Decadent Chocolate Cream Pie

Instructions

Graham Cracker Crust

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups crushed graham cracker and 1/3 cup granulated sugar. Gradually pour in 6 tablespoons salted butter (melted), mixing until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate to form an even crust. Bake for 7 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack.

Chocolate Pie Filling

In a medium saucepan, whisk together 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/3 cup cornstarch. Add the 1 cup milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 3 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate (roughly chopped), and 3 tablespoons chocolate chips. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5â€"7 minutes.

Remove the saucepan from heat. In a small bowl, whisk 3 large egg yolks. Gradually add 1/3 cup of the warm chocolate mixture to the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them. Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Return the pan to medium heat and cook for an additional 90 seconds, stirring continuously.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons salted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the butter is fully melted and incorporated. Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

Stabilized Whipped Cream

To prepare the whipped cream topping, sprinkle 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin over 3 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Microwave the mixture on high for 5â€"10 seconds, or until the gelatin dissolves and becomes clear.

In a large mixing bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form. Add 2 tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then gradually pour in the melted gelatin while continuing to whip. Beat until stiff peaks form.

Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled pie. Garnish with shaved chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder, if desired.

Dessert