Name: French Silk Pie Bars Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: PT-487685H31M29S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (about 20 cookies); 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 4 large pasteurized eggs; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; chocolate curls or shavings for garnish

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If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming about a dessert that’s equal parts luscious chocolate, creamy filling, and buttery crunch, these French Silk Pie Bars are about to make your dreams come true. With a riff on the classic pie, these bars combine a rich, silky-smooth chocolate layer with an irresistible chocolate cookie base—all finished with whipped cream and swoon-worthy chocolate curls. Imagine serving up this nostalgia-packed treat, lifting a perfect square from the tray, and wowing everyone at the table. This is the chocolate dessert everyone will beg you to make again!

French Silk Pie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of French Silk Pie Bars lies in how simple, pantry-friendly ingredients transform into utter decadence. Each staple item you gather has a starring role in creating just the right texture, flavor, or irresistible topping, so choose your ingredients with love!

Chocolate Sandwich Cookies (2 cups, crushed): Go for classic chocolate sandwich cookies—crushing them keeps the crust deliciously chocolatey and delightfully crunchy.
Unsalted Butter (5 tablespoons, melted for crust + 1 cup, softened for filling): Butter ties the crust together and creates the base for the ultra-creamy filling; make sure it’s unsalted for perfect balance.
Granulated Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Adds sweetness and helps whip the chocolate filling to airy lightness.
Unsweetened Chocolate (4 ounces, melted and cooled): For deep, intense chocolate flavor that makes the silk layer pure magic.
Vanilla Extract (3 teaspoons, divided): Builds warmth and rounds out both the filling and whipped cream topping.
Pasteurized Eggs (4 large): Necessary for the signature texture; pasteurization keeps things safe to eat raw in the filling.
Heavy Cream (1 cup): For whipping up that cloud-like finishing layer on top.
Powdered Sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream, adding just the right final touch.
Chocolate Curls or Shavings (for garnish): Not just pretty—these bring irresistible bits of extra chocolate in every bite.

How to Make French Silk Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cookie Crust

Start by lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a bit hanging over the edges for easy lift-out later. In a medium bowl, mix your crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with melted butter until every crumb is slicked and glistening. Press this mixture firmly into your prepared pan so it forms a tight, even layer. Slide into a preheated 350°F oven for 8 minutes, then let the crust cool completely. This step sets the stage for the ultimate bite—crunchy, chocolatey, and sturdy enough to support the silk layers.

Step 2: Whip Up the Silky Chocolate Filling

This is where your French Silk Pie Bars earn their name! In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is pale, lofty, and fluffy—let the mixer go for about 3-4 minutes. Beat in the cooled, melted chocolate and vanilla extract until everything is beautifully blended. Add the pasteurized eggs one at a time, beating on high for 3-4 minutes with each addition. Don’t rush this step—the long beating is what makes the filling light, silky, and pure chocolate heaven. Spoon the filling onto your cooled crust and smooth it into an even layer, then set aside.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

In a clean mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla. Whip with a hand mixer (or stand mixer with the whisk attachment) on medium-high until stiff peaks form. You’ll know it’s ready when you can pull the beaters out and the cream stands tall without folding back over itself. Gently spread the whipped cream over the chocolate filling, swirling it lightly for a billowy finish.

Step 4: Garnish and Chill

Sprinkle the whipped cream generously with chocolate curls or shavings—they’ll melt instantly in your mouth and add that bakery-style flourish. The bars need time to set, so cover and chill them in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better for clean slices). Once fully chilled, lift out using the parchment, cut into bars, and serve up a plateful of chocolate bliss.

How to Serve French Silk Pie Bars

Garnishes

For that wow factor, don’t skimp on the chocolate curls or shavings. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few berries or a sprinkle of cocoa powder to every bar. For a festive moment, try holiday sprinkles or a light dusting of edible gold—whatever makes you smile!

Side Dishes

These bars are spectacular all on their own, but a handful of fresh berries or a cup of rich, dark coffee makes each bite even more special. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side transforms dessert into a swoon-worthy sundae situation.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your French Silk Pie Bars into petite squares for a stunning addition to a dessert platter or tiered tray. For special occasions, pipe a decorative whipped cream swirl on top, or set each bar in a festive paper liner for easy serving at a party. If you adore a showstopper, stack bars on a cake stand, drape with chocolate drizzle, and watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

French Silk Pie Bars are a lifesaver for meal-preppers: once set, they keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to layer parchment or wax paper between stacked bars to keep the whipped cream and chocolate silky—not squished.

Freezing

Want to save a stash for later? Freeze the bars (before topping with whipped cream, if possible) in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. They’ll hold up in the freezer for up to 2 months. Add fresh whipped cream and garnishes after thawing for the best texture.

Reheating

No need to reheat—these bars should be served chilled for that classic, creamy French Silk Pie Bars experience! If enjoying from frozen, allow the bars to thaw overnight in the fridge, then top and serve as usual.

FAQs

Can I make French Silk Pie Bars without eggs?

The eggs are essential for the texture and silkiness of the filling. To keep the dessert safe and creamy, always use pasteurized eggs. If you have an egg allergy, you might consider a mousse or no-egg chocolate filling, though it won’t be quite the same classic silk!

How do I make chocolate curls for garnishing?

Use a vegetable peeler or sharp knife to shave a bar of chocolate into curls right before serving. If you want dramatic curls, choose a room-temperature chocolate bar and peel along the flat edge for long strips. Refrigerate the curls briefly if your kitchen is warm!

Can I use a different crust?

Absolutely! Swap the chocolate cookie base for a graham cracker or even a shortbread crust for a new twist on French Silk Pie Bars. Each variety gives the bars a unique texture and flavor, so experiment with your favorites.

Why do the eggs need to be pasteurized?

Because the eggs in the filling aren’t cooked, using pasteurized eggs ensures your French Silk Pie Bars are safe to eat, especially for kids, pregnant friends, or anyone with concerns about raw eggs. Most major stores carry them—just check the label.

How far ahead can I make these bars?

French Silk Pie Bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert! Prepare up to two days ahead of time and keep them chilled until serving. Add the whipped cream and chocolate shards fresh for maximum flair.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself (and your favorite people) to a dessert that checks every box—creamy, chocolatey, and downright dreamy—these French Silk Pie Bars are calling your name. Pull out your mixer, share a bar with someone you love, and don’t be surprised when you’re asked for the recipe again and again!

French Silk Pie Bars Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 38 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in these decadent French Silk Pie Bars, featuring a rich chocolate filling atop a crunchy cookie crust, topped with billowy whipped cream and chocolate curls. A perfect treat for chocolate lovers!

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (about 20 cookies)
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 large pasteurized eggs

For the topping:

1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
chocolate curls or shavings for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the crust: Combine crushed cookies and melted butter, press into pan, and bake for 8 minutes.
Prepare the filling: Beat butter and sugar, mix in chocolate and vanilla, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Assemble: Spread filling over cooled crust.
Add the topping: Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form, spread over filling.
Garnish and chill: Top with chocolate curls and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.