French Silk Pie

Although the name implies otherwise, the original French silk pie was created in the United States and was an award-winning pie in an early 1950's baking contest. The name refers to the rich, silky texture of the chocolate filling and the airy whipped cream on top.

While a few traditional recipes use raw eggs, this French silk pie recipe cooks the eggs over a double boiler. This helps create a rich, velvety filling that is safe for anyone to eat.

Learn how to make French silk pie. This recipe calls for a frozen pie shell to save time, but feel free to use an Oreo or graham cracker crust, or make your crust from scratch if you’d like.

What Is A French Silk Pie?

French silk pie is an indulgent dessert, featuring a classic pie crust filled with a velvety chocolate filling and whipped cream topping. It is rumored to have been created by Kendall "Betty" Cooper, who won a $1000 prize for it in the 1951 Pillsbury Bake-Off Contest. The name was most likely given due to the dreamy, silky texture of the chocolate filling and whipped cream topping.

While it may not be French in origin, it certainly became an American staple. With the commercialization of ready-made pie crusts and whipped topping around the same time it was created, this beloved dessert became even more easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients for French Silk Pie

A frozen pie crust is baked until golden, and filled with a silky chocolate filling lightened and topped with whipped cream. To make French silk pie, you'll need:

For the crust and filling:

• 9-inch frozen deep-dish pie crust: A shortcut option for the pie crust, or feel free to make your own, whether classic or crumb crust.
• Large eggs: Binds the filling.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
• Bittersweet chocolate: Rides the line between sweet and bitter for a deep, chocolatey flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Adds depth to the filling.
• Heavy cream: Whipped to lighten the filling.
• Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy, rich texture.

For the topping:

• Heavy cream: Whipped for an airy whipped cream topping.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
• Vanilla extract: Adds an aromatic touch.
• Chocolate curls, chocolate shavings, or cocoa powder: Optional, for garnish.

How To Make French Silk Pie

A thermometer takes all of the guesswork out of making this pie filling. Just heat the egg mixture over a double boiler until the right temperature is reached, and you'll have a rich, velvety chocolate filling ready in no time. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Bake crust: Bake pie crust according to package instructions; cool completely.
• Step 2. Heat eggs and sugar: Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a double boiler. Whisk together eggs and sugar and place over double boiler, whisking to reach 160°F.
• Step 3. Melt chocolate: Place a clean bowl over the double boiler. Add chopped chocolate to bowl, and stir until melted. Remove from heat and wipe off any condensation on the bottom of the bowl.
• Step 4. Combine eggs and chocolate: Whisk egg mixture into melted chocolate to combine.
• Step 5. Whip cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla to soft peaks.
• Step 6. Beat butter: In another bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy.
• Step 7. Combine: Mix chocolate mixture into butter to combine.
• Step 8. Fold in cream: Fold in the whipped cream.
• Step 9. Pour into crust: Pour filling into prepared crust and refrigerate at least four hours.
• Step 10. Whip topping: Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to medium peaks. Spoon evenly over the chocolate filling.
• Step 11. Garnish and serve: Garnish as desired and serve.

French Silk Pie Variations

This classic pie can be taken in a variety of directions, adding a unique touch to this traditional dessert:

• Crust: Swap the standard pie crust for a cookie crumb crust, if preferred.
• Chocolate: Change up the bittersweet chocolate with white, milk, or dark chocolate varieties as desired.
• Mix-ins: Add peanut butter, Nutella, espresso powder, or spices into the filling for a flavorful touch.
• Swirl: Swirl fruit preserves, marshmallow creme, or salted caramel into the filling.
• Flavorings: Add mint, almond, orange, or vanilla extract to the filling. For a boozy touch, add a splash of bourbon or rum.
• Garnishes: Garnish before serving with fresh berries or cherries, chocolate or caramel sauce, toasted nuts, or a dusting of cocoa powder.

Our Tips for the Best French Silk Pie

For the best French silk pie, keep these tips in mind:

• Bake crust until golden brown: For a crust with a crisp texture throughout, bake as directed until golden brown. Cool completely before filling to avoid a soggy bottom.
• Use a thermometer: If you have one, use a thermometer to make sure you bring the eggs and sugar to the proper temperature, making the filling safe to eat.
• High-quality chocolate: Choose bars of high-quality chocolate to make this pie, if possible. High-quality chocolate will melt more smoothly, and create a pie with a better flavor and mouthfeel.
• Don't overwhip: Whip the cream to soft peaks, as directed, for easy incorporation into your chocolate filling.
• Refrigerate until firm: Chill the pie for at least four hours for a sliceable texture.
  
• Garnish as desired: This pie is delicious no matter how you serve it, but an extra step of garnishing with chocolate curls, shavings, or cocoa powder can really take it to the next level. Pair with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or fresh berries for a bright addition.

How To Store French Silk Pie

French silk pie is best prepared the day before or on the day of serving for the freshest flavor and texture, particularly with its whipped cream topping. If making a day ahead, fill the pie crust with the chocolate filling, then wrap and refrigerate overnight. Top with whipped cream and garnishes fresh before serving.

Store leftover slices of French silk pie in an airtight container for up to three days. The whipped cream topping may lose its structure over time, but it will still be delicious. While you can freeze leftover slices of pie, wrapped tightly, for up to one month, note that the texture may be affected after thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving if frozen.

More Dreamy Chocolate Pie Recipes You'll Love

Rich chocolate meets luscious fillings and buttery crusts in these decadent chocolate pie recipes:

• Over-the-Moon Chocolate Pie
• Chocolate Pumpkin Pie
• Mississippi Mud Pie
• Fudge Pie
• Chocolate-Pecan Chess Pie
• Chocolate-Peanut Butter Icebox Pie
• Grasshopper Pie
• Jean Hope's Chocolate Brownie Pie
• The Ultimate Chocolate Pie