Best 20 Black Bottom Pie Recipes

BLACK BOTTOM PIE

Steps:

• To make the crust: Lightly butter a 10-inch pie plate. On a lightly floured board, roll out the half of the pate brisee to a 1/8-inch thickness (unused dough can be wrapped and plastic and stored in the refrigerator or freezer). Place the dough in the pie plate, and press it into the bottom edges and along the sides. Trim the dough using scissors or a sharp paring knife. Crimp or decorate the edges of the crust if desired. Chill crust for 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Carefully line the pie plate with parchment paper, gently pressing the parchment into the edges of the crust; weigh down parchment with dried beans or pie weights. Bake until edges of pastry begin to turn golden, about 15 minutes. Carefully remove pie weights and parchment paper. Continue to bake until crust is golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes more. Transfer the crust to a wire rack to cool completely.
• To make the filling: Prepare an ice-water bath. In the top of a double boiler or in a heat-proof bowl set over simmering water, melt chocolate; set aside. Place 1/4 cup cold water in a small bowl, and sprinkle gelatin over it; set aside to soften.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 1/4 cup sugar, and the cornstarch; set aside. In a medium saucepan, combine milk and 1/4 cup sugar. Bring just to a boil. Add about one-quarter of the hot-milk mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly, until combined. Return egg-milk mixture to saucepan, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat when mixture has boiled and thickened, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Measure out 1 cup of custard, and transfer to a medium bowl. Add the melted chocolate and vanilla to it, stirring until the chocolate is melted. Transfer the bowl to the ice-water bath to cool completely. When cool, spread evenly in the bottom of the pie crust. Transfer pie crust to refrigerator until set, about 5 minutes. Add softened gelatin to remaining custard. Transfer pan to the ice-water bath to cool until just beginning to set.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites with salt and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. With machine running, gradually add remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and beat until stiff glossy peaks form. Stir 1/3 of whipped egg whites into custard to lighten. Gently but thoroughly fold in remaining whites and rum. Spread over chocolate layer. Refrigerate pie for at least 3 hours and up to overnight.
• Whip cream until stiff peaks form. Spread over custard or pipe on top with a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top. Chill until ready to serve.

BLACK BOTTOM PIE I

Steps:

• Dissolve gelatin in cold water, and set aside.
• In a small saucepan, mix cornstarch, 3/4 cup sugar, milk, and egg yolks. Cook, stirring, until bubbly and thick. Remove from heat, and add vanilla. Divide mixture in half. Add chocolate chips to one half, and stir until melted and smooth. Pour into pastry shell. Chill.
• Stir gelatin mixture into the other half of the hot egg yolk mixture. Stir in rum. Chill until slightly thick.
• Beat egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and beat to stiff peaks. Fold into partially set gelatin/rum mixture. Chill until mix will mound, then spoon into pie shell on top of chocolate layer. Chill overnight.

BLACK BOTTOM BUTTERSCOTCH CREAM PIE

Steps:

• Make the shell:
• In a food processor grind coarse the pecans with the sugar and transfer the mixture to a bowl. In the food processor blend together the flour, the butter, and the salt until the mixture resembles meal and add the flour mixture to the pecan mixture. Add the ice water, toss the mixture until the water is incorporated, and press it onto the bottom and up the side of a 9-inch (1-quart) pie plate, crimping the edge decoratively. Chill the shell for 1 hour, prick it all over with a fork, and line it with foil. Fill the foil with the rice, bake the shell in the lower third of a preheated 425°F. oven for 10 minutes, and remove the foil and rice carefully. Reduce the heat to 375°F., bake the shell for 12 to 15 minutes more, or until it is golden brown, and let it cool on a rack.
• In a small metal bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water melt the chocolate with the cream, stirring until the mixture is smooth, spread the mixture in the bottom and halfway up the side of the shell, and let it cool. Chill the shell.
• Make the filling while the shell is chilling:
• In a large metal bowl combine the bourbon and the water, sprinkle the gelatin over the liquid, and let it soften. In a saucepan heat the brown sugar, the milk, and the salt over moderate heat, stirring, until the mixture is hot and the sugar is dissolved and whisk in the butter. (The mixture will appear slightly curdled.) In a bowl whisk together the egg yolks, add the hot milk mixture in a stream, whisking, and pour the mixture into the pan. Cook the custard over moderately low heat, whisking constantly, until it is thickened and registers 160°F. on a candy thermometer and add it to the gelatin mixture. Stir in the vanilla and the nutmeg and stir the mixture until it is cold and the consistency of raw egg whites, and remove the bowl from the ice water. In another bowl with an electric mixer beat the cream until it holds stiff peaks, fold it into the custard mixture gently but thoroughly, and pour the filling into the chilled shell. Chill the pie for 6 hours or overnight.
• Decorate the pie:
• In a very small skillet or saucepan cook the sugar over moderate heat, undisturbed, until it begins to melt, cook, stirring with a fork, until it is melted completely and turns a golden caramel, and reduce the heat to low. Working quickly, add the pecans, turning them to coat them thoroughly with the caramel, and with the fork transfer them, 1 at a time, to a piece of foil to cool. In a chilled bowl with chilled beaters beat the cream until it holds stiff peaks, drop it by heaping tablespoons around the edge of the pie, and arrange a caramelized pecan in the center of each dollop.

