Chess pie, a classic Southern dessert, has been a staple in many households for generations. This simple yet indulgent treat consists of a filling made from eggs, sugar, and butter or oil, baked in a pie crust until golden brown. The beauty of chess pie lies in its versatility – the same basic recipe can be adapted to create a wide range of flavors and textures.
From traditional buttermilk and lemon variations to decadent chocolate and bourbon-infused recipes, there’s a chess pie out there for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore 18 classic chess pie recipes that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re a Southern belle or just a fan of old-fashioned desserts, these tried-and-true recipes are sure to become new favorites.
Traditional Southern Chess Pie
A classic Southern dessert, chess pie is a rich and creamy treat that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just satisfying your sweet tooth. This recipe stays true to tradition with its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 3/4 cups sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Pour in heavy cream and stir until smooth.
6. Pour the batter into a 9-inch pie dish and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Buttermilk Chess Pie
This creamy and rich pie is a staple of Southern cuisine, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With its velvety filling and flaky crust, Buttermilk Chess Pie is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch pie crust
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
4. Pour the filling into the pie crust.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Chocolate Chess Pie
This classic Southern dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. A dense, fudgy filling made with melted chocolate and condensed milk is nestled in a flaky pastry crust, making it the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and confectioners’ sugar. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into crumbs.
3. Press mixture into the bottom and up sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
5. Whisk together condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in melted chocolate until well combined.
6. Pour filling into pastry-lined pie dish and bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Lemon Chess Pie
This classic Southern dessert is a staple of many family gatherings and potlucks. With its creamy lemon filling, flaky crust, and perfect balance of sweet and tart, it’s sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
3. Add melted butter and whisk until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients and mix until a dough forms.
5. Roll out dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (3 mm).
6. Pour filling into crust-lined pie dish and bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Coconut Chess Pie
This Coconut Chess Pie recipe combines the classic Southern dessert with the creamy sweetness of coconut, resulting in a rich and decadent treat perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Stir in unsweetened shredded coconut.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Pour filling into pie crust.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pecan Chess Pie
This rich and gooey pecan chess pie is a perfect dessert for any occasion. The combination of caramelized pecans, brown sugar, and melted chocolate is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pecan halves
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl; whisk until smooth.
4. Stir in pecan halves and corn syrup.
5. Pour mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
7. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Vanilla Chess Pie
A timeless Southern dessert, vanilla chess pie is a rich and creamy delight that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. This simple recipe yields a smooth, custard-like filling nestled within a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Add melted butter and mix until dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Pour filling ingredients into pie crust: melted butter, sugar, heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set and crust golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Brown Sugar Chess Pie
Classic Southern desserts don’t get much simpler or satisfying than this beloved brown sugar chess pie. With a shortbread crust, gooey filling, and deep brown sugar flavor, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup packed light brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the crumb mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Bake crust for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, and heavy cream.
6. Pour filling into pre-baked crust and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes or until filling is set.
7. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Maple Chess Pie
This traditional Southern pie combines the richness of maple syrup with the nutty flavor of cheddar cheese, creating a unique and delicious dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch pie crust
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, maple syrup, and heavy cream until well combined.
4. Add salt and grated cheddar cheese; whisk until smooth.
5. Beat in eggs until fully incorporated.
6. Pour filling into pie crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set.
7. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Bourbon Chess Pie
This classic Bourbon Chess Pie is a staple of Southern cuisine, with its velvety texture, deep flavors, and hint of bourbon. Perfect for special occasions or just because, this pie is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon bourbon whiskey (optional)
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, granulated sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Stir in melted butter and eggs until smooth.
4. If using bourbon, stir it in at this point.
5. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Pour filling into pie crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set.
7. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pumpkin Chess Pie
This classic Southern dessert combines the warmth of pumpkin with the richness of a chess pie, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in. With its creamy texture and caramel-like topping, this Pumpkin Chess Pie is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked, mashed pumpkin
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together pumpkin, melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Pour in pumpkin mixture and bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
6. Allow to cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Orange Chess Pie
This classic Southern dessert combines the brightness of orange with the richness of a chess pie, resulting in a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup orange juice
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and melted butter until smooth.
4. Add orange juice, heavy cream, and orange zest; whisk until combined.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined.
6. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Caramel Chess Pie
This classic Southern dessert is a showstopper: a rich, caramel-filled pie with a buttery crust that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this decadent treat in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
3. Stir in corn syrup, heavy cream, and sea salt until well combined.
4. Roll out pie crust and fill with the caramel mixture.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
6. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Chess Pie
This traditional apple pie gets a rich and buttery twist with the addition of a chess pie-inspired filling, featuring a gooey caramel-like sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a cozy dessert for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, combine apples, sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch (23cm) pie dish.
5. Fill pie crust with apple mixture and drizzle with butter-egg mixture.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is set.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Peanut Butter Chess Pie
This peanut butter chess pie combines the classic flavors of peanut butter, sugar, and eggs with a hint of saltiness, creating a rich and decadent dessert perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
3. Add salt and mix well.
4. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Pour the peanut butter mixture into the pie crust.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Tips:
– Use high-quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
– Don’t overmix the filling to prevent it from becoming too thick.
Banana Chess Pie
This Banana Chess Pie is a creative twist on the classic chess pie recipe, featuring the natural sweetness of bananas as the main attraction. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for banana lovers and anyone looking for a unique dessert option.
Ingredients:
– 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced bananas, sugar, flour, salt, and nutmeg. Mix until well combined.
3. Pour in melted butter and mix until the banana mixture is coated evenly.
4. Roll out pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with banana mixture.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and eggs. Pour over banana mixture.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Gingerbread Chess Pie
This rich and spicy pie combines the warmth of gingerbread with the classic creaminess of chess pie, making it a perfect dessert for the holiday season.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch pie crust
– 1/2 cup crystallized ginger, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, combine chopped ginger, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Fill the pie crust with the ginger mixture, spreading evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, and melted butter.
6. Pour the cream mixture over the ginger mixture.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Spiced Chess Pie
This classic Southern dessert is a staple of family gatherings and holiday meals. With its rich, buttery filling and crumbly crust, Spiced Chess Pie is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger; stir until smooth.
4. Pour mixture into a 9-inch pie dish lined with pastry crust.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in a world of sweet and savory delights with these 18 classic chess pie recipes! From traditional Southern-style pies to creative twists like bourbon-infused and coconut-flavored, there’s something for every taste bud. Discover the rich history behind this beloved dessert, and get inspired to try new flavors like brown sugar, maple, and gingerbread. With a range of ingredients from pecans to bananas, you’re sure to find your new favorite pie recipe within this collection.
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