French Silk Slab Pie

I’ve often seen people dig into a slice of French Silk Pie, savoring the creamy filling but leaving the crust behind. Not me! I believe a pie’s crust is just as important as its filling, and that’s why I adore French Silk Slab Pie. This delightful dessert offers the perfect balance of rich, chocolatey filling and crispy crust, ensuring every bite is a harmonious blend of textures. Plus, it’s large enough to share—or keep all to yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This French Silk Slab Pie is a chocolate lover’s dream. It’s perfect for gatherings, as it can easily feed a crowd. The slab pie format means a higher crust-to-filling ratio, so if you’re a fan of crust like me, this is the pie for you. Whether you make your own crust or use a store-bought one, you’re in for a treat.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Half sheet pan (about 13×18 inches)
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Microwave-safe container
• Medium saucepan
• Parchment paper
• Pie weights or dried beans

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 9-inch pie crusts, softened

For the Filling:

• 10 oz bittersweet chocolate, plus more for topping
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a half sheet pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. On a lightly floured surface, stack the pie crusts on top of each other and roll out into a rectangle slightly larger than your baking pan. Place the crust in the pan, pressing into the corners, trim the excess dough, and crimp the edges.
3. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake until slightly golden, about 15-17 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before filling.
4. In a microwave-safe container, melt the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until nearly melted. Stir until completely melted and set aside.
5. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar and eggs. Reduce heat to low, and stirring constantly, heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract until smooth. Let cool until warm, stirring occasionally.
7. While the chocolate cools, add butter to a mixing bowl and beat until light and fluffy, 2-3 minutes. Gradually pour in the chocolate mixture, then beat on high until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
8. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until it starts to thicken. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
9. Fold 1 1/2 cups of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture and reserve the rest for topping.
10. Spread the chocolate mixture into the cooled pie crust and chill until set, 1-2 hours. Top with remaining whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired, before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Ensure the crust is fully cooled before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• When melting the chocolate, be careful not to overheat it to avoid burning.
• For a fluffier filling, make sure the butter and chocolate mixture is well-incorporated and airy.

Additional Tips and Variations

For a twist, consider adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling for a mocha flavor. Or, sprinkle some sea salt on top of the pie for a salty-sweet contrast.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

This rich dessert is indulgent, so enjoy it as a special treat! Each serving provides a delightful balance of creamy chocolate and buttery crust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate?

Yes, but keep in mind that milk chocolate will result in a sweeter pie. Adjust the sugar to taste if necessary.

How long can I store the pie?

You can store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Can I freeze this pie?

Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the texture of the filling.

Conclusion

I hope you try making this French Silk Slab Pie and enjoy every luscious bite as much as I do. It’s a delightful dessert that brings together the best of crust and filling in every slice. Share your pie-making adventures in the comments below—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!