Chocolate Cream Pie with Espresso Whipped Cream
Ingredients
**For the crust:**
- – 1 par-baked flaky pie crust see link below for our favorite recipe
- – 3 oz chopped dark chocolate
- – 2/3 cup sea salt caramel optional, see link below for our recipe
**For the filling:**
- – 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- – 1/4 cup cornstarch
- – 2 large eggs
- – 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- – 1/2 teaspoon salt
- – 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- – 5 oz dark chocolate best quality, like Valrhona
- – 4 tablespoons salted butter
**For the espresso whipped cream:**
- – 1 1/3 cups heavy cream
- – 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- – 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- – 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- – Chocolate shavings for topping optional
Instructions
**Chocolate and Caramel Lined Crust:**
- Have a par-baked and cooled flaky pie crust ready.
- Melt the chocolate (using a microwave or double boiler).
- Spread the melted chocolate over the pie crust and refrigerate for 10 minutes to harden.
- Spread the caramel over the hardened chocolate layer and refrigerate until ready to fill.
**Chocolate Pastry Cream:**
- Set aside a bowl with a fine-mesh sieve.
- In another bowl, whisk together cornstarch and sugar, then add eggs and whisk until smooth.
- In a saucepan, heat milk, salt, and vanilla over medium-high until just below boiling. Stir frequently.
- Gradually whisk 1/3 of the hot milk into the egg mixture, then combine with the remaining hot milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and just boiling.
- Strain the mixture through the sieve into a bowl.
- Add chocolate and stir until melted, then add butter one tablespoon at a time until smooth. Let cool for 10 minutes.
- Pour the pastry cream into the chocolate and caramel-lined crust. Press plastic wrap onto the surface and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
**Espresso Whipped Cream:**
- In a large bowl, whip the cream on medium-high speed. As it thickens, add sugar, espresso powder, and vanilla. Continue whipping until medium-firm peaks form.
- Remove the pie from the fridge, take off the plastic wrap, and top with whipped cream. Optionally, add chocolate shavings before serving. Enjoy!