Name: Chocolate Orange Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: FOR CRUST:; 24 oreo cookies; ¼ cup unsalted butter; Orange Filling; 3½ oz orange Jell-O; 2 tsp orange extract; ½ cup orange juice; 2½ cups Whipped Topping; 11 oz mandarin orange segments; For Chocolate Ganache Topping:; 1 cup heavy cream; 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

Immerse yourself in the flavorful world of this Chocolate Orange Pie. A combination of tangy, juicy oranges and rich, dark chocolate melds together forming a stunning dessert that's sure to impress both visually and on the palate.

Photos of Chocolate Orange Pie Recipe

This recipe calls for a few items you may not already have at home. One of the main flavor components is orange jell-o and orange extract, these can be found in the baking aisle of most supermarkets. Mandarin orange segments are another major ingredient, canned ones work best for this recipe and can be found in the canned fruit section. Finally, semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream are needed for the chocolate ganache, these are commonly found in the baking aisle or dairy section respectively.

Ingredients for Chocolate Orange Pie

Oreo cookies: These are used to create the crust of the pie, providing a crunchy contrast to the silky filling and ganache.

Unsalted butter: This helps bind the crushed Oreos and form a firm crust.

Orange jell-o: Gives the pie its vibrant orange color and fruity flavor.

Orange extract: Enhances the orange flavor in the pie.

Orange juice: It's used to add natural sweetness and citrusy tang to the filling.

Whipped topping: Gives the orange filling a light, creamy texture.

Mandarin orange segments: Adds a juicy burst of orange flavor and pleasing texture to the filling.

Heavy cream: The base of the chocolate ganache, it gives the topping a rich, creamy texture.

Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into the heavy cream to form the decadent chocolate ganache topping.

One reader, Adele Bartlett says:

This chocolate orange pie recipe is a game-changer! The combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange is pure bliss. The crust is perfectly crunchy, and the creamy orange filling is divine. The chocolate ganache topping takes it to the next level. It's a showstopper dessert that's sure to impress!

Adele Bartlett

Key Techniques for Making Chocolate Orange Pie

How to prepare the crust: Crush the oreo cookies in a food processor, mix in melted butter, and press into an 8-inch pie pan before refrigerating.

How to make the orange filling: Dissolve the orange jell-o and orange extract in boiling water, then add orange juice and whipped topping. Refrigerate until it can hold its shape.

How to make the chocolate ganache topping: Heat heavy cream to boiling, pour over chocolate chips, let sit, then whisk until the mixture thickens. Pour over the pie and refrigerate. Cool the remaining ganache to room temperature, place in a piping bag, and pipe along the edges of the pie.

How To Make Chocolate Orange Pie

Enjoy bites of sweet and zesty filling with this rich chocolate orange pie, made with a bittersweet crust, for a decadent dessert!

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Cool Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Total: 5 hours 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Crust:

24Oreo Cookies,(1 package)
¼cupunsalted butter,melted

For Orange Filling:

3.5ozorange Jell-O,(1 package)
2tsporange extract
½cuporange juice
2½cupswhipped topping
11ozmandarin orange segments,(1 can)

For Chocolate Ganache Topping:

1cupheavy cream
12ozsemi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

Crust:

Place the Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until crushed. Add in melted butter and continue pulsing until well combined.
Press into an 8-inch pie pan and refrigerate.

Orange Filling:

Place Jell-o, orange extract, and ⅔ cups of boiling water in a bowl. Stir until dissolved.
Pour ½ cup of orange juice into a measuring cup. Add enough ice to fill the measuring cup.
Pour into the jello and stir until slightly thickened. Remove any remaining ice. Whisk in whipped topping.
Refrigerate until it can hold its shape.
Drain the mandarin oranges and place on paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Mound ½ of the orange filling into the crust. Top with mandarin oranges and remaining Jell-o mixture.
Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or until set before adding ganache topping.

Ganache Topping:

Heat heavy cream to boiling. Pour over the chocolate chips and let sit for 4 minutes without stirring. Whisk until the mixture becomes dark and thick. Let cool for a few minutes if needed.
Pour approximately 1 cup of ganache over the pie.
Let cool on the counter for 20 to 30 minutes. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

Decoration:

Cool remaining ganache to room temperature. Place in a piping bag and pipe along the edges of the pie. Top with reserved orange slices.
Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 645.84kcal
Fat: 40.65g
Saturated Fat: 22.68g
Trans Fat: 0.27g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.47g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.49g
Carbohydrates: 73.44g
Fiber: 4.54g
Sugar: 55.86g
Protein: 6.38g
Cholesterol: 70.26mg
Sodium: 215.90mg
Calcium: 79.19mg
Potassium: 395.15mg
Iron: 5.81mg
Vitamin A: 212.34µg
Vitamin C: 29.16mg

Crucial Technique Tip for Chocolate Orange Pie Success

When preparing the chocolate ganache, it's crucial to let the hot cream sit with the chocolate chips for a few minutes before stirring. This allows the heat from the cream to slowly melt the chocolate, resulting in a smoother, glossier ganache. If you stir it immediately, the chocolate may not melt evenly, leading to a grainy texture. Also, when pouring the ganache over the pie, ensure it has cooled slightly. Pouring it while too hot may cause the orange filling to melt.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe

Prepare the crust: Use store-bought Oreo cookie crust to save time and effort.

