Here’s a pie that should put a smile on your face: Candy Bar Pie
Today’s recipe is dedicated to my sweet friend Joan- creator of the much-loved blog, ChocolateChocolateAndMore. Joan passed away unexpectedly last week at the young age of 49. She went to bed complaining of nausea and never woke up. It turns out that Joan died of a major heart-attack. Nausea is one of 6 heart attack symptoms in women. It’s important to take a peek at these symptoms as they are different for women than they are for men.
Joan was such a lovely person inside and out. Her laugh was contagious, she was generous and kind, and she had a great mind for business. We talked and messaged each other quite often- sharing advice with each other about our blogs. As you can imagine, everyone who knew her is devastated to lose her. She leaves behind three children who she gushed about often.
I know that Joan would approve of the recipe I’m sharing today- a chocolate candy bar pie! Of course, Joan loved chocolate. I hope she’s watching over all of the bloggers who are celebrating her today… as she is in our thoughts on National Chocolate Day… Joan’s day.
This pie has a walnut crust, so it just happens to be gluten-free. There is a rich layer of chocolate cream on the bottom, then whipped cream and chopped chocolate-toffee bars on top.
If I could give Joan a slice as big as the one missing from my pie… I think she’d like that 🙂
Here’s a photo from the last day I spent with Joan- back in March. We had spent the weekend together at a beach house in Monterey with some of our favorite food blogging friends – chatting about business and creating tons of memories. I’ll never forget our last lunch together- salad and wine… overlooking the ocean. That’s Joan on the left… always a smile on her face. I’ll miss you Joan. And every time I eat chocolate, I’m going to be thinking of you.
Please visit ChocolateChocolateAndMore for Joan’s delicious dessert recipes. Her family (and other bloggers) will be keeping her blog intact and adding new recipes too. Her kids will benefit from the revenue her blog continues to generate, so traffic to her blog will help with that.
Candy Bar Pie
Ingredients
CRUST
- 1½ cups (6 ounces) walnuts, coarsely ground
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
FILLING
- Four 1.5 ounce milk chocolate bars, chopped
- 1½ cups tiny marshmallows (or 15 large)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
TOPPING
- 2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
- ¾ cup chopped chocolate toffee candy bars
Instructions
CRUST
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl combine the walnuts, butter and sugar. Press onto the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie plate to form a firm, even crust. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until edges are golden. Set aside and let cool.
FILLING / PIE
- In a medium saucepan, combine the chocolate, marshmallows and milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until the chocolate and marshmallows are melted. Remove from heat. Let cool for 30 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the whipping cream and vanilla until soft peaks form. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and gently stir until combined. Scrape the filling into the baked pie crust and smooth the top.
- Top the filling with whipped topping and sprinkle candy bar pieces on top. Freeze the pie 8 hours or until firm.
- When ready to serve, let the pie sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- If you're preparing this recipe as gluten-free, just be sure to use brands of candy bars, marshmallows and whipped topping that are known to be GF.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Lori,
I was so sad to hear the Joan passed away. I didn’t know her in person like you did but I followed her almost as long as I’ve followed you. I submitted posts to the link party she used to host and had some contact with her through that. I’m sure she would have loved this recipe.
Annamaria
Such beautiful thoughts. Thanks for sharing!
Lovely tribute to our dear Joan. Miss her so much!!
Lori, thank you for sharing such a beautiful pie for a truly beautiful person. She might have even taken a bigger piece. 😉
Hugs, my friend.
It hurts to write that Joan ‘was’ anything. I don’t want it to be was. She’d be thrilled at the outpouring of love and affection along with all the wonderful memories.
This pie is Joan, isn’t it? Over the top and absolutely wonderful.
What an awesome tribute for an amazing lady! The picture of her is just gorgeous! I am sure she would of loved a slice of this pie!
Another lovely tribute to clearly one of the most loved, admired and cherished woman in this lovely community online. Joan was one of the first blogs I found back in March.Now follow over 200.Will continue to follow Joan, and have a board on Pinterest in her honor. “The Best of Chocolate. “For one of the best.Sending comfort and love.
It’s so incredible how the blogging community have rallied–I know Joan would be so touched. And she’d absolutely adore this pie–it looks so rich and delicious and I’ll just have to make some and imagine she’s enjoying it with me in spirit <3
What wonderful memories of a wonderful woman along with a wonderful recipe she’d love. I want to make it myself!
Thank you for this beautiful post! Joan was a wonderful woman who will be missed! She would absolutely love this pie.