No-egg Chocolate Mousse Pie

Happy day after pi day!  As I mentioned in yesterday's entry, I was making a pie for pi day, but it was not ready until later on in the day, so the post had to wait until today.  This pie is rich and delicious, not too difficult (despite being rated "challenging" on the skill level on the site), would be happy to make again, especially to share with any chocolate lover.  The original recipe finishes with a drizzle of chocolate over the top; I assure you, this is unnecessary, it is plenty decadent already.  Enjoy!

Original recipe:
https://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/29755/chocolate-lovers-chocolate-mousse-pie

Ingredients:

1 c. graham cracker crumbs
1/3 c. baking cocoa
1/4 c. sugar
1/3 c. butter, melted
2 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
2 c. heavy whipping cream, divided
2 tsp. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Heat oven to 350°F.

2. In a 9" pie plate (I used 9 1/2", worked fine), combine graham cracker crumbs, baking cocoa, and sugar.

3. Stir in melted butter until moistened, then press to spread over bottom and up sides of pie plate.

4. Bake for 8-10 minutes (I went 9).

5. After removing from oven, immediately sprinkle 1/2 c. of the chocolate chips over the bottom of the hot crust.  Let stand for 10 minutes, then spread chocolate over bottom and up side of crust (oops, I forgot to go up the sides--still good!).  Cool to room temperature.

6. Place a mixing bowl and beaters in fridge to chill while crust cools.

7. When crust is nearly cooled, place remaining 2 c. of chocolate chips and 3/4 c. of the whipping cream in a large microwave-safe bowl.  Microwave on high/100% power for 1 minute, then stir.  If not able to smooth mixture with stirring, microwave at additional 10-15 second intervals until stirring yields mostly smooth/melted mixture (some small bits of chocolate may remain, which is fine).

8. In chilled bowl, beat remaining cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.

9. Fold 2 c. of the whipped cream into chocolate mixture.

10. Spoon chocolate mixture into crust and garnish with remaining whipped cream.

11. Refrigerate until firm, then slice up and enjoy!