BLACK BOTTOM PIE II

Steps:

• Soften gelatin in cold water. Melt chocolate chips in the top of a double boiler or in a bowl in the microwave. Stir until smooth. Set aside to cool.
• Combine 1/2 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. Blend together milk and egg yolks, stir into sugar mix. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, just until mixture boils. Remove 1 cup of custard, and combine with chocolate: spread into baked pie shell. Stir softened gelatin into remaining hot custard mix. Stir in rum. Place pan in a bowl of ice water, or refrigerate. Stir occasionally, until mixture mounds slightly when dropped from spoon. Combine chocolate & the reserved custard mix. Pour into baked pie shell.
• Stir softened gelatin into remaining hot custard mix. Stir in rum. Place pan in a bowl of ice water, or refrigerate. Stir occasionally, until mixture mounds slightly when dropped from spoon.
• Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until foamy. Beat in 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, and continue beating until stiff and glossy. Do not underbeat. Fold in chilled custard. Spread over chocolate mixture. Chill at least 3 hours or until set.

BLACK BOTTOM PIE

Steps:

• To make the gingersnap crust: In a bowl, add all the crust ingredients; stir to mix.
• Press mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch deep dish pie plate.
• Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes; cool on a wire rack.
• To make the filling: In a small bowl, add the water and rum; stir to combine.
• Sprinkle the gelatin over the rum mixture; stir to combine and set aside.
• In a saucepan, add the sugar and cornstarch; stir to combine.
• Gradually whisk in the milk and egg yolks.
• Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisk constantly.
• Boil for 1 minute.
• Add in gelatin mixture; stir until mixture is dissolved.
• Mix together 1 cup of custard mixture and chocolate morsels; stir until smooth; pour into gingersnap crust; spread evenly.
• Chill 30 minutes or until set; set aside remaining custard.
• In a mixing bowl, beat whipping cream until foamy, using an electric mixer on high speed.
• Gradually add powdered sugar; beat until soft peaks form.
• Fold 1 cup whipping cream mixture into custard mixture; spoon over chocolate mixture.
• Chill pie and remaining whipped cream for 2 hours or until pie is set.
• Spread remaining whipped cream over the top.

BLACK BOTTOM OATMEAL PIE

Steps:

