The Best French Silk Pie

Crust

Oreo cookies, finely crushed (I use chocolate-filled Oreos rather than white-filled, and regular rather than Double-Stuffed)

 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling

dark chocolate, at least 72%, melted (unsweetened baker’s chocolate may be substituted)

unsalted butter, softened

ultrafine sugar, also called ultrafine or baker’s sugar (using granulated sugar could result in graininess; use at your discretion)

vanilla extract

instant espresso granules, optional but recommended

salt, optional and to taste

large eggs, at room temperature

Topping

whipped topping (thawed and stirred well, lite okay) or 2 cups freshly whipped cream

to 4 ounces dark chocolate (72% or higher) roughly chopped, for sprinkling