If you’re a fan of rich, velvety French silk pie but don’t feel like fussing with a pie crust, these French Silk Pie Bars are your dream come true. This bar-style version transforms the classic pie into a handheld dessert with a buttery shortbread crust, luscious chocolate mousse filling, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. They look fancy but come together with surprisingly simple ingredients and a few straightforward steps.
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or whenever that chocolate craving hits, these bars will absolutely steal the show on any dessert table. The silky filling is made with real chocolate and whipped eggs, giving it that authentic, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Top it off with freshly whipped cream and you’ve got a layered masterpiece that tastes just like the original pie — maybe even better.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Silky and Decadent: Rich chocolate mousse filling that’s ultra smooth and satisfying.
• No-Fuss Crust: Simple shortbread base made with just a few pantry staples.
• Perfect for Sharing: Slice into bars for a beautiful dessert tray or potluck table.
• Authentic Flavor: Real melted chocolate and eggs create that classic French silk texture.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill ahead of time and serve when you’re ready — stress-free entertaining!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
For the Chocolate Filling:
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
For the Whipped Topping:
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Crust
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt until a soft dough forms.
Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely before adding the filling.
Melt the Chocolate
Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
Make the Chocolate Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on high speed until light and fluffy — this should take about 3–4 minutes.
Add the melted chocolate and vanilla extract, and beat until combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating on high speed for 3 minutes after each egg. This whipping is what creates that signature French silk texture. The filling should be thick, creamy, and satiny smooth.
Spread the filling evenly over the cooled crust.
Whip the Cream Topping
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chocolate layer using a spatula.
Chill and Serve
Refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.
Serve chilled and enjoy every silky bite!
Tips:
• Use Pasteurized Eggs: Because the eggs are not cooked, opt for pasteurized eggs for safety.
• Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is soft enough to cream easily — this helps the sugar dissolve into the mousse.
• Whip It Good: Don’t skip beating each egg for 3 full minutes — this creates that airy texture that defines French silk.
• Add Chocolate Curls: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or curls on top of the whipped cream for a fancy finish.
Storage and Reheating:
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Freezer:
You can freeze the bars (without whipped cream) for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then top with fresh whipped cream before serving.
These French Silk Pie Bars are rich, creamy, and completely irresistible — just like the pie, only easier to serve and share. Whether you’re making them for a celebration or just because, they’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to chocolate desserts.
