French Silk Pie

What's Valentine's Day without chocolate?! For a special treat, I made one of my husband's favorite desserts, French Silk Pie. It's no wonder why this pie is a favorite of my husband's. The pie is a dessert that combined creamy chocolate pudding with freshly whipped cream, all encased in a buttery and crispy pie crust. It was the perfect ending to our Valentine's Day and just as wonderful any time of year!

French Silk Pie
recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen

Prepared pie crust - either homemade or store bought

Filling:
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups whole milk
4 ounces semi-sweet, finely chopped
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Whipped Cream:
1 cup chilled heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioner's or powdered sugar
Semi-sweet chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)



Pre-bake your pie crust per your homemade recipe or store bought directions. Allow to cool and set aside.

Whisk together cornstarch, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a 2-quart heavy saucepan, then gradually whisk in milk. Allow the mixture to come to a boil while whisking constantly. Once it comes to a boil, let it boil for 2 minutes still continuing to whisk. You'll notice the mixture will thicken as it cooks. Remove the pot from the heat and whisk in the chocolate and vanilla until smooth.

Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled shell. Cover the surface of the filling with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Place in the fridge to chill for at least 2-4 hours.

Just before serving, whisk heavy cream and sugar in the bowl of your stand mixer until it comes to medium to stiff peaks. Top your pie with the whipped cream and garnish with semi-sweet chocolate shavings.