Step 1: Prepare the Pie Plate

Lightly spray a standard-sized pie plate with spray-on oil. Cover the inside of the pie plate with plastic kitchen wrap, ensuring it extends over the sides. This makes cleanup easier and helps with pie removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Crumb Base

In a bowl, combine 250g of crushed plain chocolate cookies (such as Choc Ripple or Oreos) with 100g of melted butter. Mix until the mixture clumps together, resembling wet sand.

Step 3: Form the Pie Crust

Transfer the cookie crumb mixture into the prepared pie plate. Using your fingers, press the mixture up the sides and down into the middle, covering the entire interior of the pie plate. Place the pie plate into the fridge to chill.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate for Ganache

In a microwave-safe dish, combine 350g of dark chocolate chips (or chopped semi-sweet dark chocolate) with 3/4 cup of whipping cream. Microwave on high for 2 minutes, stopping every 30 seconds to stir, to prevent the chocolate from burning.

Step 5: Finish the Ganache Mixture

Once melted and smooth, let the chocolate and cream mixture cool to room temperature. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of sifted icing sugar (powdered sugar).

Step 6: Whip Cream

In a large mixing bowl, beat 3/4 cup of whipping cream with a hand mixer on high speed until it starts to form soft peaks.

Step 7: Combine Chocolate and Cream

While continuing to beat the whipped cream on high speed, gradually add the cooled chocolate mixture, about a third at a time. Continue mixing until the chocolate and cream are completely integrated and the mixture thickens to form soft peaks.

Step 8: Assemble the Pie

Carefully pour the chocolate mixture into the chilled cookie crumb crust in the pie plate. Gently smooth the mixture out with a spoon so it reaches the edges.

Step 9: Chill the Pie

Place the assembled pie into the fridge to chill for at least 8 hours. This allows the mixture to set and the chocolate flavors to develop.

Step 10: Serve

Once chilled and set, release the pie from the pie plate and transfer it onto a serving plate. Slice and serve.

• Lightly spray the pie plate with oil and cover with plastic kitchen wrap for easy removal and cleanup.

• When microwaving the chocolate and cream, stop every 30 seconds to stir to prevent the chocolate from burning.

• If the chocolate and cream mixture appears too liquid after combining, continue beating until it thickens and forms soft peaks.

• Substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate or white chocolate for a different flavor profile.

• Enhance the pie with a rich raspberry sauce or other fruit toppings.

• Experiment with different types of chocolate cookies, such as Oreos, for the crust.