• For the crust:
• 1. Stir the flour, salt, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add the butter pieces and coat with the flour mixture using a bench scraper or spatula. With a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour mixture, working quickly until mostly pea-size pieces of butter remain (a few larger pieces are okay; be careful not to overblend).
• 2. Combine the water, cider vinegar, and ice in a large measuring cup or small bowl. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the ice water mixture over the flour mixture, and mix and cut it in with a bench scraper or spatula until it is fully incorporated. Add more of the ice water mixture, 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time, using the bench scraper or your hands (or both) to mix until the dough comes together in a ball, with some dry bits remaining. Squeeze and pinch with your fingertips to bring all of the dough together, sprinkling dry bits with more small drops of the ice water mixture, if necessary, to combine. Shape the dough into a flat disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to give the crust time to mellow.
• 3. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to form a round that is 2 to 3 inches larger than your pan, and about 1/8 inch in thickness. Transfer dough to pie pan and trim overhang to 1 to 1 1/2 inches. Transfer to freezer for 20 minutes. Position racks in bottom and middle racks and preheat over to 425°F. When crust has been in freezer for 10 minutes, remove and line it tightly with aluminum foil.
• 4. Pour the pie weights or beans into the pan and spread them so they are concentrated more around the edge of the shell than in the center. Place the pan on the preheated baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, until the crimped edges are set but not browned. Remove the pan and the baking sheet from the oven, lift out the foil and pie weights, and let the crust cool for a minute. Use a pastry brush to coat the bottom and sides with a thin layer of egg white glaze to moistureproof the crust. Return the pan, on the baking sheet, to the oven's middle rack and continue baking for 3 more minutes. Remove and cool completely before filling.
• For the filling:
• 5. Reduce the oven to 350°F. Spread the oats on a rimmed baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F.
• 6. To make the ganache layer, bring the heavy cream just to a boil over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Remove from the heat and pour in the chocolate pieces. Swirl the cream around to distribute and cover the chocolate; let sit for 5 minutes. Whisk gently until smooth. Scrape the ganache into the cooled pie shell and spread evenly over the bottom. Place the shell in the freezer to set the ganache while making the filling.
• 7. In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, ginger, salt, and melted butter. Add the corn syrup, vanilla, and cider vinegar and whisk to combine. Add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in the cooled oats.
• 8. Place the ganache-coated pie shell on a rimmed baking sheet and pour in the filling. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for about 55 minutes, rotating 180 degrees when the edges start to set, 30 to 35 minutes through baking. The pie is finished when the edges are set and puffed slightly and the center is slightly firm to the touch but still has some give (like gelatin). Allow to cool completely on a wire rack, 2 to 3 hours. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

BLACK BOTTOM BANANA CREAM PIE

Steps:

• Vanilla Pastry Cream: In a heavy medium saucepan, bring half and half to a a simmer.
• In a medium bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, egg yolk and flour in medium bowl to blend.
• Gradually whisk in hot half and half.
• Transfer to saucepan.
• Whisk over medium heat until mixture thickens and comes to a boil (about 5 minutes).
• Boil 1 minute.
• Pour into a medium bowl.
• Stir in vanilla.
• Press plastic unto surface of cream.
• Cover; chill until cold (about 4 hours).
• For The Crust: Butter 9-inch glass pie dish.
• In a heavy, small saucepan stir butter and chocolate over low heat.
• Mix in cookie crumbs.
• Press unto bottom and sides.
• Chill until firm (about 30 minutes).
• For Chocolate Ganache: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat butter and cream until hot, but do not boil.
• Remove from heat and add chocolate and vanilla.
• Whisk until smooth.
• Reserve 2 tablespoons of the ganache in a small bowl at room temperature (to be used as garnish).
• Pour remaining ganache over crust.
• Chill crust until chocolate ganache is firm (about 30 minutes).
• Assembly: Thinly slice 3 bananas.
• Arrange banana slices over chocolate.
• Whisk Vanilla Pastry Cream until smooth.
• Spread pastry cream evenly over bananas.
• Drizzle reserved chocolate ganache over pastry cream.
• Draw toothpick through pastry cream and chocolate to marbleize.
• Refrigerate until pastry cream is set (at least 3 hours and up to one day).
• Vanilla Whipped Cream: In a medium bowl, beat cream, powders sugar and vanilla extract until peaks form.
• Can be made 4 hours ahead.
• Spoon vanilla whipped cream around edges of pie or decoratively pipe cream with pastry bag.
• Slice remaining banana.
• Garnish pie with banana slices.

BLACK-BOTTOM PEANUT BUTTER MOUSSE PIE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9-inch-diameter glass pie dish with nonstick spray. Blend graham crackers, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar in processor until moist clumps form. Press crumb mixture over bottom and up sides of prepared pie dish. Bake crust until lightly browned, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, combine chocolate chips, 2/3 cup cream, corn syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on medium heat until chocolate softens, about 3 minutes. Whisk until melted and smooth. Spread chocolate mixture over bottom of crust. Freeze 10 minutes.
• Microwave peanut butter chips and 3/4 cup cream in large microwave-safe bowl on medium heat at 15-second intervals just until chips soften, stirring often. Whisk in peanut butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Cool to barely lukewarm. Beat remaining 1 cup cream and 2 tablespoons sugar in medium bowl until very thick but not yet holding peaks; fold into peanut butter mixture in 3 additions. Spoon mousse over chocolate layer. Chill at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.

