Mile High Chocolate Cream Cheese Pie Recipe

How to Make Mile High Chocolate Cream Cheese Pie

1. **Make the crust:**
2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup pecan halves, 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix well.
4. Add 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted unsalted butter and stir until evenly moistened.
5. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie plate, ensuring the bottom and sides are evenly coated.
6. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly browned and firm to the touch.
7. Let the crust cool completely before filling.
8. **Make the filling:**
9. In a double boiler or heat-safe bowl set over simmering water, melt 6 ounces of finely chopped bittersweet chocolate, stirring constantly until smooth and shiny.
10. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
11. In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
12. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 cup granulated sugar; beat until well combined.
13. Beat in 2 large egg yolks, one at a time, until smooth.
14. Gently fold in the cooled melted chocolate until well blended.
15. In a clean bowl, beat 2 large egg whites with 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
16. Gradually add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
17. In another chilled bowl, beat 1 cup chilled heavy cream with chilled beaters until soft peaks form.
18. Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate cream cheese mixture, followed by the meringue. Fold until just combined.
19. Pour the filling into the cooled crust, mounding it slightly higher in the center.
20. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
21. **Make the topping:**
22. Just before serving, in a chilled bowl with chilled beaters, whip 1 cup chilled heavy cream with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
23. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie. You can use a pastry bag to decorate the edges if desired.
24. Garnish with chocolate curls (optional) and serve immediately.