Chocolate, Cajeta, and Salted Pecan Mud Pie Recipe on Food52 (2024)

Summer

by: Carey Nershi

September7,2014

5

1 Ratings

  • Makes one 9-inch pie
Author Notes

This recipe came about primarily because I wanted a reason to make a batch of cajeta (adapted from Leite's Culinaria: http://leitesculinaria.com/85946/recipes-cajeta.html). (For those that aren’t familiar with cajeta, it’s basically dulce de leche made from goat milk. The goat milk gives it a wonderful tangy flavor, and I have been obsessed with it since I made my first batch.) The chocolate pudding (adapted from The Kitchn: http://www.thekitchn.com...) in this recipe also uses goat milk, but the resulting flavor isn't that different from a batch made with cow milk, in my opinion. The pudding and cajeta are dreamy together, and the bits of salted pecans work perfectly to add some extra crunch and break up the sweetness. The only problem with this pie is having to wait for it to set in the fridge overnight. Personally, I see nothing wrong with waiting until it’s barely chilled then digging in. It’s a mud pie; it has the right to be messy. —Carey Nershi

  • Test Kitchen-Approved

What You'll Need

Ingredients
  • For the chocolate pudding and cajeta:
  • PUDDING:
  • 1 1/2 tablespoonscocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoonscornstarch
  • 1/8 teaspoonsalt
  • 1/2 cupheavy cream
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 1/4 cupsgoat milk
  • 1/4 cupsugar
  • 1 vanilla bean
  • 2 ounceschocolate, finely chopped
  • CAJETA:
  • 2 1/2 cupsgoat milk
  • 1 1/4 cupssugar
  • 2 1/2 tablespoonsraw honey
  • 1/4 teaspoonbaking soda
  • 2 pinchesMaldon smoked sea salt
  • To make the pie:
  • 9 ounceschocolate wafers or cream-filled chocolate cookies (I used Newman-O’s)
  • 6 tablespoonsbutter, melted
  • Chocolate pudding
  • 1/4 cupcajeta, plus more for drizzling
  • 1 1/2 cupsheavy cream, chilled
  • 2 teaspoonssugar
  • Handful salted pecans, chopped
Directions
  1. For the chocolate pudding and cajeta:
  2. PUDDING:
  3. Combine cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a bowl. Whisk in the heavy cream until fully incorporated and smooth, then whisk in the egg yolks.
  4. Combine the milk and sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Slice open the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds into the milk and sugar, then add the pod as well. Stir frequently over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, then continue to heat until it just barely reaches a simmer.
  5. Remove the vanilla bean pod. Temper the egg yolk mixture with about half of the warmed milk, then add the egg mixture into the saucepan. Stir frequently over medium heat until it reaches a boil. Boil for 2 minutes while whisking vigorously, then remove from heat. Immediately add in the chocolate and whisk until fully incorporated.
  6. If you won’t be making the pie right away, transfer pudding to a container, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  7. CAJETA:
  8. Combine all ingredients in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat on medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan and continue to heat until the mixture reaches a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the mixture reaches 225° F. Remove from heat and let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 1 month.
  1. To make the pie:
  2. Pulse chocolate cookies and melted butter in a food processor until crumbly and the mixture holds its shape when pressed between your fingers. Press the crumbs into a 9-inch pie pan until evenly distributed and tightly packed.
  3. Spread the cajeta over the bottom of the pie shell. Add the pudding and spread with a spoon to evenly fill the pie. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight (ideally) for the pudding to completely set.
  4. When ready to serve, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and continue to beat until just barely stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over top of the pie.
  5. Drizzle cajeta over top of whipped cream. (Warm the cajeta in a saucepan first if it seems a little thick.) Top with salted pecans.

Tags:

  • Pie
  • Chocolate
  • Bean
  • Milk/Cream
  • Pecan
  • Summer
  • Dessert

See what other Food52ers are saying.

Recipe by: Carey Nershi

Lover of simple food and co*cktails served with a single giant ice cube. Raised in the NY Schoharie Valley; currently residing in Burlington, VT. Blogger at reclaimingprovincial.com.

Popular on Food52

0 Reviews

Chocolate, Cajeta, and Salted Pecan Mud Pie Recipe on Food52 (2024)

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Kieth Sipes

Last Updated:

Views: 6299

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kieth Sipes

Birthday: 2001-04-14

Address: Suite 492 62479 Champlin Loop, South Catrice, MS 57271

Phone: +9663362133320

Job: District Sales Analyst

Hobby: Digital arts, Dance, Ghost hunting, Worldbuilding, Kayaking, Table tennis, 3D printing

Introduction: My name is Kieth Sipes, I am a zany, rich, courageous, powerful, faithful, jolly, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.