BLACK-BOTTOM PECAN CHEESECAKE PIE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Unrool piecrust; fit into a 9-inch pie plate according to package directions. Fold edges under and crimp.
• Microwave chocolate chip and whipping cream in a small glass bowl at Medium power 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until chips begin to melt. Whisk until smooth; set aside.
• Beat cream cheese, 1 egg, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and salt at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour chocolate mixture into piecrust, spreading evenly. Pour cream cheese mixture over the chocolate layer.
• Whisk together corn syrup, melted butter, remaining 3 eggs, remaining 1/4 cup sugar and remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla. Stir in pecans and pour over cream cheese layer.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes or until set, shielding pie after about 45 minutes to prevent excessive browning. Cool completely on a wire rack. Drizzle each slice with chocolate syrup if desired.

BLACK BOTTOM PIE IV

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C). Lightly grease a 10-inch pie pan.
• In a medium bowl, mix together cookie crumbs and softened butter. Press firmly into pie pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks. Bring milk to a simmer in top of a double boiler. Slowly whisk 1/2 cup of milk into egg yolk mixture, then gradually whisk egg yolk mixture into remaining 1 1/2 cups milk. Continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick enough to coat back of spoon. Remove from heat.
• Transfer 1 1/4 cups of hot egg yolk mixture to a small bowl and add unsweetened chocolate. Stir until chocolate is melted. Allow to cool slightly, then mix in vanilla extract. Pour chocolate mixture into cooled pie crust. Place in refrigerator.
• Combine gelatin with cold water and set aside to soften 5 minutes. Add to remaining egg yolk mixture, stirring well. Allow to cool, then stir in rum.
• In a large glass or metal bowl, combine egg whites and cream of tartar. Beat until stiff peaks form. Fold into cooled gelatin mixture. Spoon over chocolate layer.
• In a medium bowl, whip cream until soft peaks form. Spread over top of pie. Sprinkle with grated chocolate. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.

CHOCOLATE BLACK-BOTTOM PIE

Steps:

• In a medium microwave-safe bowl, microwave 1 1/4 cups cream until hot, about 3 minutes. Add chocolate and let stand until melted, 5 to 10 minutes. Whisk to combine, then whisk in rum. Pour 1 1/2 cups chocolate mixture into crust (reserve remaining chocolate mixture). Sprinkle nuts over top. Refrigerate pie 3 hours (or up to 2 days).
• In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat 2 cups cream with sugar on high until stiff peaks form, 2 minutes. Top pie with whipped cream, then dot with reserved chocolate mixture. With a skewer, gently swirl chocolate through whipped cream.

CARAMEL-PECAN BLACK BOTTOM PIE

Steps:

• For crust:
• Combine flour, sugar and salt in processor. Add butter and blend using on/off turns until mixture resembles coarse meal. Beat water, egg yolk and vanilla together in small bowl. Add egg mixture to processor and process until large moist clumps form. Gather dough into ball; flatten into disk. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate 30 minutes. (Dough can be prepared up to 2 days ahead. Let dough stand at room temperature to soften slightly before continuing.)
• Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Lightly butter 9-inch-diameter pie pan. Roll dough out on floured surface to 13-inch round. Transfer to prepared pan. Fold edges under and crimp to form high fluted edge. Freeze until firm, about 15 minutes. Line crust with foil and fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake until sides are set, about 20 minutes. Remove foil and beans. Pierce bottom of crust until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Cool on rack.
• For filling:
• Combine brandy and vanilla in small bowl. Sprinkle gelatin over and let stand 10 minutes. Place chocolate in medium bowl. Mix sugar, cornstarch and salt in heavy medium saucepan. Gradually whisk half and half and egg yolks into sugar mixture. Cook over medium-high heat until custard is thick and smooth and begins to boil, whisking constantly, about 3 minutes. Quickly add 1 1/4 cups custard to chocolate. Stir until chocolate melts and mixture is smooth. Add brandy and gelatin mixture to remaining hot custard. Stir until gelatin dissolves. Spread chocolate filling in crust. Spread brandy filling over. Refrigerate uncovered until pie is completely cool.
• For topping:
• Heat sugar and water in heavy small saucepan over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil, without stirring, until mixture is deep amber, brushing down sugar crystals from sides of pan with wet pastry brush, about 11 minutes. Remove from heat and add cream (mixture will bubble up). Add butter and stir until smooth. Stir over low heat until color deepens and caramel thickens slightly, about 3 minutes. Mix in pecans. Transfer to small bowl. Refrigerate until cool but not set, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes.
• Spoon topping over brandy layer. Chill pie until topping is set, about 2 hours. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)

