Name: French Silk Pie Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 5 h 10 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1¼ cups (163 g) all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, chilled, cut into ¼-inch slices; ¼ cup (46 g) solid vegetable shortening, chilled, cut into 2 pieces; 2 tablespoons (30 ml) ice water; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped; 3 eggs; ¾ cup (149 g) granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into ½-inch pieces; 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; ½ cup (57 g) powdered sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Chocolate curls, optional

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 35 reviews

There is something truly magical about the French Silk Pie Recipe that captures the hearts of chocolate lovers everywhere. This pie is a luscious symphony of rich, silky chocolate filling nestled in a tender, flaky crust, topped with billowy whipped cream and elegant chocolate curls. Every bite melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and smooth texture that feels like a decadent hug from a dear friend. If you’ve ever dreamed of making a classic chocolate pie that wows both family and guests, this French Silk Pie Recipe is your new best kitchen companion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side pictures on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a clear glass pie dish filled with unbaked pale yellow pie crust evenly pressed inside with a crimped edge. A gray cloth is placed near the top left corner. On the right, two white ceramic bowls are stacked one above the other on the same white marbled surface; the top bowl contains smooth, light brown chocolate filling, and the bottom bowl holds a fluffy white whipped cream. The same gray cloth is placed near the upper left of the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this French Silk Pie Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the flaky, buttery crust that stands as a sturdy yet tender foundation, to the ultra-smooth chocolate filling that’s perfectly sweetened and luxuriously creamy.

1¼ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a tender and flaky pie crust.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor in the crust, balancing sweetness.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps with the crust’s browning.
6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter: Creates flakiness by layering fat into the dough.
¼ cup chilled solid vegetable shortening: Works alongside butter to keep the crust tender and easy to handle.
2 tablespoons ice water: Binds the dough gently without making it tough.
1 cup heavy cream: Whipped into softness for topping, and also helps in the silky filling texture.
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped: The star ingredient providing deep, complex chocolate flavor.
3 eggs: Adds richness and structure to the filling; must be handled carefully for safety.
¾ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling without overpowering the chocolate.
2 tablespoons water: Helps dissolve sugar and smooth the filling.
1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with its warm essence.
8 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature: Incorporates creaminess and richness into the filling.
½ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream topping gently.
Optional chocolate curls: For a beautiful, elegant garnish that adds visual appeal.

How to Make French Silk Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by combining the flour, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Cut in the chilled butter and vegetable shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. Add ice water gradually and gently mix until the dough just comes together. Shape it into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial to ensure a tender and flaky crust that doesn’t shrink during baking.

Step 2: Blind Bake the Crust

Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer it to the pan, pressing it in without stretching. Trim the edges and prick the bottom with a fork. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 10 minutes or until the crust is golden and set. Let it cool completely before filling.

Step 3: Make the French Silk Filling

Melt the chopped bittersweet chocolate over a double boiler until smooth. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together vigorously until they turn pale and thick—this will create the silky texture that defines French Silk Pie. Slowly pour the melted chocolate into the egg mixture, blending thoroughly. Whisk in water and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter into Filling

With the mixer running on medium speed, add the room-temperature butter a few pieces at a time, ensuring each bit is fully incorporated. This step adds richness and helps the filling become velvety smooth. Once complete, pour the filling into the cooled pie shell and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 5: Chill the Pie

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. The chilling allows the filling to set beautifully and develop its signature creamy texture that’s so irresistible.

Step 6: Whip the Cream Topping

Before serving, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped topping generously over the set pie, transforming it into a cloud of carefree indulgence.

How to Serve French Silk Pie Recipe

The first image shows a clear glass mixing bowl on a white marbled surface, with a grey cloth nearby; inside the bowl, there is a thick brown mixture topped with a dollop of white whipped cream. The second image shows the same bowl with the brown mixture fully blended into a smooth, creamy chocolate-colored batter. The third image shows a white pie dish on the same white marbled surface, filled evenly with the smooth chocolate filling, its edges showing a golden-brown flaky crust; a grey cloth is partially visible next to the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elegant chocolate curls sprinkled atop the whipped cream not only add an eye-catching touch but provide delightful textural contrast. You can also dust a little cocoa powder or grate some fresh chocolate for added flair and aroma.

Side Dishes

The richness of the French Silk Pie makes it perfect to pair with fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries, which cut through the sweetness and add a fresh, tangy bite. A simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso complements the chocolate flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual slices on chilled plates for a refreshing experience or offer mini versions in small tart shells for an elegant dessert buffet. You might also drizzle a raspberry coulis or caramel sauce around the slice for a restaurant-worthy flourish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover French Silk Pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents the pie from absorbing any fridge odors and keeps the whipped cream topping fresh and fluffy.

Freezing

This pie doesn’t freeze particularly well because the whipped cream topping can separate and the texture of the filling may change. If you must freeze, remove the whipped cream first, wrap the pie tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and re-whip fresh cream before serving.

Reheating

This pie is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. However, if you prefer a slightly softer slice, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the filling gently.

FAQs

Is it safe to use raw eggs in French Silk Pie Recipe?

Because this recipe uses raw eggs, it’s best to use pasteurized eggs or ensure your eggs are very fresh and handled with care. Alternatively, you can use a cooking method that gently heats the eggs to reduce any risk, but the classic recipe typically uses raw eggs for that silky texture.

Can I substitute bittersweet chocolate with milk chocolate?

You can substitute milk chocolate, but be aware this will significantly change the pie’s flavor, making it sweeter and less rich. Bittersweet chocolate offers the perfect intense chocolate presence that balances the sweetness.

What can I do if my crust shrinks while baking?

Prevent crust shrinkage by chilling the dough thoroughly, avoiding stretching when placing it in the pan, and blind baking with weights to hold its shape. Also, don’t overwork the dough.

How do I make perfect whipped cream for topping?

Use cold heavy cream, beat on medium-high speed with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Don’t overbeat; soft peaks will create the ideal cloud-like pile that complements the rich filling.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes, you can adapt the crust by using a gluten-free flour blend suited for baking. Just be mindful the texture may be slightly different, but the luscious filling remains exactly as delightful.

Final Thoughts

Making the French Silk Pie Recipe is like welcoming a piece of pure chocolate heaven into your kitchen. It’s an indulgent but approachable dessert that never fails to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Once you’ve tried this recipe, I can promise it will hold a special place in your dessert repertoire. So roll up your sleeves and give this silky, dreamy pie a try—you’ll be so glad you did!