Dreamy Chocolate Cream Pie

INGREDIENTS

For the crust

• 24 Chocolate Wafers/Cookies (you may substitute w/Oreos if necessary)
• 5 tablespoons butter

For the chocolate pudding filling

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 6 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, chopped into pieces
• 8 ounces good quality semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons McNess Champion Madagascar Vanilla Compound

For the whipped topping

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS

For the crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Add the whole wafers/Oreo cookies to a food processor (whichever you prefer) and crush into fine crumbs. Pour the crumbs into a bowl and stir in melted butter. 
3. Press mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Set aside to cool.

For the chocolate filling

1. In a medium sized sauce pan over medium heat, add the sugar and milk. Whisk well to combine. Bring mixture to a simmer, whisking frequently. 
2. Meanwhile, add the egg yolks and cornstarch to a bowl and whisk until smooth. 
3. Once the mixture is simmering, add a few spoonfuls of the hot liquid into the egg yolks and whisk to temper the eggs. Add a few more spoonfuls of the hot liquid into the egg yolks. Then very slowly whisk the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Whisk constantly until the mixture begins to thicken and comes to a gentle boil. 
4. Remove pan from the heat and whisk in the butter, chopped chocolate, and vanilla extract. Stir until completely smooth.
5. Pour filling into the cooled cookie crust and smooth into an even layer. Place a piece of plastic wrap carefully on the top of the pie and refrigerate until filling is set, about 4–6 hours or overnight, if preferred.

For the topping

• Once pudding has set, make the topping by adding the heavy whipping cream to a mixing bowl. Mix with electric mixer on high speed for 1-2 minutes. 
• Add the sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until soft peaks form, about 2-3 minutes. 
• Spread whipped cream over the pie and top with chocolate curls or shavings.