Chocolate Chess Pie

Name: Chocolate Chess Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 4 large eggs, lightly beaten; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

American

Servings

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

50 minutes

Calories

400

Chocolate Chess Pie is a delightful twist on a classic Southern dessert, where tradition meets innovation in every sumptuous bite.

This pie marries the deep, intense flavor of unsweetened cocoa with the velvety texture of a custard-like filling, resulting in a dessert that is both comforting and extraordinarily indulgent.

The process of creating this pie is as rewarding as its taste: from whisking together quality ingredients to the anticipation of that first, perfectly baked slice, every step is an invitation to enjoy the art of home baking.

The rich aroma of melted butter blended with cocoa and a hint of apple cider vinegar permeates your kitchen, setting the stage for an experience that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.

This dessert is perfect for any occasion—be it a family gathering, a festive celebration, or simply a moment of personal indulgence.

Drawing inspiration from time-honored Southern recipes, our Chocolate Chess Pie transforms simple pantry staples into a masterpiece of flavor and texture. The crisp, golden crust forms the ideal base for the luxuriously smooth, chocolate-infused filling that has a slight, enticing wobble when perfectly baked. This pie not only satisfies a craving for sweets but also tells a story of culinary heritage and creative reinvention.

Served as the finale to a memorable meal or as a delightful treat to brighten an ordinary day, it pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments—from fresh whipped cream and seasonal berries to a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Every slice is a celebration of flavor, texture, and the joy of sharing something truly special.

Ingredients

1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

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Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, yellow cornmeal, and salt until well combined.
Gradually stir in the melted butter, ensuring the dry ingredients absorb the liquid evenly.
Slowly incorporate the lightly beaten eggs, mixing continuously to achieve a smooth custard-like consistency.
Add the whole milk, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar; whisk until all ingredients are fully integrated.
Pour the chocolate custard filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top has a slight crack, indicating a perfectly baked pie.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack before serving to allow the filling to firm up.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1
per serving: Calories; 400

Amount/Serving % Daily Value

Fat: 25 grams; 32%
Saturated Fat: 15 grams; 75%
Cholesterol: 120 milligrams; 40%
Sodium: 250 milligrams; 10%
Carbs: 45 grams; 15%
Protein: 6 grams
Sugar: 35 grams
Fiber: 2 grams; 8%

10 tips for cooking Chocolate Chess Pie

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to promote smooth blending.
Sift the cocoa powder to eliminate any lumps for a velvety filling.
Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa to achieve a rich, deep chocolate flavor.
Lightly beat the eggs to maintain a tender custard consistency.
Consider blind baking the crust for 5 minutes to prevent sogginess.
Whisk continuously when adding eggs to avoid curdling.
Do not overbake; a slight wobble in the center indicates a perfect set.
Allow the pie to cool completely to let the filling firm up properly.
Use a cooling rack to ensure even temperature distribution as it sets.
Optionally, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Serve it with suggestions:

A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of classic vanilla ice cream.
Fresh berries—such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries—add a tangy contrast that enhances the pie’s deep chocolate flavor.
For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle a warm chocolate ganache or a light caramel sauce over the slice.
Pair it with a robust cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk to create a balanced and delightful dessert experience.

FAQ

Q: Can I make the Chocolate Chess Pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Simply cover and refrigerate it; let it come to room temperature before serving to ensure the custard texture is ideal.

Q: Can this pie be frozen?
A: While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Q: How can I tell if the pie is perfectly baked?
A: The pie is done when the center is set with a slight wobble and the top shows a natural, cracked pattern. Avoid overbaking to maintain a fudgy texture.

Q: Is it possible to make a dairy-free version of this pie?
A: Absolutely. Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use almond or coconut milk instead of whole milk.

Q: Should I pre-bake the crust?
A: Pre-baking (blind baking) the crust for about 5 minutes helps prevent it from becoming soggy once the filling is added.

Q: How can I intensify the chocolate flavor?
A: Use a premium quality cocoa powder or add an extra tablespoon to the mix to enhance the chocolate intensity.

Q: Can I use a store-bought crust?
A: Yes, a store-bought pie crust is perfectly acceptable and can save you time without sacrificing flavor.

Q: What’s the recommended serving temperature?
A: It’s best served slightly chilled or at room temperature to fully appreciate the smooth custard and rich flavors.

Q: How long should the pie cool before serving?
A: Allow the pie to cool completely—ideally for at least 2 hours—to ensure the filling has set properly.

Q: Can I add any toppings to enhance the flavor?
A: Yes, a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of ganache, or fresh berries can elevate the presentation and taste.

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Chocolate Chess Pie