French Silk Pie Bars are a decadent dessert inspired by the classic French silk pie, transformed into an easy-to-serve bar form. They feature a buttery shortbread or cookie crust as the base, layered with a rich, silky chocolate filling made from butter, sugar, melted chocolate, and whipped cream.
French Silk Pie Bars:
What makes French Silk Pie Bars truly special is their combination of luxurious flavour and convenience. Unlike a traditional pie, these bars are easy to slice and serve, making them perfect for parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. The chocolate filling is luscious yet airy, offering deep cocoa notes without feeling overly heavy. Every bite delivers a satisfying contrast between the creamy topping, the soft chocolate layer, and the crisp, buttery crust, making them a crowd-pleaser for chocolate lovers.
History:
French Silk Pie originated in the United States, created by Betty Cooper in 1951 for the Pillsbury Bake-Off contest. Despite its name, the dessert is not French but is called “French silk” because of its incredibly smooth, velvety texture. Over time, bakers adapted the pie into various forms, including easy-to-serve bars, making it more convenient for parties and gatherings without compromising on its indulgent flavour.
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French Silk Pie Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened (divided use)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 oz semisweet baking chocolate, melted and cooled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs (pasteurized)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
- Chocolate curls or shavings (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the CrustPreheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).In a bowl, mix 1 stick (1/2 cup) softened butter, flour, and powdered sugar until crumbly.Press mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.
- Make the Chocolate FillingIn a large mixing bowl, beat the remaining 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy.Add melted, cooled chocolate and vanilla. Beat until smooth.Add eggs one at a time, beating at high speed for about 5 minutes after each addition to create a silky texture.Spread the chocolate filling evenly over the cooled crust.
- Prepare the Whipped CreamIn a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.Spread whipped cream evenly over the chocolate layer.
- Finish and ChillGarnish with chocolate curls or shavings.Refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours, or until set.Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
- The crust can be made with crushed graham crackers or Oreos for variation.
- Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This dessert is best served cold and should not be left out for extended periods.
Tips French Silk Pie Bars:
- Use pasteurized eggs to ensure food safety.
- Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before mixing to prevent curdling.
- Beat the eggs for the full recommended time to achieve a silky texture.
- For extra flavour, add a pinch of espresso powder to the chocolate filling.
- Chill thoroughly before slicing for neat, clean bars.
FAQ’s for Pie :
Q: Can I make French Silk Pie Bars without eggs?
Yes, replace eggs with a stabilized whipped cream or chocolate pudding base, though the texture will differ.
Q: How do I prevent the crust from crumbling?
Press it firmly into the pan and allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
Q: Can I freeze French Silk Pie ?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Is there a no-bake version?
Yes, use a no-bake cookie or graham cracker crust and skip the oven step
Conclusion:
French Silk Pie Bars are a sophisticated yet simple dessert that delivers all the indulgence of a classic French silk pie in an easy-to-share format. With their rich chocolate filling, creamy topping, and crisp crust, they’re sure to impress guests and satisfy any sweet craving.