Quick chilling: Place the pie in the freezer for 15-20 minutes to speed up the chilling process.

Use pre-made ganache: Consider using pre-made chocolate ganache to save time on making it from scratch.

Pre-cut oranges: Purchase pre-sliced mandarin oranges to save time on slicing and draining them.

Chill while preparing: While preparing the filling, place the crust in the refrigerator to chill simultaneously.

Substitute Ingredients For Chocolate Orange Pie Recipe

Oreo cookies - Substitute with graham crackers: Graham crackers can provide a similar crunchy texture and a slightly different flavor to the crust.
Unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the crust.
Orange jell-o - Substitute with gelatin and orange juice: Using gelatin and orange juice can provide a natural alternative to the artificial orange jell-o.
Orange extract - Substitute with vanilla extract and orange zest: Combining vanilla extract and orange zest can mimic the flavor of orange extract while adding a hint of natural sweetness.
Whipped topping - Substitute with coconut whipped cream: Coconut whipped cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative and adds a hint of coconut flavor to the filling.
Mandarin orange segments - Substitute with clementine segments: Clementine segments can be used as a substitute for mandarin oranges, providing a similar citrus flavor and texture.
Heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative and adds a subtle coconut flavor to the chocolate ganache topping.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for semi-sweet chocolate chips, providing a richer and slightly less sweet flavor to the ganache topping.

Presentation Tips for Serving Chocolate Orange Pie

Elevate the crust: Create a delicate and precise crust using Oreo cookies and unsalted butter. Press the mixture into the pie pan with finesse, ensuring a perfect base for the decadent filling.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Integrate the bright hues of mandarin orange segments and the rich, dark tones of the chocolate ganache to create a visually stunning contrast that will captivate the eyes of the culinary professionals.
Emphasize precision in plating: Carefully arrange the mandarin orange segments on top of the pie, ensuring each piece is placed with intention and artistry. The presentation should reflect a meticulous attention to detail.
Highlight the ganache drizzle: Use a steady hand to delicately drizzle the chocolate ganache over the pie, creating an intricate and visually appealing pattern that showcases your expertise in pastry artistry.
Incorporate a touch of elegance: Add a final touch of sophistication by piping the remaining ganache along the edges of the pie, creating a refined and polished presentation that exudes culinary finesse.

Essential Tools for Making Chocolate Orange Pie

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It can be used to crush the Oreo cookies for the crust in this recipe.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and is used for preparing the orange filling and jell-o mixture.
Measuring cup: A measuring cup is used to accurately measure and pour the orange juice and water for the jell-o mixture.
Whisk: A whisk is used for stirring and combining ingredients, such as the whipped topping and jell-o mixture.
Pie pan: A pie pan is used to shape and hold the crust for the chocolate orange pie.
Saucepan: A saucepan is used to heat the heavy cream for the chocolate ganache topping.
Piping bag: A piping bag is used to pipe the remaining ganache along the edges of the pie for decoration.
Refrigerator: The refrigerator is used to chill and set the pie at various stages of the recipe.

Storing and Freezing Chocolate Orange Pie Properly

Here are the detailed storing and freezing guidelines for the chocolate orange pie recipe:

To store the pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The chocolate ganache topping will help preserve the pie and prevent it from drying out.
If you want to freeze the pie, it's best to do so before adding the chocolate ganache topping. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to serve the frozen pie, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, add the chocolate ganache topping and any desired decorations, such as reserved mandarin orange slices.
If you have already added the chocolate ganache topping and want to freeze the pie, place it uncovered in the freezer for about an hour, or until the ganache is firm. Then, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before returning it to the freezer.
To serve a pie that has been frozen with the chocolate ganache topping, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator for about 4-6 hours, or until the filling is soft enough to slice. The ganache may appear cloudy or have condensation on the surface after thawing, but this will not affect the taste or texture of the pie.

Interesting Fact About Chocolate Orange Pie

The chocolate orange pie recipe is a delightful combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange flavors. It's a perfect dessert for any occasion, and the contrast between the creamy orange filling and the decadent chocolate ganache topping is sure to impress your guests. This pie is a great way to incorporate the refreshing taste of oranges into a classic chocolate dessert. Plus, the addition of mandarin orange segments adds a burst of citrus flavor in every bite. It's a unique and delicious treat that will leave everyone wanting more.

