• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Chef Dennis
  • Recipe Index
  • On the Road
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    French Silk Pie {Chocolate Silk Pie}

    Published: Aug 16, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley

    432 shares
    • Facebook170
    • Yummly
    5 from 88 votes
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    I once had someone describe my French Silk Pie as “heaven on a plate”.

    This creamy, rich, chocolaty dessert is also known as Chocolate Silk Pie. And although it’s not as heavy as chocolate mousse it’s every bit as decadent and delicious.

    slice of chocolate silk pie on a white plate with a forkful of the pie on the side

    There really aren’t words to describe just how delicious this French chocolate silk pie tastes. The addition of the oreo crust to my French Silk Pie Recipe adds another layer of chocolate goodness to my chocolate pie taking it to another level of deliciousness.

    whole french silk pie in the pie plate

    Topped with homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings, this French silk chocolate pie is truly a culinary masterpiece!

    *For a more dramatic effect, use chocolate curls.

    What ingredients do I need to make a Chocolate Silk Pie?

    ingredients to make chocolate silk pie

    Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Chocolate Silk Pie. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

    Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

    How to Make an Oreo Crust

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
    • Spray a 9-inch deep pie dish with pan spray.
    6 images showing how to make an oreo crust
    • Place the Oreo cookies (whole Oreos not just wafers) in the bowl of a food processor
    • Pulse the Oreos until they are cookie crumbs.
    • Add the melted butter to the oreo crumbs.
    • Pulse the crumbs and melted butter until the crumbs are moistened.
    • Press the cookie mixture into the bottom and partially up the sides of the prepared pie dish.
    • Bake for 10 minutes, or until fragrant and the crust has set. Let the cookie crust cool on a wire rack.

    If you’d rather have a flaky pie crust or graham cracker crust, both work really well with this dessert. If you’d rather not use the oreo filling, add another 10 wafers and 2-3 additional tablespoons of melted butter.

    How to melt chocolate

    melted chocolate
    • Place a metal bowl with the chopped chocolate over a pot of simmering water. You can also use the microwave to melt the chocolate in a glass bowl.
    • Stir the chocolate as it begins to melt. Once most of the chocolate has melted, remove the bowl from the heat and continue to stir until all of the chocolate has melted. *Allow the chocolate to cool slightly before using.

    Make the chocolate filling for a French Silk Pie

    4 images showing how to make a chocolate silk pie
    • Add the eggs and granulated sugar to a small saucepan.
    • Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
    • Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Continue whisking the egg mixture while it’s cooking. When the egg mixture has reached a temperature of 165° F and coats the back of a metal spoon, it’s done.
    • Remove the pan from heat and stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool until it’s just warm.

    *Bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened chocolate) is the best choice for this chocolate pie. Semi-sweet chocolate will also work with this recipe it just won’t be as strong a chocolate flavor, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

    Always buy the best chocolate available and don’t use chocolate chips for this cake; chocolate chips are generally not the best quality chocolate.

    6 images showing how to finish making a french silk pie
    • With an electric mixer, beat the butter until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
    • Gradually add the cooled chocolate mixture to the butter until it’s all incorporated.
    • Beat the chocolate butter mixture on high speed for 5 minutes, or until it’s light and fluffy. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl during the process.
    • In a clean bowl use an electric mixer to whip the cream until it begins to thicken. Add the sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. *Take your time whipping the cream. The faster it whips the faster it breaks down.
    • Fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
    • Mix the chocolate silk pie filling until smooth. Don’t overbeat!

    How to make assemble a French Silk Pie

    four images showing how to finish making and assemble a french silk pie
    • Pour the mixture into the pan, smoothing evenly. It will be above the level of pan.
    • Add the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla into a mixing bowl.
    • Whip the cream mixture on low and gradually increase the speed over 8-10 minutes until stiff peaks form.
    • Add the whipped cream to the top of the Chocolate Silk Pie
    whole french silk pie with a slice being taken out of it with a pie spatula

    Refrigerate the pie for at least 6 hours so it can set up. Overnight is best.

