French silk pie is a classic dessert known for its rich, creamy chocolate filling. But the traditional recipe – involving pie crusts and precise techniques – can be time-consuming. This recipe delivers the same decadent experience in an easy, no-bake bar form, perfect for quick indulgence or holiday gatherings.
Why These Bars Stand Out
These bars combine the best of both worlds: the intense chocolate flavor of French silk pie with the convenience of a no-bake recipe. The Oreo crust adds extra depth, while the creamy filling is surprisingly simple to make.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
The success of these bars relies on a few essential components:
- Oreos: Crushed into crumbs, they form a sturdy, chocolatey base that eliminates the need for a traditional pie crust.
- Bittersweet Chocolate: Provides the signature rich, dark chocolate flavor that defines French silk pie.
- Cream Cheese: Creates the creamy, smooth texture that makes the filling so irresistible.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped to perfection, it lightens the filling and adds a luxurious finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Crust: Crush Oreo cookies in a food processor until finely ground. Mix with melted butter and press firmly into an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 20 minutes to set.
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Make the Filling: Melt bittersweet chocolate with butter. Separately, beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the melted chocolate and half of the whipped cream.
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Assemble and Chill: Spread the chocolate filling over the frozen Oreo crust. Top with the remaining whipped cream, ensuring an even layer. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow the bars to set completely.
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Serve and Enjoy: Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper sling. Cut into squares and garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired. The result is a decadent, easy-to-serve dessert that tastes like a labor of love.
Nutritional Overview (per serving)
These bars are calorie-rich (394 per serving), primarily due to their high fat content (29.8g). They are also relatively high in sugar (24.2g) but provide minimal fiber (0.5g) and protein (3.0g). The recipe is suitable for various dietary needs, including peanut-free, vegetarian, and nut-free diets.
These no-bake French silk pie bars are a testament to how simple ingredients and smart shortcuts can create a luxurious dessert that’s both satisfying and stress-free.
