Love and Olive Oil

Chocolate Strawberry Oasis Pie

Chocolate Strawberry Oasis Pie, inspired by the Movie "Waitress"

“It could solve all the problems of the world, that pie… it’s a thing of beauty — how each flavor opens itself one by one, like a chapter in a book. First the flavor of an exotic spice hits you, just the hint of it. And then you’re flooded with chocolate, dark and bittersweet, like an old love affair. And finally strawberry, the way strawberry was always supposed to taste but never knew how.”

This isn’t the first time I’ve mentioned the movie, Waitress, and it probably won’t be the last.

Out of all the pies in a movie about many pies, this one always stuck with me. Strawberry Oasis Pie. I’ve been waiting all year for strawberry season so I could finally recreate it.

Thanks to the super-warm weather, strawberry season came early this year.

Based on the description, this pie could have gone one of two ways: first, a strawberry pie, with some chocolate. Maybe a drizzle, maybe a chocolate crust or a base of semisweet chocolate. And I’m sure it would have been delicious. Or, (and it’s no surprise I went this direction instead) a decadent chocolate pie, laced with strawberries.

Chocolate Strawberry Oasis Pie, inspired by the Movie

I wanted chocolate. Lots of rich, dark chocolate. And a recipe for a black-bottom chocolate pie turned out to be the perfect jumping-off point. The crust for this pie is one I’ll definitely be repeating; it has melted chocolate as the binder in the crust, and holds together beautifully.

I added a layer of whole strawberries in the bottom of the crust. Fresh, not cooked, so the bright and full strawberry flavor shines through. A perfect pairing for the decadent chocolate, complete with that little bit of exotic spice (courtesy of ginger and nutmeg).

I think this one would make old Joe proud, don’t you?

Chocolate Strawberry Oasis Pie

Inspired by the movie Waitress, this pie would make ol’ Joe proud: with a black-bottom chocolate cookie crust, creamy spiced chocolate custard filling, and plenty of fresh strawberries.

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Ingredients:

For Crust:

  • Nonstick vegetable oil spray
  • 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1 ounce bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 7 ounces chocolate wafer cookies (about 30 cookies)
  • 1 pint strawberries, trimmed and halved

For Filling:

  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 6 large egg yolks
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 6 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 tablespoon bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Lightly spray a 9-inch pie dish with nonstick spray. Place the butter and chopped chocolate in a microwave safe bowl, heat on high for 30 seconds or until just melted. Stir until smooth. Finely grind cookies in processor. Add chocolate mixture and process until crumbs are evenly moistened. Press crumb mixture into prepared pie dish. Freeze until firm, about 30 minutes. Arrange strawberry halves in a single layer in the bottom of the crust.
  2. For filling, whisk sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, spices, and salt in heavy medium saucepan to combine. Whisk in egg yolks to form thick paste. Gradually whisk in milk, then whisk over medium-high heat until mixture thickens and boils 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add chocolate and whisk until smooth. Whisk in bourbon and vanilla. Cool 5 minutes, whisking occasionally. Pour filling over strawberries until level with the top edge of the crust (you may not use all the filling). Chill until set, at least 2 hours and up to 1 day. Top with fresh whipped cream and more strawberries, if desired.

Adapted from Epicurious.

All images and text © / Love & Olive Oil

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Chocolate Strawberry Oasis Pie, inspired by the Movie "Waitress"

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118 Comments

  1. How many chocolate bars do you need to make this pie most chocolate bars only have 4 ounces

  2. the pie looks good and what happens if you don’t bourbon to put in it

  3. Awesome recipe! I made this today and just had my first taste, really great flavours. While I’m sure the recipe would have tasted great without any changes, I did make 2. Firstly, I used a regular pie crust instead of the cookie one used in this recipe. That’s just how I personally pictured the pie, and it still tasted amazing. I think the cookie crust would have been too rich for me. I also added 1/8 of a teaspoon of cloves, and this seemed to add a great flavour in the final product. Overall, a versatile recipe that works very well, and doesn’t take too much effort.