BLACK BOTTOM PIE

Steps:

• For gingersnap crust:
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Pulse cookies in a food processor until finely ground. Drizzle in butter and cream; pulse until well blended. Pour into prepared dish. Use the bottom and sides of a measuring cup to pack crumbs onto bottom and up sides of dish. Bake until crust is set, 12-15 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack; set aside.
• For custard:
• Pour 2 tablespoons water into a small bowl; sprinkle gelatin over. Let stand until gelatin softens, about 10 minutes. Heat milk and cream in a large saucepan over medium heat until mixture just comes to a simmer.
• Whisk egg yolks and next 5 ingredients in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk egg mixture into milk mixture; whisk in gelatin. Whisk constantly over medium-low heat until thick, about 5 minutes.
• Remove vanilla custard from heat and stir in mascarpone. Place 1 cup custard in a medium bowl; add chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in espresso. Pour chocolate custard into crust; smooth top. Chill pie until set, about 30 minutes. Let vanilla custard stand at room temperature.
• Gently pour remaining vanilla custard over chilled chocolate layer (pour slowly so as not to disturb chocolate layer). Smooth top; chill until set, about 1 hour, or keep covered up to 1 day.
• For assembly:
• Using an electric mixer at medium-low speed, beat cream and sugar in a medium bowl until cream begins to thicken. Add rum and vanilla; increase speed to high and beat until stiff peaks form. Spread whipped cream over custard. Dust with cocoa powder and garnish with grated chocolate and almonds. DO AHEAD: Can be made 4 hours ahead. Chill uncovered.

BLACK-BOTTOM RASPBERRY CREAM PIE

Steps:

• For crust:
• Spray 9-inch-diameter glass pie dish with nonstick spray. Blend cookie crumbs, butter, and sugar in medium bowl. Press mixture evenly over bottom and up sides (not on rim) of prepared dish. Chill crust 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake crust until set, about 10 minutes, then cool.
• For filling:
• Combine sugar, cocoa, and cornstarch in heavy medium saucepan; whisk to blend well. Gradually add 1/4 cup milk, whisking until cornstarch dissolves. Whisk in remaining 2 1/4 cups milk, then egg yolks and egg. Stir over medium-high heat until pudding thickens and boils, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and butter; whisk until melted and smooth. Spread pudding in prepared crust. Press plastic wrap onto pudding to cover and chill pie overnight.
• For topping:
• Peel plastic wrap off pie. Cover chocolate layer with raspberries, pointed side up, pressing lightly into chocolate to adhere (some berries will be left over). Beat cream, sugar, and vanilla in medium bowl until peaks form; spread over berries on pie. Arrange remaining berries atop cream. Chill pie at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.

BLACK BOTTOM PECAN PIE

Steps:

• For fudge filling:
• In a small bowl, combine all fudge filling ingredients in the order given. Blend with an electric mixer at medium speed.Pour into unbaked pie shell.
• For pecan topping:
• In another small bowl, combine all ingredients except pecans. Blend with mixer at medium speed until well blended. Stir in pecans.
• Bake at 350 degrees for the first 20 minutes. Spoon pecan topping over partially baked pie. Return to oven and bake an additional 30-35 minutes until crust is brown. Once cooled can be served as is or with a thick layer of whipped topping swirled over the top. This is a very rich pie.

