A slice of French Silk Pie with a smooth chocolate filling, topped with fluffy whipped cream and served on a dessert plate

French Silk Pie

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If you’re looking for a dessert that combines rich, smooth chocolate with a buttery, flaky crust, look no further than French Silk Pie. This indulgent treat has been a beloved classic for years, known for its creamy texture and deep chocolate flavor. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this French Silk Pie is guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This French Silk Pie

  • Rich and Creamy: The velvety chocolate mousse filling is incredibly smooth and indulgent.
  • Buttery Flaky Crust: The perfect balance of crisp and tender that complements the creamy filling.
  • A Showstopper Dessert: With its glossy topping and decadent layers, this pie is as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

  • Combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour with ½ tsp salt.
  • Cut ½ cup unsalted butter into cubes and add it to the flour mixture.
  • Gradually add 3-4 tbsp cold water, mixing until the dough forms.

For the Chocolate Filling:

  • Chop 6 oz of semi-sweet chocolate and melt it with 3 tbsp unsalted butter.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream and 3 large egg yolks.
  • Add ½ cup granulated sugar to the egg mixture, then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract.

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • Beat 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
  • Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix to combine.

Instructions

Prepare the Pie Crust:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add the cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
  4. Roll the dough out on a floured surface into a circle and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.
  5. Bake the crust for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow it to cool completely before filling.

Make the Chocolate Filling:

  1. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 20-second increments, stirring between each.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar together until smooth.
  3. Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to steam, but not boil.
  4. Temper the egg mixture by slowly pouring in a little bit of the hot cream, whisking constantly. Then, gradually add the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream, whisking continuously until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat, and pour the chocolate mixture into the cream mixture, whisking until smooth and fully combined. Add vanilla extract and stir again.
  6. Let the filling cool slightly before pouring it into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set.

Make the Whipped Cream Topping:

  1. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form.
  2. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie filling just before serving, or pipe it decoratively onto the pie for a more elegant presentation.

Serve and Enjoy:

Your French Silk Pie is now ready to serve! Slice into this rich, creamy dessert and enjoy the perfect balance of silky chocolate and fluffy whipped cream. It’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation!

Tips for the Perfect French Silk Pie:

  • Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
  • For an extra indulgent touch, you can sprinkle shaved chocolate or cocoa powder on top of the whipped cream.
  • Be patient when cooling the filling to ensure it sets properly for the smoothest texture.
  • If you prefer a pre-made crust, you can use a store-bought graham cracker or chocolate crust as a shortcut.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g

Conclusion:

French Silk Pie is a dessert that’s as luxurious as it is delicious. With its smooth chocolate filling and light, fluffy whipped cream topping, it’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether it’s for a holiday, dinner party, or just because, this pie will surely be a hit with anyone who tries it. Enjoy!

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