  4. I love, love, love the movie Waitress. I love pie. I also love your blog/website so I had to try this pie. AMAZING! I used Tate’s Double Chocolate Thin Cookies as other chocolate wafers are hard to find, weird. These are extra chocolatey and made the crust the same. I used a bit less of the ginger, nutmeg and bourbon as I got frowns from my husband when he read the recipe but he LOVED it! I also used 2% milk, which was fine. So happy it is strawberry season and always chocolate season.
    Amazing recipe and a keeper! Will be making this again. Easy to make and with extra pudding, a bonus!

  5. My pie is still so wobbly after setting for 12 hours in the fridge. The only ingredient I left out was the bourbon due to being pregnant. Any tips or suggestions?

    • The filling probably wasn’t cooked enough would be my guess. It should be thick and pudding like when it comes off the stove.

      If your pie ends up being too loose to slice just dollop it over ice cream. Still delicious!

  6. How would this hold up in the heat after it’s chilled? 

  7. I made this delicious and decadent pie. I have no complaints but a few minor changes ,I think next time I’ll add cardamom and more Ginger, couldn’t really taste it.

  8. I would like the oasis pie recipes made with a pastry crust.

  9. Delicious.My daughter and I made it.I love that we didn’t have to use the oven.We made it just as it was printed and outvextrema strawberries and whipped cream on top. Yum

  10. My-O-My what a PIE!! Using all fresh, whole ingredients puts it over the TOP! Don’t skimp…. miss lunch the next day and enjoy! This is a keeper for sure! Hubby loves the chocolate the most!!

  11. Just made this. Great flavours (I left out the ginger though). Not being a sweet tooth I would reduce the amount of sugar added to the custard since the chocolate probably has enough, but for most people the sweetness would be perfect!

  12. I found this site through bouncing around tumblr… I made this pie as a surprise to my wife (a teacher) as a “Just Because” treat. I told her nothing about the pie, it was fun watching her discover the strawberries. Well, I have been designated at the “official” snack maker for when they have meetings in her classroom. And tomorrow (Sunday), I will be in the kitchen making this pie again for Monday’s meeting… DO NOT FEAR IT!!! it is easily made and a scrumptious treat to chocolate fans (which I am not)…Experiment… use raspberries, blueberries, or any tasty treats other treat under the filling… your creation will be a hit!!!

  13. I made it and my family loved it! Thank you! It’s a wonderful pie!

  14. I have a question about your Chocolate Strawberry Oasis pie. Do you think it would work  as a sheet cake? I can’t tell if the chocolate filling would be solid enough from the pictures. Sure looks yummy!

  15. I have a question! If anyone could help me out:) I have been eyeing this cake for weeks!! I just came home with everything to make it for my best friend bachelorette party this weekend. Do you think I could make it ahead of time and it would be ok in a few days? I could freeze it. Just wondering how it keeps if anyone knows that would be a huge help! Thank you!!

    • I’ve never tried freezing this personally, but I don’t think this would be the best make-ahead recipe. The strawberries have a tendency to ‘weep’ after a few days in the pie, so it’s really best within a day or two after it’s made.

  16. This came out really yummy! The pudding was thick and smooth and held together pretty well. The crust was a little bit on the crumbly side and broke in pieces, but I went out and bought a primo pie server, and it came out in one piece when I used that.

    It could have used a little bit more strawberry flavor for me because I actually just got more chocolate than anything, but it made for a really yummy chocolate pudding pie. 

    :)

  17. Ahh I forgot about those! Thank you.

  18. Would dark spiced rum be a good alternative to bourbon? I don’t know if I want to buy a whole bottle of liquor for a pie when I have something else that might work.

    • It might, although I haven’t tried it. Brandy would work too I think. Also, don’t forget about the airplane-sized bottles that most liquor stores sell. They’re perfect for exactly this reason. :)

  19. This chocolate strawberry oasis pie was a huge success the other night! Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe. 

  20. I made this and it turned out divine! The whole family loved it.
    Thanks so much for the recipe :)

  21. Hello, I found your article on Pinterest, can you tell me if using bourbon required?  My children do not like the taste of bourbon, I’ve  tried the extract in another recipe and no one liked it. 
    Thanks! 

