French Silk Pie! The End. Seriously, that should be all that needs to be said. Just say French Silk Pie and most people will come running! This has got to be my son’s very favorite pie of all time…and I have a hard time turning down a piece, too. Rich, chocolate, creamy and airy deliciousness.
For years, my Cafe Latte Turtle Cake was my family’s go to Birthday Cake, but at some point Kraig started requesting French Silk for his birthday instead. He reminded me for a little while, the old Better than Sex Cake (which my Mom used to call better than Robert Redford because she didn’t say the “S” word) was a favorite, but that’s a post for another time.
About this French Silk Pie:
I have no idea where I got the original recipe, it’s been passed around so much, but my recipe card says to use a pastry crust. Over the years, I changed it up with a graham cracker crust, which is nice, and finally settled on an Oreo crust. Because chocolate on chocolate! You can use any kind of crust you’d like, though, homemade or storebought. Not everyone is a chocoholic like I am.
I also put a smidge more chocolate in my French Silk Pie. Just a smidge because too much will ruin the glorious melt in your mouth silkiness that the French Silk Pie has. I guess that’s how it got its name, that silkiness. Garnish with chocolate curls, graham cracker crumbs or crushed Oreos, depending on how ambitious you are feeling and what kind of crust you’re using.
The Whipped Cream Topping for French Silk Pie:
There are several options for topping a French Silk Pie, so choose what suits you.
Freshly Whipped Cream is best if serving right away and may be added to each piece rather than topping the whole pie if serving in the next day or two. This is probably the freshest tasting option but lacks the structure of the stabilized whipped cream.
Stabilized Whipped Cream is simply whipped cream that’s been mixed with a touch of pure gelatin, the kind bought in a little box, like the Knox gelatin. It not only keeps the whipped cream looking lovely but adds a little sumpin’ sumpin’ that the plain freshly whipped cream doesn’t have. It has a richer body and mouthfeel and the pie seems more “professional.” You’ll need a little more whipping cream. This is my fave option.
Other Stabilized Toppings can be used, but I’m not as happy with them for this pie. Google up methods for stabilizing with cornstarch and pudding mixes. I feel that the flavors in these options interfere with the flavor of the pie.
Store Bought Whipped Cream can be used. While it used to be pretty awful, it’s improved and some brands are pretty good with a minimum of ingredients. It’s usually quite a bit pricier than buying cream and whipping it and doesn’t hold up any better than your own freshly whipped cream.
Store Bought Topping, like Cool Whip can be used as a topping. I’d never recommend it, but no judgment, here. Do what you need to do!
Saving Money on French Silk Pie:
When making French Silk Pie, there are a lot of variables depending on the options you choose. Homemade is always going to be more cost-effective in all the options.
As far as the shell of the pie, generally a graham cracker crust is least expensive, pastry next and an oreo shell the highest. This can change with sale prices. Garnishing with crumbs as opposed to chocolate curls will be a saving.
Always buy baking goods during holiday sales or check Aldi or Costco/Sam’s Club for the best savings. The whipping cream and butter are some of the priciest items in French Silk Pie. Shop well for them. Sale prices can be half of regular store prices.
French Silk Pie
French Silk Pie with a Stabilized Whipped Cream Topping Or Freshly Whipped Cream
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes + chill
- Yield: 1 pie, 8 servings
Ingredients
The French Silk Pie:
- 1 pie crust, baked and cooled (pastry, graham cracker or cookie crumb)
- 3 1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- 1 cup butter softened (do not use margarine)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 4 eggs, pasteurized
- chocolate curls for garnish, or 1/3 cup graham cracker or oreo crumbs
Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon and up to 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla, optional
Stabilized Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream, divided
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla, optional
Instructions
For the French Silk Pie:
In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate, using 30-second increments in the microwave, stirring after each. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, beat with electric mixer, preferably in a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, the butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the sugar while beating, then the vanilla. Add the melted and cooled chocolate and blend well.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating for a full three minutes after each egg if using a stand mixer, stopping to scrape the bowl before adding each additional egg. If using a hand mixer, beat 4 – 5 minutes. Time this. It’s important for a light fluffy pie with dissolved sugar.
Scrape into prepared pie shell, mounding in the center to a nice dome and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
Serve topped with whipped cream, stabilized whipped cream or other topping of choice and chocolate curls or garnish of choice. For the presentation shown, use the Stabilized Whipped Cream Option. Spread a thin layer of the stabilized whipped cream over the entire pie. Using a large star tip, pipe mounds of the topping around the outer edge and then go around the second time closer to the center. Mound chocolate curls in the center of the pie and scatter a few over the piped mounds.
For the Whipped Cream:
Add cold whipping cream to a mixing bowl. Whip until soft peaks form, then turn to low and add the powdered sugar and then the vanilla. Turn mixer back to high and beat until stiff peaks form.
For the Stabilized Whipped Cream:
Place water in a small pan, sprinkle with gelatin. Allow to sit for several minutes to soften, and in the meantime, start whipping the cream.
Add all but 3 tablespoons cream to mixing bowl and beat until soft peaks form. Pause and turn your attention to the gelatin. Stir the gelatin mixture and heat over very low heat until the edges turn clear, remove from heat and gently stir until dissolved. It will turn clear. Add the reserved three tablespoons of cream to the gelatin mixture and gently mix in. Turn the mixer on to low, add the gelatin/cream mixture and beat for about a minute until gelatin is incorporated. Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix in on low speed, scraping as necessary. Turn mixer to high and beat until stiff peaks form.
