Chocolate Cream Pie with Oreo Crust, Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings

I have a weakness for desserts that are both chocolate and vanilla, when the two meet each other it's just all good, all sweetness and goodness.  Rich dark chocolate is contrasted and softened by the lighter mellow white vanilla.  Take the Oreo cookie for example ~ the cookie is so good but it wouldn't be as good without it's perfect partner ~ that creamy vanilla filling.  Well this pie is the perfect marriage of chocolate and vanilla ~ a chocolate Oreo crust ~ filled with a rich and silky creamy chocolate filling ~ covered in a sweet vanilla whipped cream topping ~ garnished with bittersweet chocolate shavings = Chocolate and Vanilla Creamy Goodness!

 

 

Recipe

1 premade Oreo cookie pie shell - found in baking aisle

Filling

2/3 cup sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 Tbsps instant espresso

2 cups half and half

4 large egg yolks

3 oz bittersweet chocolate baking chips

2 Tbsps unsalted butter

Topping

2 cups heavy cream

1/4 cup confectioner's sugar

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Bittersweet chocolate shavings

Instructions

In a large saucepan whisk together sugar, cornstarch and espresso.  In a large bowl whisk together the half and half and yolks.  Gradually whisk egg mixture into sugar mixture in pan set to medium heat.  Bring to a boil, whisking constantly, boil for 1 minute while whisking constantly until thickened.  Remove from heat. 

Microwave the baking chips in a small microwave safe bowl on high for 3 - 30 second intervals, stirring after each interval.  Whisk butter and melted chocolate into sugar mixture until smooth.  Pour into Oreo crust.  Place plastic wrap directly onto filling - to prevent a film from forming.  Chill in refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.  Before serving prepare the fresh whipped cream:  Chill mixing bowl and whisk attachment of a stand mixer in the freezer for about 5 minutes.  Remove and pour chilled heavy cream, confectioner's sugar and vanilla into bowl.  Whisk on high speed for about 1 minute, or until a creamy consistency is achieved, watch it carefully.  You'll know it's ready when you can form stiff peaks using a spatula.  Pipe whipped cream decoratively over pie, or spread with an offset spatula.  Sprinkle chocolate shaving overs whipped cream as desired.  Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

 

Enjoy!!