Best Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe
The Kentucky Pie is a rich, custard-filled pie loaded with chocolate and nuts, all held together in a buttery pie crust. It’s gooey in the middle, crunchy on top, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Pinch salt optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it is evenly pressed against the sides and bottom.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour (and a pinch of salt, if using) into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Add Chocolate and Nuts: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least one hour before slicing. This ensures the filling sets properly.
- Serve: For an added indulgence, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Corn Syrup Alternative: Some traditional recipes include corn syrup for added sweetness and texture. If preferred, you can substitute part of the sugar with corn syrup, adjusting to taste.
- Bourbon Addition: For a classic Kentucky twist, consider adding 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling mixture. This imparts a subtle depth of flavor that complements the chocolate and nuts.
- Nut Variations: While walnuts and pecans are traditional, experiment with other nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for a different flavor profile.
- Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.