Chess Pie Recipe

If sugar had a best friend, it would be chess pie. This old-school Southern dessert is sweet, gooey, and dangerously easy to make. You don’t need a pastry diploma or rare ingredients—just sugar, butter, eggs, and good vibes. Whether you go classic or make a chocolate chess pie version, it’s the kind of dessert that turns “just one bite” into a full-on slice (or two).

What Is Chess Pie

So, what is chess pie? It’s a traditional Southern pie with a buttery crust and a custard-like filling that’s rich and sweet. The magic comes from simple ingredients like sugar, eggs, butter, and a bit of cornmeal that gives the filling its signature texture. Some say it got its name because people used to store it in a “pie chest,” while others think someone once said, “It’s just pie,” and the name stuck.

What Is in a Chess Pie

A chess pie recipe uses basic pantry staples: sugar, butter, eggs, milk, and a touch of flour and cornmeal. These come together to create a filling that’s smooth, creamy, and slightly crisp on top. Add a spoonful of cocoa powder and you’ve got a chocolate chess pie recipe that’s pure happiness in a crust.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s quick and easy.
• You already have the ingredients.
• It tastes like a buttery, sugary dream.
• You can make a chocolate version in minutes.

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 50 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8 slices

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 370
• Fat: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 35g

Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for chocolate chess pie)

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pie dish
• Baking sheet

How to Make Chess Pie

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your pie dish with the unbaked crust.
2. In a bowl, whisk sugar, cornmeal, flour, salt, and cocoa powder if making chocolate chess pie.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, milk, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour filling into the crust and place the dish on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden and the center is set.
6. Cool completely before slicing.

Helpful Tips

• If edges brown too fast, cover them with foil.
• Let the pie cool fully for clean slices.
• Serve it warm or chilled with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Final Thought

Chess pie proves that simple ingredients can create something amazing. Whether you stick to the classic or try a chocolate chess pie, this dessert will always hit the sweet spot. It’s easy, rich, and just the right amount of Southern charm in every bite.

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Chess Pie

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

A golden, buttery crust filled with a rich, silky custard that melts in your mouth. The top forms a delicate, crackly layer that gives way to a smooth, sugary center so irresistible it’s nearly impossible to stop at one bite. Sweet, creamy, and perfectly gooey, this pie is pure comfort on a plate.

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Ingredients

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (for chocolate chess pie)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch pie dish with the crust.
2. In a bowl, whisk sugar, cornmeal, flour, salt, and cocoa powder if using.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, milk, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour filling into the crust and place the dish on a baking sheet.
5. Bake 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
6. Cool completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Cover crust edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
• Let the pie cool completely before slicing.
• Add cocoa powder for a chocolate twist.
• Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for extra flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 370Total Fat: 19gCarbohydrates: 47gSugar: 35gProtein: 4g