Kentucky Derby Pie

This Kentucky Derby Pie is a chocolaty, nutty pie with a flaky crust – perfect dessert for Derby Day or for any occasion!

DESSERT IN UNDER AN HOUR

Well y’all, I really meant to post this before the Kentucky Derby. Time got away from me and before you know it, the Kentucky Derby had come and gone. Better late than never I suppose. And it’s a great pie for anytime! Even if you aren’t from the South, you have probably heard of a Kentucky Derby Pie, and for good reason. They are SO delicious! The pie is basically just a gooey chocolate chip cookie with nuts added and baked in a flaky crust. It really is a super simple homemade pie that I make year round – not just Derby Day. It’s sweet but not overbearing!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: 

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)

• unsalted butter– Butter adds moisture to the pie, making it extra rich and gooey. If substituting salted butter, omit the addition of salt to the mixture.
• granulated sugar– Half white and light brown sugar can be used for a richer caramel flavored filling.
• large eggs– A couple of eggs help to bind the mixture together. If you have the time, allow the eggs to come to room temperature, this will help home incorporate into the batter much easier.
• all-purpose flour– flour thickens the filling and helps the pie to set when baked.
• semi-sweet chocolate chips– This recipe uses semi-sweet chocolate chips; your preferred brand can be used. Substitute milk chocolate if preferred.
• chopped walnuts– Walnuts are the classic addition to derby pie. I know, most folks think of only pecans when they think of a southern dessert but walnuts are the original nut for this pie. But of coursed pecans can be substituted – this is your pie, make it how you want it.
• vanilla extract – If you want to add a bit of alcohol flavor without the alcohol you can use a vanilla bourbon extract or even a bit of rum extract.
• salt – as I said above, you can use salted butter, just leave out the additional salt. This is just regular ole table salt.
• unbaked pie crust– use your favorite store bought brand or make your own Homemade Pie Crust.

HOW TO MAKE KENTUCKY DERBY PIE:

Preheat oven to 350F degrees, position oven rack on the lowest level.  Prepare the pie crust by lining a 9-inch pie plate with pie dough. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or with a handheld electric mixer), cream the butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla on medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl and paddle. In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the eggs, add eggs to mixer bowl, mix on medium speed until incorporated, 30 seconds.

Add the flour, mix on low until incorporated and no streaks of flour remain, 20-30 seconds. Scrape down the bowl, mix on low for an additional 10 seconds. Add the chocolate chips and walnuts, mix on low until just combined, 10-15 seconds.

Pour mixture into prepared pie plate, smooth into an even layer.

Bake until pie is set and a deep golden brown, 40-45 minutes. Tent with foil the final 5 minutes of baking to prevent overbrowning if necessary.

Transfer pie to a rack to cool for 2 hours.  Serve at room temperature, garnish with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

CRAVING MORE RECIPES? 

• Kentucky Butter Cake
• Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders
• Virginia Peanut Pie
• Buttermilk Pie
• Banana Pudding Pie
• Grandma’s Oatmeal Pie
• Tollhouse Cookie Pie
• Southern Pecan Pie
• Louisiana Crunch Cake