For the Crust:

1. Prepare the Crust: Start by combining the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined. The texture should resemble wet sand, which will help the crust hold together.

2. Form the Crust: Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the back of a spoon or your fingers to pack the crumbs tightly, ensuring the crust is even and stable.

3. Chill the Crust: Refrigerate the crust for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up before adding the chocolate filling. This step is crucial to prevent the crust from crumbling when you slice the pie.

For the Chocolate Filling:

1. Heat the Cream: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream over medium heat. Watch closely as it starts to steam, but do not allow it to boil. Once you see steam rising from the cream, it’s time to remove it from the heat.

2. Melt the Chocolate: Add semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) to the hot cream. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts and the mixture becomes smooth. This creates a luxurious chocolate base for the filling.

3. Whisk in Sugar and Vanilla: Stir in the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the chocolate mixture. Make sure everything is well combined. If you prefer a thicker filling, now is the time to whisk in cornstarch (optional) for extra consistency.

4. Add the Remaining Cream: Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream into the chocolate mixture. Stir it in until fully incorporated. Allow the filling to cool for a few minutes before transferring it to the prepared crust.

Assemble the Pie:

1. Fill the Crust: Carefully pour the cooled chocolate filling into the prepared graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.

2. Chill the Pie: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely. This step is essential for the filling to achieve the perfect creamy texture.

To Serve:

1. Top the Pie: Once the pie is fully set, top it with a generous dollop of whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a light dusting of cocoa powder for extra flair.

2. Slice and Enjoy! Slice the pie into wedges and serve chilled. The creamy, velvety filling and the crunchy graham cracker crust create a perfect harmony of textures that is sure to delight your taste buds.