Classic French Silk Pie

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Whipped cream (for topping, optional)
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (for topping, optional)
• Fresh raspberries or strawberries (for topping, optional)

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup cubed butter, ¼ cup sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Add 3 tablespoons of ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together firmly.
3. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
5. On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming the excess overhang.
6. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool completely.
7. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the mixture.
8. In a large bowl, beat ½ cup softened butter and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
9. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon salt, mixing well. Gradually mix in the melted chocolate until well combined.
10. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture.
11. Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.