The Fourth of July, America's Independence Day, is just around the corner. Last year we celebrated with mouthwatering Grilled Chicken Legs Wrapped in Bacon (Churrasco de Frango). But this year we will be celebrating the date with none other than a summery Chocolate Pudding Ice Cream Pie... And since we're making it for America's birthday, in a manner of speaking you could even say we will be making some "American Pie," like the famous song that's even now playing in my head. 🙂
This recipe also represents our contribution for the month of July to the Chocolate Party hosted by Roxana’s Home Baking. Our secret ingredient this time is ice cream!!! But don't forget about our other equally delicious previous Chocolate Party treats: Chocolate-Strawberry Slump and White Chocolate-Cherry Pie Bars.
Now, I know, I know... some folks might reasonably be asking: " Why do you, as a Brazilian, celebrate America's Independence Day?"
My answer is simple: "My beloved Brazil is my mother land, but the United States is my 'father' land." Huh?! By this I mean that the United States is the country that I came to know later-- it is where I live by choice. Moreover, I legally became an American citizen several years ago -- by choice! And do you know what? Just as I love my biological mother and father, I love both countries -- A LOT!!! I have been molded, culturally speaking, by both countries. And I am grateful for and to both!!! So just as I celebrate the Independence of Brazil every September 7th, I also celebrate America's birthday every 4th of July. The difference is, I celebrate Brazil's Independence as a proud native Brazilian, and America's as the American that I am -- not by birth, but in heart. That means a lot to me... For those who have experienced only one citizenship it might be hard to fully comprehend. But not for me, as I stand for two countries. I know exactly who I am, and how much of an honor it is to be a citizen of both countries -- despite each of our/their respective problems and adversities...
Well, I am sharing a slice of my American Chocolate Pudding Ice Cream Pie with you. 😉
Happy Independence Day, Dad America!!!
"...Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?...
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"
Chocolate Pudding Ice Cream Pie
Ingredients
- For the pies:
- 1-⅓ cups vanilla ice cream melted (I used my favorite: Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream)
- 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix 3.4 ounces
- 6 mini graham cracker pie crusts
- Blueberries and raspberries optional
- Whipped cream optional
- For decoration: optional
- 1 ready-to-fill pie crust thawed, 9-in
- 1 large egg slightly beaten
- Sanding or coarse crystal sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk melted ice cream and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Pour into graham cracker crusts.
- Freeze chocolate pudding ice cream pies for at least 8 hours or until firm. Garnish top of the mini pies with berries and whipped cream if desired -- and serve!!! ; or decorate according to the instructions below.
- To decorate pies (optional): Roll out thawed pie crust over a floured surface. With a pastry wheel or sharp knife, cut about several ¼-in.-wide strips (about 3 for each mini pie). The length of the stripes will be about 3 inches long. With a cookie cutter, cut 2 mini stars for each pie from remainder of the crust.
- Brush strips and stars with beaten egg; sprinkle with sanding sugar.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line one or more baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange stripes and stars on the baking sheet (s) and bake for about 8 minutes or until pastry is lightly golden brown. Place on wire rack and cool completely. Decorate top of the frozen chocolate pudding ice cream pies with both the berries and pastry. Serve immediately!
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Coffee and Crumpets says
What festive little pies! They are so easy to make, love it! Hope you have a fun July 4th.
Nazneen
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Nazneen! Wishing you and your family a very happy Independence Day!
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
Darling, Denise. And I loved the second verse of the Star Spangled Banner. I never knew it!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Abbe! Lol... Now you know it!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
These are so cute, Denise! Love that festive berry topping :).
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Laura! We loved these mini pies.
Liz says
Yup, my family will place their order now! I think 5 of these beauties will be perfect for the 4th. What a cute idea for the topping, Denise!
Denise Browning says
Thanks so much, Liz! Your treat was fantastic too.
Anne@FromMySweetHeart says
Oh Denise...what a luscious dessert! I love everything about this....from your pudding ice cream to the berries to the pretty little pieces of pie crust on the top! You've got my mind thinking about how I want to make this for myself! Great addition to the chocolate party and a very lovely post!
Denise Browning says
Thanks a lot, Anne! I am glad that you liked it.
Becky @ A Calculated Whisk says
These are so cute! i love the idea of vanilla ice cream and pudding mix--I will have to try this!
The Ninja Baker says
I completely comprehend the affiliation to 2 countries, Denise. Both the cultures of America and Japan are a part of me =)
Your 4th of July celebration dessert is as spectacular as the fireworks that rocket to the sky =) You can bet your ice cream pie recipe is a keeper!
Denise Browning says
Thanks a lot, The Ninja Baker! It is good to find people who both understands and stands for two countries. Wishing you a great 4th of July!!!
Heather @girlichef says
These are just beautiful...from the festive pie crust cut-outs to the filling itself. Perfect dessert for Independence Day!
Suzanne says
These cute little chocolate pudding pies are adorable, and perfect for the 4th of July! Your photos are so festive and the crust is great!
Raymund says
That looks so amazing, very American. Nice work.
veronica gantley says
This looks homey and delicious! I sure could go for some piel right now.
Deb says
What a delightful 4th of July recipe and post! Ice cream is always a part of our 4th of July celebration and chocolate pudding with ice cream sounds scrumptious! Have a lovely holiday Denise!
Denise Browning says
Thanks, Deb! For you as well.
Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking says
I love the way you said id "I have a mother country and a father country" I'm just like you. I celebrate Romania's day on December 1st and American's day on July 4th.
These pies are absolutely adorable! Just perfect for the holiday.
Thanks for sharing Denise.
Denise Browning says
My pleasure, Roxana! Good to know there are other bloggers who are citizens of 2 countries -- just like me.
Daniela says
These little pies look so cute.
I love the idea to combine them with chocolate pudding ice cream.
As always ,you got the best of two worlds Denise 🙂
Christie - Food Done Light says
I just love this post, the whole thing. What a nice surprise to see the Star Spangle Banner. I love the concept of the ice cream pudding too.
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
Perfect choice for July 4th! All the right colors and you even got those cute little stars!
Gourmet Getaways says
What a gorgeous and celebratory pie! I love it 🙂 so clever and such beautiful images 🙂
Kate@Diethood says
Beautiful post, my friend. I am also a dual, so I know what you mean... we love our motherland and our fatherland. 🙂
And this pudding ice cream pie is just as beautiful!! Love it!
Have a great holiday!
Denise Browning says
Thanks a lot, Kate!!! Likewise. Enjoy the holiday with your family.
The Café Sucre Farine says
Denise, this looks wonderful, I love how rich your pudding looks and those decorations are so fun, great idea!! Happy Fourth to you and your family!
Denise Browning says
Likewise, Chris! May your holiday be a great one...
Cindys Recipes and Writings says
Perfect little desserts!