  22. I made this pie and was very disappointed. Did not taste good, don’t waste your money.

  23. mine came out tasting starchy. Too much cornstarch? I feel like if i cut the cornstarch in half and boiled maybe a little longer it wouldn’t have tasted so starchy and still had its creamy consistency.

  24. Hi! Your recipe looks sooo beautiful and yumi, Im trying it for my boyfriend this valentine but couldnt find that brand of cookies, do you think there is any other I could try?? Im in México… 

    • Any sort of plain chocolate wafer cookie should work. Oreo crumbs (without the white centers) for example, will work. You can also make your own chocolate wafer cookies, although that does make the recipe more time consuming.

  25. Is the bourbon essential in this recipe? 

  26. This sounds fantastic!!! However, I’m wondering if and/or how the filling recipe can be modified to use Nutella. I’ve looked at other Nutella filling recipes and they all seem to use cream/mascarpone cheese… Which would be great if I was making a cheesecake, but I’m not since I hate them. And is all that sugar really necessary…

  27. Sounds like an awesome recipe! I would love to make this soon, but had a question regarding some of the filling ingredients. I don’t drink, 90% because I’m underage and 10% because alcohol is gross. Is it okay to nix the bourbon? Also can I cut the ginger and nutmeg out? 

    • You can leave the bourbon out, maybe just double the vanilla instead to make up the extra flavor.

      And I wouldn’t leave out the spices, as they are what give the filling its uniquely exotic flavor. They are not strong at all though (nothing like a gingerbread cookie or anything, I promise!)

  28. I wish I could read the recipe, but with all those spoons I’m having trouble seeing the recipe hidden below!

  29. My pie is in the fridge chilling but I’m concerned after looking again at your picture.   I followed the directions exactly but my filling was liquid — not the consistency of pudding or mouse at all!  I sure do hope it will set into an edible pie type dessert after all of the work and my family looking forward to this!!   Not sure what went wrong …..

  30. Made this pie today after me and my girls went strawberry picking. This is the most amazing pie I have ever eaten! Will definitely be making this a strawberry season tradition in our household! Love the movie too…thanks for posting this!!!!
    Do you know how it freezes?

    • I have not frozen this pie, sorry, so I can’t offer any advice. I’d worry freezing would affect the creamy consistency.

    • I froze the leftover pie so I can comment on how it holds.

      Pudding was not so great, came out more tacky/chalky on the re-thaw. Strawberries were surprisingly more gooey and deliciously “strawberrier”. Crust was on the soggy side. Not an awesome pie to freeze and thaw…

  31. What are the chocolate wafer biscuits? Have you got a specific brand that I can look up? I am in South Africa so need to match something up! Thanks in anticipation!  

    • try searching these on amazon.com//

      Nabisco Famous Wafers – Chocolate
      Nabisco Oreo Thin Crisps “100 calories” (I used these, available in most grocery stores in California)

      Nabisco, Honey Maid Graham Crackers, Chocolate
      Annie’s Bunny Grahams, chocolate

      (I totally think you can sub wafer cookies with graham cracker!)

  32. I am so hungry everytime I watch that movie.  I am going to make that pie  tonight.

  33. This is the second time I’ve made this pie. The first time the filling didn’t thicken right and came out lumpy. So instead i used chocolate pudding mixed with cool-whip. it worked well. Well this time I tried the filling again, it thickened correctly and tastes divine. But it’s still lumpy? They’re little lumps so I don’t know if this is okay or if it should be completely smooth?? Thanks!!

    • Lumps just mean some of the egg got cooked (maybe it was cooked too long or over too high of heat or not stirred enough, could be anything, really). BUT you can easily strain the filling before putting it in the crust, just run it through a fine mesh sieve and that should take care of the lumps. :) Luckily it’ll still taste good regardless!

