How do you make a pumpkin pie even better? You got it! Add a layer of chocolate ganache to the top. Moment of silence for the delicious pie, folks. It wasn’t long for this world.
As Thanksgiving looms ever closer, I can’t stop baking pie. All of them are contenders for the big day, but it’s going to be hard to pick the best ones. I’ve always had such a hard time with the concept of “favorite” dessert.
I mean, come on. How are we supposed to pick an ultimate winner when so many desserts are so wonderful? And pie is the happiest of all holiday treats. Still, if I had to start expressing preferences, this pie would be up there. It’s a traditional pumpkin pie with a thick layer of chocolate ganache on top. Needless to say, it’s a winner.
Picking favorites is super easy with some things, but not with others. My favorite boots? Easy. I hate to be what my students call “basic” (i.e. predictable and unexciting), but I love Uggs. They’re warm and toasty, not to mention comfortable. The first time I saw them, I thought they were crazy ugly. But now, not at all. Or maybe I’ve just stopped caring, because they encase my feet and legs like a cloud of joy.
When it comes to listing favorite foods, though, I’m totally lost. I really hate it when people come and say, “Hey, you’re a baker. What’s your favorite thing to bake?” Aaaaah. Truth? No clue. My big thing about blogging is doing something new and creative every single time. If I wanted to make the same thing over and over, I’d work at Starbucks.
Besides, how are you supposed to pick a favorite? We’ve got chocolate of all kinds. Cookies. Brownies. Cake. Pie. I just cannot make decisions. And any bar cookie is my friend. It’s not a fair question. When it comes to non-dessert food, I’ll take a medium-rare steak and sushi any day, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other friends I love just as much.
My kids are much simpler. Their favorites are clearly delineated for my own information. Chicken nuggets. Hot dogs. French fries. How predictable is that?
I guess I shouldn’t fault my kids for wanting standard favorites. After all, what is pumpkin pie if not a traditional holiday standard? I just played with this one a little bit, and it paid off!
What we have here is a totally traditional pumpkin pie with a very easy topping. I made the ganache in the microwave in about a minute. It’s so incredibly simple. I also decided to use a frozen pie crust because, after all, I love frozen pie crust. I’ll be making plenty of pie crust over the next two weeks. For this, a little cheating doesn’t hurt.
Once this pie is ready to eat, it hits all the right spots. It’s creamy, it’s chocolatey, and most of all, it’s a perfect twist on a traditional Thanksgiving dessert. I won’t ask if it’s going to be one of your favorites because when it comes to food, that’s kind of a dumb question. But I hope you love it as much as I did!
Ingredients
Instructions
Hiya! I’m actually going to be digital-free until Monday night, so I’ll be back to see you all later. But I had to share this recipe anyway. Yay for setting posts to automatically publish!
This looks like a cheesecake. But it’s not. It’s something very, very special.
Hey, it’s almost summer! This time of year, baking blogs undergo a shift as fruit actually becomes available. Like, good fruit. Not the stuff that looks really pretty and tastes like nothing.
I have a lot of strong beliefs. Here are some:
1) The Indianapolis Colts will rise again.
2) Taking time for yourself is not an act of selfishness, but necessity.
3) Cakey brownies are a crime against humanity.
4) A lot of brides need to stop wearing strapless gowns. Other silhouettes rock!
5) Trying to sleep in my class is an act of disrespect.
6) Hope springs eternal as long as you’re getting enough sleep.
Oh, and here’s another for you: graham cracker crust needs to be tricked out!
What do I mean by that? I’m so glad you asked!
I’m kind of annoyed with dessert menus at restaurants.
First of all, they often just change seasonally, if at all. And when they do change, there are a couple of standbys that never shift. At any given time of year, you can be pretty sure that there will be crème brulee and molten chocolate cake on the menu, along with a fruit-based dessert (tart or crisp, usually) and an assortment of ice creams and sorbets.
Don’t get me wrong. I love all those things. But why can’t pastry chefs be allowed to really get creative? To have more fun? And, dare I suggest it, change the menu at least (gasp!) monthly? Would that be so terrible?
This beautiful pie is proof that chocolate makes EVERYTHING better. I’ve grown tired of the plain old pumpkin pie and this looks like a fun way to dress it up!
Jessica @ Citrus Blossom Bliss recently posted…Strawberries and Cream Protein Smoothie
I was tired of it too, Jessica. It needed a little kick!
I believe chocolate is the sweet version of bacon… adding them always taste better! 😉 This pumpkin pie looks splendid!
Jasline (Foodie Baker) recently posted…Mini Coconut Cheesecakes
I’m going to take your word on that, Jasline, since I’m not a bacon eater. But it does look tasty. Thanks!
Ganache is definitely the way to jazz up pumpkin pie! This sounds amazing, Mir! I think I would devour this in no time!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Yeah you would, pumpkin girl! 🙂
Mir – The reason I’m leaving my job as Starbucks is because I’m tired of doing the same thing over and over again! Haha. Food blogging allows for so much creativity. This pumpkin ganache pie looks delicious. I make a pumpkin-apple pie for my Thanksgiving dinner.
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Buzz Worthy Cocktail
You mean you don’t love making the same drinks over and over? 🙂 That’s good, Erin. More time to teach!
I have been seriously swimming in pies over here. I can’t get enough!! This one…with the big dose of chocolate…omg YES please! Looks so good, Mir!
Rachel @ Bakerita recently posted…Peppermint Brownies
Me too, Rachel. Tis the season and all. Love all the pies!
Ganache just fancies everything up, am I right? I would never think to add chocolate to pumpkin pie and it is perfect. My mouth is watering!
annie@ciaochowbambina.com recently posted…Roasted Beetroot with Feta and Balsamic Vinegar
It really does, and it’s so easy to make. I’m a ganache girl, Annie!
I’m all over this pumpkin pie! Seriously, chocolate ganache makes everything better!!
Sigh. It really does, Jen. It really does.
I’d have to say traditional pumpkin pies ain’t got nothin’ on yours, Mir! I mean chocolate ganache smothered pumpkin pie?! Winner for sure. Of course it is, because I can’t eat it. Lol. I swear you are my personal source of torture! 😉 My husband isn’t a huge fan of pumpkin pies, but I can guarantee he would LOVE this one! Pinned! Cheers, my dear!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Dr Pepper Glazed Jalapeno Meatballs
I had to add chocolate for my dad, who’s not a huge fan of pumpkin either. He should hang out with your husband, Cheyanne!
I also don’t know what my favorite thing to bake either. Maybe it’s cookies? But only because it’s so quick and easy to make.
This pie looks amazing! Also, you are not basic for loving Uggs. Maybe I’ll buy some sometime..
Cathleen @ A Taste Of Madness recently posted…Starbucks Pumpkin Bread
Thanks for the ego boost, Cathleen! I don’t like the idea of being basic, but I would be if that were the only way to wear Uggs.
Um, this is so genius I think I have to be mad at you? Or not, because you brought ganache pumpkin pie into my life. (Also: I LIVE in uggs this time of year!)
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Peppermint Mocha Cheesecake Dip
Don’t hate, girl! Try it, though. It made me so happy. And so do the Uggs. I live in mine, too!
Oh my gosh, Mir – you have totally WON pumpkin pie for the 2015 holiday season!!! This looks so amazing!
Kate @ Framed Cooks recently posted…Snickerdoodles
Thanks, Kate! I’m glad there was a contest. I like winning!
I can’t allow myself to make ganache, as it never makes it in to the dish as I just eat it all. But, I could make an exception to make this, as it has pumpkin in it and that is always good!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy recently posted…Comment on Gingerbread Smoothie by Dannii
That’s so funny, Dannii! I never want it out of the bowl because it’s too warm for me. But I can see that being a danger!
Mir, Putting a chocolate ganache topping on pumpkin pie is freaking genius!!!!!!! oh my gawd, I love this! and I love my Uggs too! feet and legs are like a cloud of joy. . haha, so true!!!!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Hot and Spicy Cheesebread Stuffing with Jones Bacon
Whoever invented Uggs (and I’m sure I could find out) should be getting an annual holiday card from me. Maybe with accompanying gift basket. That’s how much love I feel, Alice!
When I saw the ganache topping on that pumpkin pie I almost shed a tear of joy. :). That’s a thing of beauty. It definitely wouldn’t last long around here.
Amanda recently posted…Espresso Syrup
Ganache brings me to happy tears, too!
Yes chocolate makes everything better, including this pumpkin pie! And I hear you, people ask me that often and I can never tell what’s my favorite thing to bake! Umm how do you decide? I LOVE all!
Manali @ CookWithManali recently posted…Blueberry Chutney with Almonds
It’s an impossible decision, Manali!
Your pies are always gorgeous! This looks outstanding! Great combination, Mir!
Thanks, Mira! I loved it. 🙂
Oh my goodness, sinful! I love ganache. It’s so rich and delicious. Perfect for this pumpkin pie!
Michele @ Alwayzbakin recently posted…A Day in My Life and My Ideal Day Off
Ganache is quick, easy, and delicious. I’m such a fan!
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Wow this looks so great! I really love pumpkin and chocolate together so this is right up my alley!
Annie recently posted…Introducing Gin Creek Kitchen
Thanks, Annie! I agree that it’s such a good combo!