French Silk Pie Bars

Indulge in these decadent French Silk Pie Bars featuring a rich chocolate crust, a velvety chocolate mousse layer, and a luxurious whipped cream topping with a subtle tang from cream cheese. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are as delightful to look at as they are to eat!

Overview

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours
• Yield: 16 bars (2×2-inch pieces)

Ingredients

Crust

• 1/3 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 1/4 cups finely crushed chocolate or regular graham crackers (about 9 sheets)

Crab-Stuffed Filet Mignon with Whiskey Peppercorn Sauce

Filling

• 7 ounces bittersweet chocolate
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons water, at room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (cut into 8 pieces)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Topping

• 3 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• Chocolate curls or chocolate sprinkles, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare

• Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare Pan: Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.

2. Make the Crust

• Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the melted butter with 1/4 cup white sugar. Add the crushed crackers and toss until evenly combined.
• Form the Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 8 minutes, or until the crust is set.
• Cool: Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

3. Prepare the Filling

• Melt the Chocolate:
  • Place the bittersweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (using a double boiler method; ensure the bowl does not touch the water).
  • Stir frequently until the chocolate is completely melted, then set aside to cool.
• Heat the Egg Mixture:
  • In a separate bowl that fits over the saucepan, whisk together the eggs, 3/4 cup white sugar, brown sugar, water, and salt.
  • Place this bowl over simmering water, stirring constantly with a spatula until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 165°F (74°C), about 5 to 7 minutes.
• Beat the Mixture:
  • Remove the bowl from heat and, using an electric mixer on high speed, beat the egg mixture until it becomes light and fluffy and cools to room temperature (approximately 8 minutes).
• Incorporate Chocolate and Butter:
  • Add the melted chocolate and 1 tablespoon vanilla to the egg mixture; beat on low until just combined.
  • Increase the mixer speed to medium and gradually beat in the butter pieces until fully incorporated.
• Fold in Whipped Cream:
  • In a small bowl, beat 1/2 cup heavy cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
  • Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until the filling is smooth and airy.
• Assemble Filling:
  • Spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the cooled crust.
  • Refrigerate the pan for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the filling is nearly set.

4. Prepare the Topping

• Cream Cheese Base:
  • In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth.
  • Add 3 tablespoons white sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt; beat on medium-low until well combined.
• Whip the Cream:
  • Slowly beat in 1 1/2 cups heavy cream on low speed until just combined.
  • Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes.
• Top the Pie Bars:
  • Spoon the whipped cream topping in dollops over the set chocolate filling.
  • Use a spatula to spread the topping into an even layer.
  • Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight) before serving.

5. Garnish and Serve

• Final Touch:
  • Just before serving, garnish the bars with chocolate curls or sprinkles for an elegant finish.
• Slice and Enjoy:
  • Cut into 16 bars (approximately 2×2 inches each) and serve chilled.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 405
• Fat: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 5g

Conclusion

These French Silk Pie Bars are a perfect blend of textures and flavors—from the crisp, chocolatey crust to the silky, airy mousse and the luxuriously tangy whipped cream topping. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying a sophisticated treat at home, these bars promise to impress every time. The detailed steps ensure a delicious result that’s as beautiful as it is indulgent.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Enjoy making and savoring these exquisite French Silk Pie Bars!