French Silk Pie

French Silk Pie is a luscious, airy chocolate dessert that’s as elegant as it is indulgent. Featuring a smooth, mousse-like filling made with rich semisweet chocolate, butter, sugar, and eggs, this classic American treat is served in a buttery crust and topped with freshly whipped cream and chocolate curls. With its silky texture and perfectly balanced sweetness, it’s the ultimate showstopper for any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent, smooth chocolate filling

• Luxuriously silky texture that melts in your mouth

• No gelatin or pudding—authentic mousse-style pie

• Perfect balance of richness and sweetness

• Fresh whipped cream topping adds lightness

• Ideal for holidays, dinner parties, or celebrations

• Elegant presentation with minimal effort

• Customizable with different crusts or chocolate types

• Make-ahead friendly

• Always a crowd-pleaser

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 oz semisweet chocolate (60–70% cacao), chopped
½ cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
¼ tsp fine sea salt
1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (graham cracker or traditional)
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
Chocolate curls or shavings, for garnish (optional)

directions

1. Prepare crust: Have a fully baked and cooled 9-inch pie crust ready.

2. Melt chocolate: Chop chocolate evenly and melt in a double boiler or microwave in short 30-second bursts. Let it cool until just warm to the touch.

3. Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar together for 3–5 minutes, until light and fluffy.

4. Add chocolate and vanilla: Beat in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

5. Cook eggs for safety: In a double boiler, gently heat the eggs, whisking constantly, until they reach 160°F using an instant-read thermometer. Remove immediately from heat.

6. Add eggs to filling: Gradually beat the warm egg mixture into the chocolate mixture. Continue to beat for 3–5 minutes until the filling is smooth and fluffy.

7. Fill the crust: Spoon the chocolate mixture into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

9. Whip the cream: Beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

10. Top and garnish: Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie. Garnish with chocolate curls or shavings if desired. Serve chilled.

Servings and timing

Yield: 9 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes

Variations

• Different Crusts: Try Oreo crust, chocolate cookie crust, or a classic flaky pie crust.

• White Chocolate Silk Pie: Swap semisweet chocolate with white chocolate for a creamy twist.

• Dark Chocolate Lovers: Use 70–85% dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

• Espresso Boost: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to intensify the chocolate.

• Boozy Silk Pie: Add 1 tbsp of coffee liqueur, bourbon, or Irish cream to the filling.

• Nutty Crust: Use crushed pecans or walnuts mixed into the crust for added texture.

• Mint Chocolate Silk Pie: Add a drop of peppermint extract and top with crushed mints.

• Mini Pies: Make individual portions in tart pans or ramekins.

• Vegan Version: Use vegan butter, egg replacer, dairy-free chocolate, and coconut whipped cream.

• Topped with Berries: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity contrast.

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheat: Not applicable; this dessert is best served cold.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet?

Yes, but the pie will be sweeter and less rich. Adjust sugar if needed to balance sweetness.

Are the eggs safe to eat in this recipe?

Yes. The eggs are gently heated to 160°F to ensure food safety without scrambling them.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. This pie is perfect for making a day in advance and storing in the fridge.

What’s the best chocolate to use?

Use high-quality semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (60–70% cacao) for the best flavor and texture.

Why is my filling runny?

The eggs may not have been beaten long enough, or the pie wasn’t chilled for the full 4 hours. Beat thoroughly and chill completely.

Can I use a store-bought crust?

Yes, store-bought graham or traditional pie crusts work well and save time.

How do I make chocolate curls?

Use a microplane or vegetable peeler on a block of chocolate at room temperature.

Is this the same as chocolate cream pie?

No. French silk pie has a mousse-like texture, while chocolate cream pie is typically pudding-based.

Can I use an electric hand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works perfectly for whipping the butter, sugar, and eggs.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just ensure you have a deep-dish pie plate or use two standard ones.

Conclusion

French Silk Pie is a timeless dessert that combines elegance with indulgence. With its velvety chocolate filling and light whipped cream topping, it’s a rich yet airy treat that’s perfect for any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply treating yourself, this classic pie is a sweet, silky slice of heaven that never disappoints.