Dreamy Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe: A Southern Sweet Delight

Sweet southern kitchens have long celebrated this delectable chocolate chess pie that combines creamy richness with flaky pastry perfection.

Southern bakers pass down generations of culinary wisdom through such classic desserts.

Smooth chocolate whispers promise of indulgent moments waiting to unfold.

Silky custard nestled in a tender crust creates magic on your plate.

Elegant yet simple, this recipe captures comfort and decadence in every single bite.

Crisp edges and a velvety center make each slice an irresistible experience.

Prepare to savor a dessert that speaks directly to your chocolate-loving soul.

Chocolate Chess Pie: Save And Reheat With Ease

• Store covered pie in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Carefully wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months to preserve its delicious flavor and texture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore its original warmth and softness.
• Allow frozen pie to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Bring to room temperature before serving, or gently warm in the oven to enhance its rich chocolate flavor.

Chocolate Chess Pie Serving Companions

• Pair Velvety Bourbon Vanilla Cream: Drizzle smooth bourbon-infused whipped cream over each slice, enhancing the rich chocolate flavor with warm, sophisticated notes.
• Complement with Bold Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, whose robust tannins and dark fruit undertones perfectly balance the pie's intense chocolate sweetness.
• Match with Cold Espresso Gelato: Serve a scoop of intense espresso gelato alongside the pie, creating a delightful temperature contrast and amplifying the deep chocolate experience with complementary bitter coffee notes.
• Elevate with Salted Caramel Sprinkle: Dust the pie with delicate sea salt flakes and drizzle premium caramel sauce, introducing a sophisticated sweet-salty dimension that cuts through the pie's rich chocolate intensity.

Southern Pie Taste Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace traditional pie crust with a gluten-free almond flour or graham cracker crust to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Chocolate Chess Pie: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, and replace butter with coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Swap regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
• Nutty Chocolate Variation: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture and depth, creating a crunchy chocolate chess pie experience.

FAQs

• What is chess pie's origin?

Chess pie originated in the Southern United States, likely created by Southern bakers using simple pantry ingredients during times when fresh produce was scarce.

• Is cornmeal important in this recipe?

Cornmeal provides unique texture and helps set the filling, giving chess pie its distinctive, slightly grainy consistency that distinguishes it from other chocolate pies.

• How do I know when the pie is perfectly baked?

The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight wobble – it will continue setting as it cools, creating a rich, custard-like texture.

• Can I make this pie ahead of time?

You can prepare the chocolate chess pie a day in advance and store it at room temperature, which actually allows the flavors to develop and intensify before serving.

Why Chocolate Chess Pie Feels Like Home

• Effortless Chocolate Bliss: Whip up this decadent pie with minimal ingredients and simple steps, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to wow guests at potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations with its rich, chocolatey goodness.
• Versatile Comfort Treat: Enjoy warm or chilled, making it an ideal dessert for any season or mood, from cozy nights to summer parties.
• Budget-Friendly Indulgence: Created with everyday pantry staples, this pie delivers maximum flavor without breaking the bank, allowing you to create a luxurious dessert on a budget.

Chocolate Chess Pie Must-Haves

• Pie Crust: Homemade or store-bought base for the delicious pie.

• Sugar: Sweet foundation of the pie filling.
• Cocoa Powder: Rich chocolate flavor enhancer.
• Eggs: Binding agent for the pie filling.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture.
• Evaporated Milk: Creamy liquid component.
• Cornmeal: Unique thickening ingredient.

• Vanilla: Adds depth and warmth.
• Salt: Balances and highlights other flavors.

Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe Method

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Gently place pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, softly pressing edges to create beautiful crimped borders.

Step 2: Create Luscious Chocolate Mixture

• Sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Whisk ingredients until they transform into a silky, smooth blend. Gradually fold in evaporated milk and cornmeal, stirring until perfectly incorporated.

Step 3: Fill and Bake Pie

Pour the rich chocolate mixture into the prepared pie crust. Slide the pie into the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 45 minutes, watching for a center that’s just set but maintains a gentle wobble.

Step 4: Cool and Indulge

Remove pie from oven and place on a wire cooling rack. Allow the pie to rest and settle. When ready, slice and serve at room temperature. For an extra touch of indulgence, top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Tips That Work for Chocolate Chess Pie

• Prevent Pie Crust Burning: Cover pie edges with aluminum foil if they brown too quickly during baking to ensure even cooking.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother, more consistent filling that blends effortlessly.
• Check Doneness Correctly: Gently shake the pie – center should wiggle slightly like soft custard but not be liquid when it's perfectly baked.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of espresso powder or instant coffee to intensify the chocolate's rich taste without changing the overall profile.
• Store and Serve Smart: Refrigerate leftover pie for up to 3 days, letting it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore its creamy texture.

Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet Southern delight chocolate chess pie delivers pure comfort with rich, velvety chocolate filling nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. Silky chocolate meets classic Southern hospitality, promising a delectable dessert that melts in your mouth and warms your heart.

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Ingredients

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Main Pie Ingredients:

• 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup melted butter

Flavoring and Binding Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup evaporated milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a moderate 350°F, ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heat distribution.
2. Carefully drape the pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan, artfully crimping the edges to create an elegant border that will cradle the rich chocolate filling.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder until they are completely integrated and free of lumps.
4. Gently incorporate the eggs, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next, creating a smooth, velvety base for the pie.
5. Stream in the melted butter, stirring continuously to maintain the mixture’s silky consistency, then introduce vanilla and salt for depth of flavor.
6. Slowly fold in the evaporated milk and cornmeal, mixing until the filling achieves a uniform, luxurious texture with no dry pockets.
7. Transfer the decadent filling into the prepared pie crust, allowing it to settle evenly across the surface.
8. Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes, watching for a subtle jiggle in the center that indicates perfect doneness.
9. Once baked, remove the pie and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack, where the filling will continue to set and develop its rich, intense flavor.
10. Serve at room temperature or slightly warmed, optionally adorned with a delicate dollop of whipped cream to complement the pie’s deep chocolate essence.

Notes

• Gently sift cocoa powder to prevent lumps and ensure a silky smooth chocolate filling that melts in your mouth.
• Consider blind-baking the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom and maintain a crisp texture.
• Experiment with gluten-free pie crusts or almond flour for a low-carb alternative that doesn’t compromise on rich chocolate flavor.
• Use high-quality dark cocoa powder for a deeper, more intense chocolate experience that elevates the entire dessert.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg