Mississippi Mud Pie

Instructions

1. Prepare the crust
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix cookie crumbs, melted butter, and salt until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the chocolate filling
   In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, melt chocolate and butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in coffee granules until dissolved. Let cool slightly.
3. Finish the filling
   In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and eggs until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in the chocolate mixture and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the filling into the cooled crust.
4. Bake the pie
   Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the filling is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
5. Prepare the whipped cream topping
   In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie.
6. Garnish and serve
   Sprinkle chocolate shavings over the whipped cream. For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.