We’re so glad to have this Copycat Perkins French Silk Pie Recipe as our go-to. If you’ve ever driven out of your way just to get dessert, you’re not alone.
We used to travel a full hour just to enjoy a slice of Perkins’ famous French Silk Pie. That rich, creamy chocolate filling paired with a flaky, buttery crust was absolutely irresistible. We’d often bring home an entire pie just to stretch the indulgence a little longer. We were so glad they sold whole pies. This was one of our favorite.
When our local Perkins closed, we missed more than just the restaurant—we missed that pie. So, I got to work recreating it at home. This copycat recipe captures everything we loved: the smooth chocolate filling, the rich buttery flavor, the crisp crust, and the cloud of fresh whipped cream on top.
❤️ Why This Recipe Works
- The buttery crust is just like the one you remember from Perkins, flaky and rich.
- The filling is smooth, sweet, and full of bold chocolate flavor.
- It’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or nostalgic cravings.
- No oven time required for the filling—just mix, chill, and enjoy.
The Best French Silk Pie: Copycat Perkins at Home
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Unbaked Pie Crust or make your own flaky pie crust
For the chocolate silk filling
- 4 Ounces Unsweetened Chocolate melted and cooled
- 1 Cup Unsalted Butter softened, 2 sticks
- 1 ½ Cups Granulated Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 4 large eggs or pasteurized eggs if preferred
For the whipped topping
- 1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Chocolate curls or shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the pie crust. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dry beans. Note. A purchased unbaked crust will work just fine for this recipe. But you can make your own. We have a flaky pie crust recipe.1 Unbaked Pie Crust
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake another 10–12 minutes until golden brown. Cool completely.
- Prepare the filling. Melt the unsweetened chocolate in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Let it cool slightly.4 Ounces Unsweetened Chocolate
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar for 5–7 minutes, until light and fluffy.1 Cup Unsalted Butter, 1 ½ Cups Granulated Sugar
- Add melted chocolate and vanilla. Beat to combine.1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Add eggs one at a time, beating on medium-high speed for 3–4 minutes after each addition. This gives the filling its silky texture. ⚠️ Note: This recipe uses raw eggs. Use pasteurized eggs if concerned about food safety.4 large eggs
- Assemble the pie. Spoon the chocolate filling into the cooled pie shell. Smooth the top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Make the whipped topping. In a cold mixing bowl using a hand mixer, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie.1 Cup Heavy Whipping Cream, 2 Tablespoons Powdered Sugar, 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Top with chocolate shavings, curls, or chocolate chips to garnish.Chocolate curls or shavings
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Recipe Variations
- Crust Option. Not a fan of classic crust? Try a chocolate cookie crust or graham cracker crust for a fun twist.
- Nutty Addition. Add chopped toasted pecans to the filling or topping for crunch.
- Liqueur Twist. Add 1 tbsp of Irish cream or Kahlua to the filling for a grown-up flair.
- Flavored Whip. Make mocha whipped cream by adding 1 tsp cocoa powder and ½ tsp instant espresso.
- Make in Different Sizes. This is a fun recipe to make individual silk pies for your guests.
Easy Homemade Whipped Cream That Holds its Shape
This is a great summer dessert, but the whipped topping will melt if you’re serving this pie in the heat. We have a solution! Check out our recipe for Whipped cream that holds its shape.
Storage Tips
- Store the pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Best enjoyed within 4 days.
- Keep it chilled until ready to serve.
- The crust and filling can be made a day ahead and assembled just before serving.
Can You Freeze French Silk Pie?
Yes, you can freeze French Silk Pie, but there are a few important things to know to maintain the best texture and flavor.
How to Freeze French Silk Pie (Successfully)
- Freeze Before Adding Whipped Topping (Best Option):
- Prepare and assemble the pie with the baked crust and chocolate filling.
- Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and freeze for up to 2 months.
- To Thaw:
- Remove the pie from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Once thawed, add freshly whipped cream and chocolate curls before serving for the best texture and presentation.
⚠️ What to Avoid
- Don’t freeze with whipped cream on top, as it can separate or weep when thawed.
- Avoid freezing in a pie pan that isn’t freezer-safe (glass pans can crack if not tempered for freezing).
Can You Freeze Leftover Pie?
Yes—but with similar precautions:
- If it already has whipped topping, place the pie in the freezer for 1–2 hours uncovered to firm up the top, then wrap tightly and return to the freezer.
- The whipped topping texture may change slightly after thawing, but it will still taste good.
Freezing Tips
- Use a foil pie pan if you’re making one ahead just for the freezer.
- Slice before freezing if you prefer individual portions. Wrap slices separately for quick treats!
Freezing is a great make-ahead option for holidays or dinner parties. Just remember to save the whipped topping for later to keep that silky pie looking and tasting its best.
What to Serve with French Silk Pie
- A piping hot cup of coffee or espresso
- A scoop of vanilla bean or coffee ice cream
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side
- A drizzle of chocolate syrup for extra decadence
Whether you’re recreating a road trip favorite or discovering this dessert for the first time, this French Silk Chocolate Pie brings home the taste and comfort of Perkins. Now you can skip the drive and still enjoy every silky bite.
We still miss the other Perkins pies too. Pie flavors like pumpkin pie, and banana cream pie. They are probably our next favorite, piled high with cream topping.
My family loves this chocolate pie.