    Before serving sprinkle the top of the chocolate silk pie with shaved chocolate or chocolate curls.

    slice of chocolate silk pie on a white plate with a fork

    This French Silk Pie is one of my favorite pies and one I make when I want to impress my guests. It’s a decadent, rich dessert that’s perfect for a dinner party, brunch or just to make dinner a special event.

    Recipe FAQ’s

    What is the difference between French silk pie and chocolate cream pie?

    The American chocolate cream pie is a homestyle version of this French classic dessert. While Classic American Chocolate Cream Pie has more of a pudding-like consistency, the French Chocolate Silk Pie has a silkier, smoother texture.
    The French version is also much richer and decadent, getting its silky texture and rich flavor from heavy cream and butter.

    Why is it called a French Silk Pie?

    This delicious pie got its name because of how silky and smooth the chocolate is. I promise, one bite and you’ll agree that this is the smoothest and best chocolate pie you’ve ever had.

    Are there raw eggs in French Silk Pie

    There are no raw eggs in my version of a French Silk Pie, and it is not advisable to eat raw eggs that are incorporated into any food product that isn’t cooked.

    More Chocolate Recipes You’ll Love!

    • Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe
    • No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe
    • Authentic Italian Chocolate Torte
    • Best Chocolate Mousse Cake

    Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!

    slice of chocolate silk pie on a white plate with the rest of the pie in the background
    Print Recipe Save Saved!
    5 from 88 votes

    French Silk Pie

    French Silk Pie is a creamy, rich, chocolaty dessert also known as French Silk Pie. Not as heavy as chocolate mousse but every bit as decadent and delicious, this chocolate silk pie will make the chocolate lovers in your life very happy, I promise.
    Prep Time35 mins
    Cook Time20 mins
    Total Time55 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: French
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 588kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    Ingredients

    Crust

    • 20 Oreo whole cookie with stuffing
    • 3 tbsp unsalted butter melted

    Filling

    • 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar
    • 4 large eggs
    • 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate melted. (or semi-sweet)
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract
    • 10 tbsp unsalted butter at room temperature
    • 1 ⅓ cups heavy cream
    • 4 tsp granulated sugar

    Topping

    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    US Customary – Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    Crust

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch deep pie dish with pan spray.
    • Place the Oreo cookies in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add in the melted butter and pulse until moistened. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish.
    • Bake for 10 minutes, or until fragrant and set. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

    Filling

    • Place a metal bowl with the chopped chocolate over a pot of simmering water.
    • Stir the chocolate as it begins to melt. Once most of the chocolate has melted remove the bowl from the heat and continue to stir until all of the chocolate has melted.
      Allow the chocolate too cool slightly before using.
    • In a small saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs.
    • Set over medium-low heat and cook, constantly whisking the mixture until it reaches a temperature of 165° F and coats the back of a metal spoon.
    • Remove from heat and stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla until smooth. Cool to just warm, stirring occasionally.
    • Use an electric mixer, beat the butter until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
    • Gradually add in the cooled chocolate mixture then beat on high speed for 5 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
    • In a clean bowl use an electric mixer to beat the cream until it begins to thicken. Add the sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Fold into the chocolate mixture.
    • Pour the mixture into the pan, smoothing evenly. The pie will be tall with filling. Chill for 6 hours. At this point the pie can be stored for up to 2 days ahead of time.

    Topping

    • Add heavy cream, sugar and vanilla to the bowl of a stand mixer (or electric mixer). Whip the ingredients to stiff peaks.
      This process should be slow, starting. on low increasing the speed over about ten minutes.**This method is how you keep the whipped cream from breaking. The cream should be ice cold and as fresh as possible. Look for heavy cream with the longest expiration date.
    • Top pie with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings or dust with cocoa powder.