  34. I love that movie! What kind of chocolate cookies did you use for the crust? Thanks. 

    • They are called chocolate wafer cookies. Nabisco Famous brand, yellow box. Sometimes hard to find but they make the best crusts. :)

  35. Was hoping to make this pie with skim milk. Has anyone tried/do you think it would work? Thanks!

  36. My daughter and I watched ‘The Waitress’ today and both decided we wanted that Strawberry Chocolate Pie – we found your recipe, made the pie and just enjoyed our first piece. You did a great job recreating what they described – Thank You! YUM!

  37. This pie turned out better than expected. I worried a bit over the addition of nutmeg and ginger (usually leaving nutmeg out of most recipes), but it was AMAZING! The chocolate is decadent with a very unique flavor (not your average JELLO pudding by any means) and pairs really well with the strawberries. It was incredibly easy to make. People raved over this dessert. I think I had like 10 requests for the recipe.

  38. Just wanted to clarify, I know it says chill up to one day. I’m having people over for a dinner party on Sat. How far in advance can I make it? (eg. would it be too early to make it tonight/tomorrow?)

    • I wouldn’t make it much earlier than one day, otherwise the berries might start to ‘weep’. Still edible, of course, but maybe not something you want your guests to see when you first slice into it.

  39. Hi! I am interested in trying to make this non-dairy. I know I could use margarine for the crust, but do you think the filling could be made with soy milk?

    • I’ve never tried it so I can’t say definitively, but unfortunately I don’t think it will set properly with soy milk. You may want to seek out a chocolate pudding or mousse type recipe that is already dairy free, and use that in place of the filling here.

    • Thanks, Lindsay. I did make a version this weekend that was dairy free that turned out pretty well. The recipe was very similar, but didn’t include the egg yolks so it wasn’t quite as thick, but still set well.

    • KATIE- I would also like to do it Dairy Free- could you tell me what you did? thanks!

  40. Hello! I have tried to make this pie, twice already! The first time, I allowed the filling to boil for 1 minute and it did not thicken. :( the second time I let it boil a little longer and it thickened, but the consistency was pudding. :(. I look at the picture and I imagine a mousse type consistency. Can anyone give me some pointers as to what I am doing wrong? Or what I should try doing differently?

    Thanks!

    • Hi Laura – that is odd indeed, I haven’t heard of anyone else having that issue. Did you make any changes/substitutions to the filling recipe? The consistency for me was definitely a thick pudding, and it continues to set up as it cools and chills.

  41. I am actually watching the movie right now and I was tempted to make one myself.
    Thank you =)
    Greetings from Italy

  42. Hey- if I want to make it non alcoholic can I just leave out the bourbon… Or does it need it?

    • Sure, you can definitely leave it out if you’d like. I find it just adds a bit of depth to the filling. Maybe up the vanilla to 2 teaspoons to make up for it.

  43. Oh my…I can’t believe my luck! I bought a huge basket of strawberries and stuck them in the freezer wondering how can I use them the best and lo….I stumble upon your divine recipe! I’m so going to make it. Will let you know how it turns out. I’m slightly nervous about the crust, so keeping my fingers crossed!

  44. I love that movie! I just made this pie in anticipation for thanksgiving tomorrow! It came out perfect! I dipped one of the strawberries in the filling to test it and it tasted amazing! This is definitely going to be one of my repeat recipes! Thanks so much!

  45. I love the movie Waitress!! I think I’m going to make this one of my pies this Thanksgiving…

  46. The film ‘Waitress’ was on tv last night and after watching that scene that you referred it made me think, what would that chocolate strawberry pie actually taste like? Which led me to a web search and this page. I knew that I would have to look to an American website to find what I was looking for as they just don’t make pies like that in the UK! Can’t wait to try out the recipe, just as soon as I’ve worked out the conversions into grams!

  47. I made this pie the other morning and then had a piece that night for dessert. It was great! The next night I had another piece and it was AMAZING! I think the flavors developed more overnight. Wonderful – thank you so much – I will definitely make this again.

  48. I love the inspiration for this pie! Waitress is one of my favorite movies. I hope I get another pint of strawberries in my next CSA box so I can try this out.

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