Making a French Silk Pie Cheesecake can be straightforward if you follow these steps carefully:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

2. Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well blended. Press this mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.

3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.

4. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
– In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and smooth.
– Gradually add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
– Add one egg at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then blend in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth.

5. Pour Cheesecake Mixture: Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust. Spread evenly.

6. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake in the oven for 40 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly. Remove and allow it to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

7. Prepare the French Silk Layer:
– In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
– Gradually add the unsweetened cocoa powder and mix until well incorporated.
– Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract.

8. Make Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

9. Combine Layers: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until fully blended. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled cheesecake layer.

10. Chill Again: Return to the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to allow the layers to set properly.

11. Garnish: Before serving, decorate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.