A smooth, velvety chocolate pie nestled in a chocolate cookie crust and topped with fresh whipped cream. This version is rich, creamy, egg-safe, and irresistibly indulgent—perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This French Silk Pie delivers deep chocolate flavor without relying on raw eggs, giving you a luscious, mousse-like filling that’s both safe and luxurious. The crisp chocolate cookie crust adds texture, while the cloud-like whipped cream balances the richness. It’s a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead dessert ideal for gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust:
20 chocolate sandwich cookies (about 230 grams), with filling
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9-inch deep pie dish.
Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies in a food processor until fine. Add the melted butter and pulse until all crumbs are moistened.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
For the filling, whisk the granulated sugar and eggs together in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture reaches 160°F and thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and stir in the melted bittersweet chocolate and vanilla. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
Gradually add the cooled chocolate mixture and beat on high for about 5 minutes until light and airy.
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until fully combined and silky.
Spread the filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours to set.
For the topping, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe over the chilled pie.
Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa before serving.
Add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate taste.
Swap the crust for a baked pastry crust if you prefer a more traditional base.
Top with chocolate curls for a more elegant finish.
Use white chocolate for a lighter, creamier twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store the pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before adding the whipped cream topping.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap the untopped pie tightly and store for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before adding whipped cream.
This dessert is served chilled and does not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, it needs several hours to chill and can be made up to 2 days in advance.
Can I use semisweet chocolate instead of bittersweet?
Yes, swap in a 1:1 ratio for a slightly sweeter filling.
Is this recipe safe since it contains eggs?
Yes, the eggs are cooked to 160°F, making the filling safe to eat.
Can I use chocolate chips instead of baking chocolate?
You can, but baking chocolate melts more smoothly and gives better texture.
What if I don’t have a deep-dish pie pan?
A standard pan works, but you may have some filling left over.
Can I use a different crust?
A graham cracker or chocolate wafer crust works well, though the chocolate cookie crust gives the richest flavor.
Why is my filling too soft?
The filling may not have chilled long enough. Give it ample refrigerator time to firm up.
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, freeze without the whipped cream topping for up to a month.
How do I get clean slices?
Use a hot knife wiped clean between cuts.
Why is my whipped cream deflating?
Whip to stiff peaks and add it right before serving to maintain structure.
Conclusion
French Silk Pie is a decadent, velvety dessert that combines a rich chocolate filling with a crisp cookie crust and fluffy whipped cream. Its make-ahead nature makes it perfect for holidays and celebrations, offering a luxurious treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every silky bite.
French Silk Pie is a luscious, egg-safe chocolate dessert featuring a smooth, mousse-like filling in a crisp chocolate cookie crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream. Ideal for holidays or any celebration, it’s a rich, indulgent treat with crowd-pleasing appeal.
Ingredients
20 chocolate sandwich cookies (about 230 grams), with filling
