chocolate french silk pie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chocolate french silk pie recipe

I’ve been making chocolate French silk pie for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it, and I love how easy it is to make.

The recipe hails from France, where it’s known as ‘tarte au chocolat’. It’s a rich, decadent dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or just a Tuesday night.

The key to making a great French silk pie is to use high-quality chocolate and to not overmix the filling. I like to use a combination of dark and milk chocolate for the best flavor.

The texture of the filling is what makes this pie so special – it’s smooth, creamy, and utterly divine. When I take it out of the oven, the aroma fills the kitchen and everyone knows that dessert is just around the corner.

My family has even requested it for birthdays and holidays. It’s a crowd-pleaser, for sure.

I’ve experimented with different types of chocolate and flavor combinations, but this classic recipe remains my favorite. It’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking – sometimes less is more, and this pie proves that.

Chocolate French Silk Pie

4.9 from 923 votes

A rich and creamy chocolate pie with a smooth silk-like texture, perfect for chocolate lovers. This classic dessert features a buttery crust and a velvety chocolate filling.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 650 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Filling

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
6 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
pinch of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 large egg yolks
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar

For the Topping

1 1/2 cups heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar.
3Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
4Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
5Bake for 7-8 minutes, remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
6In a saucepan, combine sugar, chocolate, and butter over medium heat.
7Stir continuously until the chocolate and butter are melted and the mixture is smooth.
8Remove from heat and stir in cocoa powder and salt until well combined.
9Let the mixture cool slightly.
10In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and vanilla extract.
11Slowly pour the chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
12Stir in the heavy cream until the filling is smooth and well combined.
13Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
14Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
15Remove from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
16In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
17Spread the whipped cream evenly over the cooled pie.
18Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
19Slice and serve the pie chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings if desired.

🔧Equipment

9-inch pie dish
Mixing bowl
Saucepan
Whisk
Electric mixer
Pie plate

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 650 kcal🧈Total Fat: 42g💛Saturated Fat: 24g❤️Cholesterol: 185mg🧂Sodium: 300mg🌾Total Carbs: 60g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 48g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother filling, ensure the chocolate mixture is completely cooled before adding the egg yolks. Avoid overbaking the pie, as it can cause the filling to become dry and crumbly.

Watch Video Of How Chocolate French Silk Pie Works

This chocolate French silk pie recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a sweet treat after dinner. It works well for family gatherings too!

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make ahead of time – simply store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or freeze it for up to 2 months.

When serving, consider topping with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream – but honestly, it’s perfect just as-is.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate French Silk Pie

Q: What type of chocolate should I use?

A: For this recipe, you’ll want to use high-quality dark and milk chocolate. I recommend using at least 70% cocoa solids for the best flavor.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the pie. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.

Q: Do I need a water bath while baking the pie?

A: Yes, baking the pie in a water bath will help prevent it from cracking and ensure a smooth filling. Simply place the pie on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake as instructed.

Q: Can I substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk?

A: No, heavy cream is essential for this recipe – it provides the necessary richness and texture to the filling. You can try substituting with half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the flavor may not be as rich or creamy as intended.

Q: How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

A: To prevent sogginess, make sure your crust is baked until golden brown before filling it with the chocolate mixture. This will help create a barrier between the crust and the filling.

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