Is Making Chocolate Orange Pie Cost-Effective?

This chocolate orange pie recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of whipped topping and mandarin oranges may increase the overall cost, but the simple crust ingredients and basic pantry items balance it out. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8/10.

Is Chocolate Orange Pie Healthy or Unhealthy?

This chocolate orange pie recipe, while indulgent and delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:

High sugar content from the Oreo cookies, Jell-O, and chocolate chips
Saturated fat from the butter, whipped topping, and heavy cream
Processed ingredients like Oreo cookies and Jell-O
Lack of nutritional value from whole foods or fresh ingredients

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace the Oreo cookie crust with a whole-grain graham cracker crust or a nut-based crust (e.g., almond or pecan) to increase fiber and reduce processed ingredients
Use fresh orange juice and zest instead of Jell-O and orange extract for a more natural flavor and less added sugar
Opt for a lighter whipped topping made with coconut cream or Greek yogurt to reduce saturated fat
Incorporate more fresh mandarin oranges throughout the filling for added nutrients and fiber
Use dark chocolate chips (70% or higher) in the ganache to increase antioxidants and reduce sugar content
Reduce the overall portion size to control calorie intake

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious dessert that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Remember, moderation is key, and it's okay to enjoy a slice of this pie occasionally as part of a well-rounded diet.

Editor's Opinion on the Chocolate Orange Pie Recipe

This chocolate orange pie recipe offers a delightful combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange flavors. The contrast between the crunchy Oreo crust and the smooth, creamy orange filling creates a textural sensation that is sure to impress. The addition of mandarin oranges adds a burst of freshness, while the luscious chocolate ganache topping ties everything together with its indulgent richness. Overall, this recipe promises a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will surely tantalize the taste buds of anyone who has the pleasure of indulging in this decadent dessert.

Enhance Your Chocolate Orange Pie Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Vegetables: Try serving a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, to complement the rich and sweet flavors of the chocolate orange pie.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: For a savory and protein-packed side dish, consider serving grilled chicken skewers with a tangy marinade to balance out the sweetness of the dessert.

Mixed Berry Salad: A refreshing mixed berry salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing contrast to the decadent chocolate orange pie.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Chocolate Orange Pie

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: This creamy tomato basil soup is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. The combination of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil creates a rich and flavorful soup that will warm you up from the inside out.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled lemon herb chicken is a delicious and healthy option for dinner. The zesty lemon and aromatic herbs infuse the chicken with a burst of flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for any summer barbecue.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: These mango coconut popsicles are a refreshing and tropical treat for hot summer days. The sweet and juicy mango combined with creamy coconut milk creates a delightful frozen dessert that everyone will love.

Appetizer and Main Course Pairings for Chocolate Orange Pie

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. The combination of creamy cheese, flavorful herbs, and earthy mushrooms will leave everyone wanting more.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: This creamy and rich spinach and artichoke dip is the perfect appetizer to kick off any meal. The gooey cheese, tender spinach, and tangy artichokes create a flavor explosion that will have your guests coming back for seconds.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Indulge in a creamy and rich pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a velvety Alfredo sauce. The flavors meld together perfectly for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stir Fry: Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of a beef stir fry, packed with colorful vegetables and savory marinated beef. This dish is a quick and delicious option for a flavorful dinner.

Why trust this Chocolate Orange Pie Recipe:

This recipe is a delightful combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The use of fresh mandarin oranges and orange extract ensures a burst of citrusy goodness in every bite. The incorporation of whipped topping adds a light and airy texture, complementing the decadent chocolate ganache topping. The step-by-step instructions and precise measurements guarantee a successful outcome, while the visually appealing presentation and luscious taste make it a standout dessert. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe to indulge in a delightful chocolate orange pie experience.

Have you tried this delectable Chocolate Orange Pie Recipe? Share your experience and any variations in the Baking and Desserts forum!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, you can use a different type of cookie for the crust if you prefer. Graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers can be a great alternative to the oreo cookies.

Can I substitute fresh orange juice for the orange extract?

While fresh orange juice can be used, it may alter the texture and flavor of the filling. Orange extract provides a more concentrated flavor without adding extra liquid to the filling.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this pie ahead of time. It's actually best to allow the pie to set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure that the filling and ganache have the perfect consistency.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for the ganache topping?

Yes, you can use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for the ganache topping if you prefer a richer and slightly less sweet flavor.

Can I use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh mandarin oranges instead of canned. Just make sure to remove any excess moisture from the fresh mandarin oranges before adding them to the pie to prevent the filling from becoming watery.