Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pie

This Kentucky Derby Pie is a rich and gooey dessert that combines chocolate and nuts in a flaky crust. Perfect for Derby Day or any occasion when you want a comforting treat with a touch of Southern charm. The filling tastes like a warm chocolate chip cookie baked right into a buttery pie shell, balancing sweetness without being too heavy.

I first made this pie for a friend's Kentucky Derby party and it was such a hit that I find myself baking it yearround now. It’s one of those desserts that everyone asks for seconds on.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and richness to the pie Ensure it is fresh for the best flavor
• Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness Half white and light brown sugar can deepen the caramel notes
• Large eggs: Bind the filling together Use room temperature eggs for better mixing
• Allpurpose flour: Thickens the filling and helps the pie set Choose fresh flour for best dough texture
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Bring that classic chocolate chip cookie flavor Pick good quality chips for smooth melting
• Chopped walnuts: Are the traditional nut in this pie They add crunch and a subtle earthiness pecans can be swapped if preferred
• Vanilla extract: Enhances overall aroma For a boozy twist, vanilla bourbon extract is a great alternative
• Salt: Balances sweetness Skip if your butter is salted
• Unbaked pie crust: Use your favorite homemade or store bought crust A 9inch crust works best for this recipe

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Not applicable here as this pie starts directly with mixing the filling

Prepare the Oven and Pie Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and position the oven rack on the lowest level. Line a 9inch pie plate with your pie dough, pressing gently to fit and trimming excess edges.

Mix Butter, Sugar, Salt, and Vanilla:

In the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment or with hand mixer, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Add the Eggs:

Lightly beat the eggs in a separate bowl. Gradually add them to the creamed butter mixture, mixing on medium speed. Continue mixing for about 30 seconds until the eggs are fully incorporated.

Incorporate Flour:

Reduce mixer speed to low and add the allpurpose flour. Mix just until flour disappears and no streaks remain, about 20 to 30 seconds. Scrape the bowl once more and blend for an additional 10 seconds to ensure even consistency.

Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts:

Add the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts to the batter. Mix on low speed just until evenly combined, being careful not to overmix as this can affect the texture.

Fill the Pie Shell:

Pour the prepared filling into the pie crust and smooth the top into an even layer using a spatula.

Bake the Pie:

Place the pie in the oven on the lowest rack and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. If the crust or top starts to brown too quickly during the last 5 minutes, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Cool and Serve:

After baking, remove the pie and transfer it to a cooling rack. Let it cool for about two hours so the filling can set properly. Serve at room temperature or warmed slightly with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Walnuts are my favorite ingredient here because they bring a wonderful texture contrast to the smooth, gooey filling. This pie also holds memories of watching the Derby with friends and family while sharing a slice with bourbonspiked whipped cream.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to four days or refrigerate for seven days. If refrigerated, allow the pie to rest at room temperature for about an hour before serving to let the filling become soft again.

Ingredient Substitutions

If walnuts aren’t your favorite, swap them for pecans without changing the essence of the pie. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate chips such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate for varying levels of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. This pie also pairs beautifully with a small glass of bourbon or a robust coffee to complement the sweet and nutty flavors.

This Kentucky Derby Pie balances gooey chocolate and crunchy nuts for a crowd pleasing dessert. Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ What ingredients create the pie's gooey texture?

Butter, sugar, and eggs combine with semi-sweet chocolate chips to form the pie's rich, gooey consistency.

→ Which nuts are traditionally used in this pie?

Chopped walnuts are classic for this pie, though pecans can be substituted based on preference.

→ Can any alcohol be added to enhance the flavor?

Adding 2-3 tablespoons of Kentucky bourbon or vanilla bourbon extract adds a subtle boozy depth to the filling.

→ What type of pie crust works best for baking?

Homemade, refrigerated, or frozen pie shells all work well, baking to a flaky, golden finish.

→ How should the pie be served for best flavor?

Serve at room temperature or slightly warm, complemented by whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

→ How long can leftover pie be stored?

Leftover pie stays fresh covered at room temperature up to 4 days or refrigerated for up to 7 days.