BLACK BOTTOM KAHLUA WALNUT PIE

Steps:

• Line a 9 inch pan with pie crust.
• Scatter chocolate chips across the crust.
• Scatter walnut pieces over chocolate chips.
• In a bowl combine butterscotch topping, eggs, coffee liqueur, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well blended.
• Pour into crust.
• Bake for 45-50 minutes, until top is set and browned and filling is still soft in center.
• Cool on rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

SCRUMPTIOUS BLACK-BOTTOM BANANA CREAM PIE

Steps:

• For pastry cream:.
• Bring half and half to simmer in heavy medium saucepan.
• Whisk sugar, eggs, yolk and flour in medium bowl to blend.
• Gradually whisk in hot half and half.
• Transfer to saucepan.
• Whisk over medium heat until mixture thickens and comes to a boil, about 5 minutes.
• Boil 1 minute.
• Pour into medium bowl.
• Stir in vanilla.
• Press plastic wrap onto surface of pastry cream. Cover; chill until cold about 4 hours. Can be made 1 day ahead and kept chilled.
• For crust:.
• Butter 9-inch diameter glass pie dish.
• Stir butter and chocolate in heavy small saucepan over low heat until smooth.
• Mix in cookie crumbs.
• Press into bottom and sides of pie dish.
• Chill 30 minutes, or until firm.
• To make ganache:.
• Heat cream and butter in medium saucepan over medium heat until mixture is hot, but do not boil.
• Remove from heat; add chocolate and vanilla.
• Whisk until smooth.
• Reserve 2 tablespoons chocolate ganache in small bowl at room temperature; pour remainder over crust.
• Chill crust until ganache is firm, about 30 minutes.
• To complete pie:.
• Thinly slice 3 bananas and arrange them over the chocolate ganache.
• Whisk vanilla pastry cream until smooth.
• Spread pastry cream evenly over bananas.
• Drizzle reserved ganache over top; draw toothpick through cream and drizzle to marbelize.
• Refrigerate until pastry cream is set; about 3 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead and kept refrigerated).
• Garish pie with banana slices and French Vanilla Cool Whip piped on with a star tip.

BLACK-BOTTOM BANANA CREAM PIE

Steps:

• Make crust:
• Butter 9-inch-diameter glass or ceramic pie dish. Stir butter and chocolate in heavy small saucepan over low heat until smooth. Mix in cookie crumbs. Press onto bottom and up sides of prepared dish. Chill until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Make chocolate ganache:
• Heat cream and butter in medium saucepan over medium heat until mixture is hot (do not boil). Remove from heat. Add chocolate and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Reserve 2 tablespoons chocolate ganache in small bowl at room temperature; pour remainder over crust. Chill crust until chocolate ganache is firm, about 30 minutes.
• Thinly slice 3 bananas. Arrange banana slices over chocolate. Whisk Vanilla Pastry Cream until smooth. Spread pastry cream evenly over bananas. Drizzle reserved chocolate ganache over pastry cream. Draw toothpick through pastry cream and chocolate to marbleize. Refrigerate until pastry cream is set, about 3 hours. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and keep refrigerated.)
• Spoon Vanilla Whipped Cream around edges of pie, or spoon whipped cream into pastry bag that's fitted with large star tip and pipe cream around edges of pie. Slice remaining banana. Garnish pie with banana slices.

CALIFORNIA BLACK BOTTOM PIE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• In a medium bowl, combine chopped walnuts, graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly, then press firmly into a 9 inch deep-dish pie pan. Bake in preheated oven for 8 minutes. Remove and cool.
• To Make Chocolate Layer: Place water in a small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over top. Set aside to soften. In a medium saucepan, mix together 3/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk in milk and cook over low heat, stirring constantly. When mixture comes to a boil, remove from heat.
• Place beaten egg yolks in a small bowl and gradually add 1/2 cup of hot milk mixture, whisking constantly. Whisk egg yolk mixture back into hot milk mixture. Return pan to heat and allow to boil 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and place 1 cup of mixture in a small bowl.
• Place chocolate pieces in a glass bowl and microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring at each interval, until chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir chocolate and coffee granules into separated custard. Allow this mixture to cool, then spread into bottom of crust. Place in refrigerator.
• To Make Rum Layer: Stir softened gelatin into remaining custard. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on surface of custard and chill until firm.
• In a large glass or metal mixing bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, continuing to beat until whites form stiff peaks. Whisk rum into chilled gelatin mixture, then fold in beaten egg whites. Spread mixture on top of chocolate layer. Chill pie at least 2 hours, until filling is set.
• Immediately before serving, whip cream until soft peaks form. Place whipped cream in a piping bag with a star tip and make 8 decorative swirls around edges of pie. Place a walnut half in the middle of each swirl. To cut pie, dip sharp knife in hot water.

BLACK BOTTOM OATMEAL PIE (SMITTEN)

Steps:

• http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2015/03/black-bottom-oatmeal-pie/