French Silk Pie from Perkins features a luscious, smooth chocolate mousse filling made with rich dark chocolate and fresh cream, all nestled in a buttery, flaky graham cracker crust and topped with elegant swirls of whipped cream and chocolate shavings, delivering a decadent and silky dessert experience.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- 9-inch pie pan
- Rolling pin (optional, for crust)
- Food processor (optional, for crust)
- Knife or vegetable peeler (for chocolate shavings)
- Piping bag (for whipped cream, optional)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 oz (115g) dark chocolate, chopped
- 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Chocolate bar (for shavings)
Using high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content is crucial for achieving the rich flavor that defines French Silk Pie. Fresh, unsalted butter at the correct temperature ensures the mousse filling attains a smooth and silky texture. Be sure to use fresh, cold heavy whipping cream for the most stable whipped topping and smooth mouthfeel. Your graham cracker crumbs should be finely crushed to create a sturdy yet flaky crust that holds the filling perfectly. This French Silk Pie copycat recipe from Perkins captures the same decadent taste and texture as the original, making it a must-try for chocolate lovers.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, and melted butter.
- Press mixture evenly into a 9-inch pie pan to form the crust.
- Bake crust for 8–10 minutes; let cool completely on a cooling rack.
- Melt dark chocolate in a saucepan or microwave; let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat 3/4 cup unsalted butter until creamy.
- Add 1 cup granulated sugar; beat until light and fluffy.
- Mix in melted chocolate, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Add eggs, one at a time, beating for 2–3 minutes after each addition.
- Pour chocolate filling into cooled crust; smooth top with spatula.
- Chill pie for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Spread or pipe whipped cream over chilled pie.
- Use knife or vegetable peeler to make chocolate shavings from chocolate bar.
- Sprinkle chocolate shavings over whipped cream.
- Slice and serve.
Substitution
This French Silk Pie copycat from Perkins captures the original's rich chocolate mousse and creamy texture perfectly. If dark chocolate is unavailable, semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate can be substituted without compromising the dessert's luxurious taste. When fresh cream is out of reach, chilled whipping cream or heavy cream alternatives may be used to achieve the desired mousse consistency. Using a food processor for the graham cracker crust crumbs can save time, but manually crushing the crackers with a rolling pin also works well. For smooth chocolate shavings, a warm knife or vegetable peeler can help create elegant garnishes that enhance your presentation.
Tips
Ensure the crust is pressed firmly and evenly into the pie pan to prevent crumbling after baking. When adding eggs to the chocolate mixture, beat each one for 2-3 minutes to achieve a smooth, airy mousse texture. Chill your pie for a minimum of 4 hours; insufficient chilling can cause the filling to be too soft and difficult to slice. You can enhance the appearance of your French Silk Pie by carefully piping whipped cream and adding freshly made chocolate shavings just before serving.
Nutritions
French Silk Pie is rich in saturated fats, primarily from butter and heavy whipping cream, which contribute to its creamy texture and decadent flavor. The dark chocolate provides antioxidants but also adds sugars and fats, impacting caloric density. Eggs offer protein, while graham cracker crumbs add carbohydrates but minimal fiber. You should enjoy this indulgent dessert in moderation, balancing it with your overall dietary needs.
Storage
Store your French Silk Pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors and moisture. Keep it chilled at or below 40degF (4degC) to maintain the texture and freshness of the chocolate mousse and whipped cream topping. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the graham cracker crust with a chocolate cookie crumb crust made from crushed chocolate wafers mixed with melted butter for a richer base. Try tempering the dark chocolate for a shinier, smoother mousse consistency that melts beautifully in your mouth. Instead of raw eggs, use pasteurized egg yolks or a cooked custard base to ensure food safety without compromising silkiness. Finish by folding in a tablespoon of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor and enhance the dessert's complexity.
Allergies
French Silk Pie contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy from butter and heavy cream, and gluten present in the graham cracker crust. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to avoid this dessert or find suitable alternatives. Always check ingredient labels carefully to ensure your safety when enjoying rich treats like this.
Why this recipe?
French Silk Pie from Perkins restaurant captivates dessert lovers with its rich, silky chocolate filling combined with a flaky, buttery crust that delivers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. The luscious chocolate mousse topping and smooth whipped cream create a decadent experience that satisfies intense sweet cravings. Crafting your own copycat version allows you to enjoy this indulgence freshly made, customizing sweetness and chocolate intensity to suit Your taste. Replicating this classic dessert at home ensures a unique treat that mirrors Perkins' beloved quality with the added satisfaction of homemade craftsmanship.