Classic French Silk Pie: Rich, Velvety Chocolate Dessert
I am happy to share my recipe for a truly decadent French Silk Pie. This recipe delivers the ultimate rich, creamy, and velvety chocolate texture that melts in your mouth, set in a buttery crust. It is a showstopper dessert perfect for holidays or any special gathering.
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling/No-Bake Filling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie crust (use your favorite buttery, flaky recipe or a pre-made shell)
- 8 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled slightly
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated (yolks and whites)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for topping)
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare your pie crust according to your preferred recipe for a blind-baked or par-baked crust. Let the crust cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, combine the melted and cooled unsweetened chocolate with the softened butter. Mix until smooth.
- Beat the four egg yolks with the granulated sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and thick. This step builds structure for the filling.
- Gradually beat the chocolate-butter mixture into the egg yolk mixture until fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. Set this chocolate base aside.
- In a separate, clean, grease-free bowl, beat the four egg whites with the salt until stiff peaks form. You want them firm enough to hold their shape.
- Gently fold one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate base to lighten the mixture. Then, gently fold in the remaining egg whites until just combined. Do not overmix; this keeps the filling airy and mousse-like.
- Pour the silky chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, until the filling is completely set.
- Just before serving, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until medium peaks form. Spread or pipe the homemade whipped cream topping over the chilled pie.
- Garnish the top with chocolate shavings. Slice and serve this indulgent chocolate treat cold.
Notes
- To achieve the best mousse texture, make sure your melted chocolate is not hot when mixing with the yolks, as this can cook them.
- Whip the egg whites in a very clean bowl to ensure they reach stiff peaks.
- This pie is an excellent make ahead dessert, as it requires significant chilling time.
- For an alternative crust, you can press a mixture of crushed Oreos and melted butter into the pie plate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg