A light, creamy chocolate mousse filling in a crisp crust makes this chocolate mousse pie elegant but easy to prepare. Includes multiple crust options and make-ahead tips.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the coconut in a single layer on a lined, rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until the coconut is toasted. Set aside to cool slightly.
Place the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl, and stir to combine. Mix in the cooled coconut.
Add the butter and mix with a pastry blender, a fork, or your fingers until thoroughly combined. The mixture will be crumbly but should hold together when pinched.
Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch round pie plate or tart pan with a removable bottom. Press the crust firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Use a measuring cup, a spoon, or your fingers to press the crust into the pan.
Bake 15 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Set aside to cool completely.
To make the filling:
Place the chocolate in a small saucepan. Melt over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
Remove from the heat and stir in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes.
Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form.
Add about 1/4 of the whipped cream to the chocolate mixture. Stir until combined. Gently fold in the remaining whipped cream.
Spread the mousse evenly in the cooled crust. Top with more toasted coconut, if desired.
Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
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Notes
Chocolate choice: Use a good-quality dark chocolate you enjoy eating on its own. Chocolate in the 60–70% cacao range gives the mousse rich flavor without being overly sweet or bitter.
Whipped cream texture: For the lightest mousse, whip the cream to soft peaks. Over-whipped cream can make the filling dense or grainy.
Cooling the chocolate: Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before folding in the whipped cream. If it’s too warm, it can deflate the mousse.
Crust options: While this recipe is written for a toasted coconut shortbread crust, the mousse works well with vanilla wafer, chocolate cookie, or graham cracker crusts. Use a standard 9-inch crust.
Pan options: This mousse can be made in a pie plate or a tart pan with a removable bottom. Chill until fully set before removing from a tart pan.
Make-ahead & storage: The pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze the fully set pie and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.