# What You Need:
→ Brownie Base
01 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
06 - 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Chocolate Pudding Layer
08 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
09 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
10 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
11 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
12 - 2 cups whole milk
13 - 2 large egg yolks
14 - 2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
15 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Whipped Cream Topping
16 - 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
17 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
18 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
19 - Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch pie dish or springform pan.
02 - In a mixing bowl, melt butter. Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
03 - Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely.
04 - In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5 to 7 minutes.
05 - In a small bowl, beat egg yolks. Gradually whisk a few spoonfuls of hot pudding into yolks to temper, then return yolk mixture to the saucepan. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
06 - Remove from heat. Stir in chopped bittersweet chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth. Cool for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
07 - Pour pudding over cooled brownie base. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the pudding surface and chill for at least 1 hour.
08 - In a cold bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
09 - Spread whipped cream over chilled pudding layer. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.
10 - Chill pie for an additional 30 minutes before slicing and serving.