Notes
- The butter is softened correctly when it is soft enough to slightly bend without breaking and still holds its form. Too warm or cool will change the texture of the pie.
- If the room is too warm and the filling does not seem to be whipping properly, place mixing bowl with filling in the refrigerator for 20 to 25 minutes, then continue with beating.
- Recipe contains raw egg which can pose a health risk in particular to the very young, very old or those with compromised immune systems. Pasteurized eggs minimize this issue.
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You know I’ll be bringing this to our Throwback Thursday #21 Link Party, hosted by Quinn of Dad What’s for Dinner, Meaghan of 4 Sons are Us, Alli of Tornadough, and Moi! That’s right – me! Click on the blue leapfrog, below, to view all the posts!
I’m also taking this to Fiesta Friday 102, hosted by Angie of the Novice Gardener! Thanks Angie, for all you do! She’s backed up by two fantastic bloggers, Elaine @ foodbod and Julie @ Hostess at Heart. Thanks, ladies!!
if you like French Silk Pie, you might also like:
Mollie delivered me a large slice of her French silk pie! It was heaven, tasted better than Bakers Square pies.
🙂 Thanks Sandy!! I’m glad you liked it!!
My mom used to make a pie like this when I was younger. It was always one of my favourites. This looks so yummy!
Hi Natalie, glad to bring back some memories! I only wish my mother would have! 🙂
Mouth-watering pie!!
It looks so rich and scrumptious – definitely my kind of dessert 🙂
🙂 Appreciate it Winnie! 🙂
Mollie you are stomping on all our resolutions for healthy eating with these sweet temptations! I can’t believe how lofty this pie is. For a French girl, I’ve never made one of these but I will try it for the next special occasion,
Thanks, Johanne! I keep meaning to eat better, I really, do. The folks have such sweet tooths! I am trying to eat a big salad before every meal and less of everything else, tho!
Looks delicious! Happy FF!
Thanks! And happy FF to you, too!
Now that is food porn! A silk cake? Wow! What a lucky family you have 🙂
Thank you for sharing this with everyone at fiesta Friday, I think it will be very popular!
It is very silky, hense the name…thanks Elaine, and thanks for being our gracious hostess this week!! 🙂
My pleasure 🙂
What a delicious looking pie, Mollie! I can understand why this is a favorite. This might be my next favorite birthday ‘cake’, too! 😀
Thanks, Jhuls, you and my son, haha! 🙂 Cake is cake, but this is an extravaganza! 🙂
Lovely pie Frau. I could do with some of this in my life.
Thanks, Conor! 🙂 And Happy New Year’s to you and yours! 🙂
It is good to know your remember the late 90’s. I barely do. What a yummy looking pie.
That’s coz you’re such a sweet young thang, Quinn! Thanks, and happy TBT! 🙂
Yummy!
Thanks! It really is a fave at our house! 🙂
looks so good! No wonder your son loves this!
Thanks! He does have good taste! 🙂
🙂
French silk has always been one of my absolute favorites! I’ve never made it with a crumb crust, I’ll have to do that next time!
Well, we like the crumb or cookie crust better than the pastry, but I think the pastry is probably more traditional. At least that’s how they make it at Baker’s Square, lol!
I love French Silk Pie! Yours look marvelous! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, it’s always a hit at our house! 🙂
This is just goodness on a plate! This was my favorite pie for a long time, and I’ve never made it. It looks amazing and dangerously good!
Thanks, Julie. You’ll have to make it and let me know how you like it! 🙂 A perfect excuse to have friends over for dessert on a cold Midwestern evening!
Looks better than George Clooney too…
LOL! I love it!! Of course, I date myself because I don’t know who any of the new star “hotties” are. Well, other than Justin Bieber who everyone has heard of!! Ok, maybe that guy who plays Damian in Vampire Diaries. Ian Somerhalder. He’s kinda a hottie….
Wait til you’re 50 and the only person you can think of is George Clooney…silly me.
lol, been there, done that…Now closer to 60 than 50…
Oh well I’m a young thing then! I’m so glad. If only I could get up out of my rocking chair to celebrate😘
haha!
Oooh I love a silk chocolate pie. I only typically share a slice with a table when I go out to eat that offers it. I can’t imagine trying to eat an entire pie but boy, if it were around I probably would! Your recipe looks simple enough for me to make… 🙂
It’s super easy, and there is something about French Silk. It’s what I call “self-limiting” meaning that you really only CAN eat so much…You’ll just start eating slower, and slower, and then you’re like: “I can’t eat another bite…then you do…” haha!
😀
I really want something sweet, like a piece of cake or pie. Your silk pie is killing me it looks so good.
I keep thinking I HAVE to start that New Year’s healthy eating thing!! lol! And thanks!!
Lol yea I tried today kale salad then I blew it and had eggs with bread and sausage for dinner! Oh well I did get my veggies though. Really need to diet.
I donated all my “fat pants!” Now I’m in serious trouble after the holidays!!
Lol, I’ve still got mine I know better my weight yo yo’s so much I need a rotational wardrobe
I lost a little weight and thought erroneously that I would then HAVE to be very careful! oh, well!
Oh you are a tease Mollie…. I can only imagine what this must taste like, wow! No wonder it is your son’s favorite, it would be mine too 🙂 I remember the Better than Sex cake, when we lived in Texas, that was pretty popular, I made it a couple of times too! I wonder who comes up with these names 🙂
Lol, thanks, Loretta! It’s pretty darned good! I remember the late 90’s had a lot of creative names for chocolate goodies. Sinful, decadence, and a few names that would probably lose me my “g” rating! haha!