    Notes

    If you’d rather have a flaky pie crust or graham cracker crust, both work really well with this dessert. If you’d rather not use the oreo filling, add another 10 wafers and 2-3 additional tablespoons of melted butter.
    For a graham (or chocolate graham crust) use 20 graham crackers with 5-6 tablespoons of melted butter to make the crust for the chocolate silk pie.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 588kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 224mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 41g | Vitamin A: 1148IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

    More Recipes

    • Pastitsio {Greek Pasta Bake}
    • Blueberry Coffee Cake
    • Chicken Milanese
    • Best Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

    About Chef Dennis

    Picture of Chef Dennis

    Chef Dennis is a semi-retired Chef, writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of A Culinary Journey with Chef Dennis aka Ask Chef Dennis®. Chef Dennis worked professionally in White Table Cloth Restaurants for 40 years and has been developing easy to make, restaurant-style recipes since 2009. The second phase of his reinvention from chef to blogger has earned him a place at the Worlds Dinner Table. Join him on his Culinary Journey enjoying his easy to make Restaurant Style recipes and travel adventures. For more details, check out his About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lexi

      January 21, 2023 at 1:17 pm

      5 stars
      This pie left me speechless. This pie invoked ALL the best feelings.

      I used short bread cookies as the crust.

      The words in the English language could not explain how delicious this pie came out. I made it with a lot of love.

      Perfect recipe and I used really good ingredients.

      Thank you so much for the jewel.

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        January 21, 2023 at 6:52 pm

        You made my day with your comment Lexi! I hope you find more recipes on my website to enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Melissa

      January 09, 2023 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      This is an amazing pie. Can it be frozen?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        January 09, 2023 at 7:49 pm

        It sure can. Just make sure to double-wrap it before freezing. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge.

        I’m happy to hear you enjoyed the chocolate pie.

        Reply
    3. Elizabeth Hargis

      November 26, 2022 at 1:17 am

      I decided to try and make this pie during a pie baking day with my grandchildren. I’m really excited for our Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow and think this pie will be a hit. We will see what everyone thinks; but, I’m sure this is going in our holiday recipe book!

      Reply
    4. Laurie

      November 25, 2022 at 8:13 pm

      5 stars
      I think we have a winner! This is probably the best chocolate pie that we have ever had! Will be making this as special treats from now on. I am so glad that I found this recipe.

      Reply
    5. Laurie

      November 22, 2022 at 5:43 pm

      5 stars
      I am taking a break from making this pie right now. I am planning on doing a chocolate pie tasting event for this Thanksgiving. I am making this French Silk Pie vs Chocolate Cream Pie vs Mississippi Mud Pie. I am looking for a new favorite chocolate pie and am curious to taste the differences between these pies. So far, I am in love with all of them (I taste the leftovers as I go along). Thank you for sharing this recipe and for giving home bakers a place to try things out!

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        November 22, 2022 at 6:06 pm

        You’re very welcome Laurie!

        Reply
    6. Summar

      November 18, 2022 at 2:39 pm

      5 stars
      I can’t wait to try this! How far in advance can I make and put the whipped cream on top of the pie? Can I make the entire pie with the whipped cream the night before?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        November 18, 2022 at 3:18 pm

        As long as the whipped cream is done slowly it will hold up. But if you want to be sure that the whipped cream stays firm and pretty, add one teaspoon of gelatin to the cream, let it bloom for a minute, and then begin whipping it. If you stabilize the whipped cream you could make this two days ahead of time.

        Reply
        • Shannon Hansen

          November 20, 2022 at 11:44 am

          Where is the step about melting the chocolate and adding the vanilla?

        • Chef Dennis Littley

          November 20, 2022 at 12:26 pm

          thanks for catching the melted chocolate instructions. The vanilla goes in at step 5 with the melted chocolate.

    7. Rhonda

      September 06, 2022 at 12:51 am

      5 stars
      This was my first Chef Dennis recipe and it was a huge success. I followed his recipe to the letter. We decided to get 9 pieces out of his French Silk Pie and none of us found it to be too much to finish. This pie was perfectly balanced. Not too sweet, not too rich. Definitely on the “must do again” list. Thanks so much for your awesome recipe. So glad to have found your website.

      Reply
    8. Jenny

      September 05, 2022 at 5:20 am

      5 stars
      This is where the expression silky smooth came from! It’s on my short list for best deserts of the year. Your French silk pie is chocolate heaven!

      Reply
    9. Hayley Dhanecha

      September 05, 2022 at 4:41 am

      5 stars
      This silk pie was so good! My family finished it in no time. A perfect dessert for get-together or for a Sunday afternoon.

