If you are craving a dessert that perfectly blends rich chocolate, toasted nuts, and a buttery crust, look no further than this classic Derby Pie Recipe. Known for its roots in Kentucky, this pie delivers a luscious, gooey filling paired with a crisp pie crust that feels downright indulgent with every bite. Whether you’re serving it up for a family gathering or treating yourself to a slice after a long day, the Derby Pie Recipe offers a warm hug of flavors that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this Derby Pie Recipe is wonderfully straightforward, thanks to a handful of wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role—from texture and sweetness to that beloved depth of flavor. Gathering these essentials will set you up for pie-making success and a truly satisfying treat.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The foundation that holds the luscious filling together with a flaky, buttery touch.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Adds richness and helps create a smooth batter texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the bittersweet chocolate.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and lend structure to the pie’s signature gooey center.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect thickening element without weighing down the filling.
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional): Brings a subtle warmth and authentic Kentucky flavor to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall aroma and depth of sweetness.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: Melts beautifully into pockets of rich chocolate throughout the pie.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: Adds crunch and a nutty contrast that complements the sweet filling.
- Pinch of salt: Elevates all the flavors, balancing sweetness and richness.
How to Make Derby Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowl
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly heated when the pie is ready to go in. Next, grab a large mixing bowl where you’ll combine the buttery goodness and sugar for that rich base flavor.
Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugar
Whisk together the melted, slightly cooled butter with the granulated sugar until you reach a smooth, well-blended mixture. This step ensures your pie filling gets that signature richness and balanced sweetness.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs
Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition. These eggs are what give the pie its luscious texture and help the filling set up just right while baking.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients and Flavorings
Stir in the all-purpose flour, bourbon (if you’re using it for that authentic Kentucky flair), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Combining these until smooth creates a batter that’s rich, fragrant, and ready to hold your chocolate and nuts.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts or pecans. This step ensures your pie has delightful pockets of melted chocolate and crunchy nuts in every bite.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour this irresistible filling into your unbaked pie crust, smoothing the top so it bakes evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing so that the filling sets beautifully. Once cooled, you’re ready to enjoy the magic of this Derby Pie Recipe.
How to Serve Derby Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While the Derby Pie shines on its own, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream takes it to the next level with contrast in temperature and texture. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a delicate sweetness and picture-perfect finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your pie with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to brighten and balance the richness. A hot cup of coffee or strong black tea also highlights the pie’s deep chocolate and nut flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice your Derby Pie and serve on vintage dessert plates for a charming, Southern-inspired presentation. For parties, consider mini pie tins or even Derby Pie bars served with a drizzle of caramel sauce to wow your guests with a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well at room temperature for up to two days, or you can refrigerate it to extend freshness for up to five days.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the whole pie or individual slices securely in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Derby Pie holds its charm for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to refresh that just-baked taste. Avoid microwaving for too long, or you risk losing the pie’s perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I make Derby Pie Recipe without bourbon?
Absolutely! While bourbon adds a traditional Kentucky touch, you can skip it or replace it with a splash of milk or coffee without sacrificing flavor. The pie remains deliciously satisfying either way.
What kind of nuts work best for Derby Pie?
Walnuts and pecans are both classic choices, providing wonderful crunch and nuttiness. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand; they both complement the chocolate beautifully.
Is this Derby Pie recipe gluten-free?
Not as written because it uses all-purpose flour and a traditional pie crust. However, swapping in a gluten-free flour blend and crust can make it suitable for gluten-free diets without losing its iconic texture.
How can I tell when the pie is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown top and insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. This indicates the perfect gooey consistency inside.
Can I make Derby Pie Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate after baking, which actually helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just bring it to room temperature before serving or warm gently to enjoy it at its best.
Final Thoughts
This Derby Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart as one of those homemade desserts that feels both indulgent and comforting, perfect for sharing with friends and family. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this luscious slice again and again, savoring every gooey, nutty bite that makes it truly unforgettable.
Print
Derby Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Derby Pie is a classic American dessert hailing from Kentucky, featuring a rich and gooey chocolate nut filling nestled in a flaky pie crust. This indulgent treat combines melted butter, sugar, eggs, and bourbon for a deep, flavorful base, complemented by semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts or pecans. Perfectly baked to a golden brown, Derby Pie is traditionally enjoyed plain or topped with ice cream or whipped cream, making it an irresistible Southern favorite.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the right temperature for even baking of the pie.
- Combine Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is well combined and smooth, setting the foundation for a rich filling.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and achieve a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Flavorings: Stir in the all-purpose flour, bourbon if using, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Fold in Chocolate and Nuts: Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts or pecans, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Prepare Pie Crust and Fill: Pour the filling mixture into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, smoothing the top evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. The pie is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing to let the filling set. Serve plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Notes
- Bourbon adds a classic Kentucky flavor but can be omitted or replaced with a splash of milk or coffee if preferred.
- Choose walnuts or pecans based on your nut preference or availability.
- Make sure to let the pie cool fully before slicing to prevent the filling from becoming too runny.
