Name: French Silk Pie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-489642H45M24S
Total time: 8 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 unbaked Flaky Pie Crust or All Butter Pie Crust; 1 large egg beaten with 1 Tablespoon milk or heavy cream (egg wash for pie crust); 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or heavy whipping cream (for whipping); two 4-ounce (113g each) quality bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate bars, finely chopped; 4 large eggs; 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar; 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream or heavy whipping cream; 2 Tablespoons confectioners’ sugar or granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; Optional: chocolate curls for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 1 review

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If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the rich, velvety taste of chocolate, you’re going to fall head over heels for this French Silk Pie Recipe. Imagine a flaky, buttery crust cradling a luscious, silky chocolate filling so smooth and decadent that it melts in your mouth with every bite. This classic dessert is an irresistible blend of creamy texture and intense chocolate flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in, this French Silk Pie Recipe is a showstopper that feels like a warm hug in pie form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with thick fluffy white cream swirled with rich dark chocolate sauce creating a marbled pattern. A wooden spoon with a red silicone tip is partially dipped into the mixture on the right side of the bowl. The cream and chocolate layers blend softly together, showing smooth and light texture with swirls of dark brown through the bright white. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this French Silk Pie Recipe lies not just in its flavor but in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential, working together to create the perfect harmony of texture, creaminess, and rich chocolate allure.

Flaky Pie Crust: A buttery, tender base that supports the luscious filling beautifully; you can also use an all-butter pie crust for extra richness.
Egg Wash (1 large egg + 1 tablespoon milk or cream): Adds a golden sheen to the pie crust edges, making your pie as pretty as it is delicious.
Heavy Cream (2 cups total): Used both for the silky filling and a fluffy whipped topping that adds lightness and creaminess.
Quality Bittersweet or Semi-Sweet Chocolate (8 ounces): The star ingredient that delivers deep chocolate intensity and melts perfectly into the filling.
Large Eggs (4): Cooked gently with sugar to create a smooth, safe-to-eat base that gives the filling its luxurious texture.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling while helping to create that classic silky mouthfeel.
Unsalted Butter (3/4 cup, softened): Adds a creamy richness and helps set the filling while keeping it melt-in-your-mouth smooth.
Pure Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances the chocolate flavor with a subtle, fragrant warmth.
Confectioners’ or Granulated Sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the whipped cream topping just enough to balance the rich filling.
Optional Chocolate Curls: Pretty garnishes that add a touch of elegance and extra chocolate indulgence.

How to Make French Silk Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust

Trust me, the crust is your pie’s first impression. I recommend making your pie dough the night before and chilling it thoroughly so it rolls out easily and bakes up flaky and golden. Roll it to about 12 inches in diameter, then gently place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Don’t trim the edges—instead, fold the excess back over to form a nice thick rim, then crimp or flute for that classic pie look. Chill the crust again for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinking during baking.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

Before adding that heavenly filling, the crust needs a little pre-bake love. Line it with parchment and fill with pie weights or dried beans to keep it from puffing up. Pop it in the oven preheated to 375°F until the edges are lightly browned, about 15–16 minutes. Remove the weights, prick the bottom with a fork, brush egg wash on the edges for a beautiful shine, and return to bake until the bottom is golden brown. Cool completely before moving on.

Step 3: Whip the Heavy Cream

Use a mixer to whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This fluffy cream adds an airy lightness to your silky filling and needs to be set aside in the fridge until you fold it in later.

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

You want to melt your chocolate slowly and gently, either in a double boiler or in the microwave using short bursts. Stop often and stir to avoid scorching. Smooth, glossy melted chocolate is the heart of the French Silk Pie Recipe’s rich texture.

Step 5: Cook the Eggs and Sugar

This is a crucial step to get the perfect custard base and ensure food safety. Whisk your eggs and sugar together, then cook them over simmering water until the mixture reaches 160°F, stirring constantly. This slow cooking thickens the mixture and dissolves the sugar completely. Let it cool, then carefully mix in the melted chocolate. Let it cool again to prevent the butter from curdling when added.

Step 6: Cream the Butter and Mix

Beat the softened butter with vanilla until pale and creamy. Then, slowly add in your chocolate and egg mixture while beating to incorporate air and give the filling its signature silkiness. Finally, fold in the whipped cream gently—this keeps the filling light and velvety but rich enough to satisfy any chocolate lover.

Step 7: Assemble and Chill

Spoon the luscious filling into your cooled crust and smooth it out with a spatula. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap and chill it for at least 4–6 hours, preferably overnight, to let it set fully. This chilling period is when the pie develops that perfect, sliceable texture.

Step 8: Whip and Add the Topping

Before serving, whip the remaining heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until soft to medium peaks form. This creamy topping adds the perfect light contrast to the rich filling. Pipe or spread it evenly over the pie, and finish with chocolate curls for a stunning presentation.

How to Serve French Silk Pie Recipe

The image shows a pie with three clear layers, placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a golden, baked crust with a wavy edge, looking flaky and slightly shiny. Above the crust is a smooth, rich chocolate filling with a deep brown color, spread evenly inside the crust. On top of the chocolate filling, there is a thick, fluffy white whipped cream layer, piled high and looking soft. The whipped cream is decorated with dark chocolate shavings that have a rough texture and are scattered mostly in the center, adding contrast to the white cream. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chocolate curls or shavings takes this pie from delicious to downright irresistible. You can also dust it lightly with cocoa powder or add a few fresh raspberries for a pop of color and tartness against the creamy sweetness.

Side Dishes

French Silk Pie is so rich and indulgent that simple sides work best. A fresh fruit salad or a small bowl of vanilla ice cream can complement the chocolate beautifully without overwhelming your palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices on elegant dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel or raspberry sauce. For parties, you can make mini versions of the pie in tartlet pans or even chocolate shells, ideal for bite-sized indulgence that wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pie loves the fridge! Keep any leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to preserve its silky texture and keep it fresh for up to 5 days. Just give it a little time to soften at room temperature before serving again.

Freezing

French Silk Pie Recipe doesn’t freeze very well due to its delicate texture, especially the whipped topping. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within a few days to truly appreciate its creamy goodness.

Reheating

No reheating needed here. This pie is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at cool room temperature. Heat can compromise the filling’s smooth texture and cause separation, so keep it fresh and cool for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this French Silk Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! A store-bought crust helps save time and can still provide a great flaky base. Just blind bake it as directed for the best results.

Is it safe to use raw eggs in this pie?

The eggs are gently cooked over simmering water until they reach 160°F, which makes them safe to eat by eliminating harmful bacteria while maintaining the custard’s smooth texture.

What type of chocolate is best for French Silk Pie Recipe?

Choose quality bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for a deep, balanced chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet but wonderfully rich.

Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on eggs, butter, and cream to achieve its signature silky texture and richness, so it’s tricky to veganize without altering the classic taste, but some experimenters use substitutes like coconut cream and vegan butter with mixed results.

How long should I chill the pie before serving?

For the best texture and flavor, chill the French Silk Pie Recipe for at least 4–6 hours or overnight. This gives it time to set fully and makes slicing easier.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that blends nostalgic charm with decadent chocolate luxury, this French Silk Pie Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a brilliant balance of rich, smooth, and fluffy textures that feels like a little celebration in every bite. Don’t wait for a special occasion—make it soon and share the joy of a truly magical slice!

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