      Reply
    10. Laura Arteaga

      September 04, 2022 at 4:20 pm

      5 stars
      This was so delicious, with simple ingredients and really straightforward recipe. Loved the oreo base, never thought of it and it was yummy!

      Reply
    11. Marie

      September 04, 2022 at 2:25 pm

      5 stars
      This pie is just spectacular! The rich, silky smooth texture wowed my guests. I was super curious with the name of the dish because it’s such an American-style dessert (didn’t seem French to me at all!) and I learned that it was actually an award-winning dessert at a Pillsbury Bake-Off competition in the 50s. It’s called “French Silk” because it’s as smooth and feels as luxurious as French silk! So clever and makes so much sense. Thanks for allowing me to discover this wonderful dessert, I’ll be making it again!

      Reply
    12. Kristina

      September 04, 2022 at 8:07 am

      5 stars
      I have not had this dessert in a long time, but remember it being my favorite at a local diner that closed. This recipe tasted amazing and I am glad I found it. Definitely recommend!

      Reply
    13. Tracy

      September 02, 2022 at 3:19 am

      5 stars
      This dessert was so rich a decadent! We loved it so much! Thank you for another amazing recipe.

      Reply
    14. Amanda Mason

      September 01, 2022 at 4:16 pm

      5 stars
      I agree; it’s heaven on a plate. Oh my goodness this was better than fantastic! My son loved it and I loved the richness. Delicious!

      Reply
    15. Ashley

      August 31, 2022 at 7:35 pm

      5 stars
      I love a good French silk pie and this one was absolutely luscious! And the Oreo crust was the perfect addition.

      Reply
    16. Amanda

      August 31, 2022 at 7:28 pm

      5 stars
      What a creamy, dreamy pie! The filling was nice and rich but not overly so with such a luscious texture. Loved the Oreo crust touch as well!

      Reply
    17. veenaazmanov

      August 31, 2022 at 11:33 am

      5 stars
      Definitely a party dessert, everyone loved it! Thanks for all the step by step detailing to making it.

      Reply
    18. Vicky

      August 21, 2022 at 12:32 pm

      I have just discovered you!! I have to thank you for NOT filling your pages with dozens of flashing ads and videos that load on top of each other!!! I have lost my patience trying to delete the ads so I can actually see the recipe and related pictures. I have started to unsubscribe those pushy recipe sites!
      You are awesome!!

      Reply
    19. Jenny lendrum

      August 20, 2022 at 11:03 pm

      Will be making this delicious and outstanding dessert this weekend Chef Dennis, again thankyou for relaying these amazing recipes to us.

      Reply
    20. Denise

      August 20, 2022 at 5:00 pm

      I’m not a fan of the Oreo stuffing, why is it needed in the crust?

      Reply
      • Chef Dennis Littley

        August 20, 2022 at 5:11 pm

        You can eliminate the stuffing and just add another 2-3 tablespoons of butter. Or you can make a flaky pie crust or graham cracker crust instead, both will work.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar


    My name is Dennis Littley or "Chef Dennis" as I'm known both at work and across the blogosphere. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Fan Favorites

    • Almost No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe
    • Baked Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe
    • Chicken Parmesan Recipe
    • Best Baked Chicken Legs {Drumsticks}
    • German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich) Recipe
    • Best Tiramisu Recipe {step by step}
    • Easy Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs
    • Restaurant Style Veal Parm Recipe

    Featured In

    logos of all the places chef dennis has been featured

    Popular Posts

    • Best Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
    • Authentic Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
    • Maryland Style Jumbo Lump Crab Imperial
    • Best Chicken Salad – Deli Style
    • How to Make Restaurant Style Oysters Rockefeller
    • Easy Oven Baked Beef Brisket Recipe
    • Oven Roasted Rack of Pork {Pork Rib Roast}
    • Best Meatloaf Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    INFO

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    SUBSCRIBE

    Sign Up Today and start getting my easy-to-make restaurant-style recipes!

    CONTACT

    • About
    • Contact
    © 2009-2023 · Ask Chef Dennis ·

    Proud Member of:
    Mediavine Publisher Network
    432 shares
    • 170