Derby Pie Recipe
If you crave a mashup of chocolate chip cookie, pecan pie, and buttery richness all in one decadent slice, there’s nothing quite like Derby Pie. This legendary Kentucky dessert is famous for showing up at the finish line of every Derby Day celebration, but it’s so easy and so downright irresistible that it deserves a place in your everyday baking lineup too. Imagine a gooey, chocolate-studded center hugged by a flaky crust, all with a subtle hint of bourbon and a satisfying crunch of nuts—pure Southern comfort in pie form!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Derby Pie is all about those few, perfectly chosen ingredients blending together into something unforgettable. Each one plays a starring role, so don’t skip a thing unless you absolutely have to—this is simplicity at its best, and you’ll taste it in every bite!
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: A sturdy base that keeps all that luscious filling where it belongs; feel free to use store-bought if you’re short on time, but homemade adds an extra layer of love.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pie without overpowering that signature nutty, chocolaty flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Slightly thickens the gooey filling, ensuring the center is just right—set, not runny.
- Large eggs: The secret binders that give Derby Pie its custard-like, tender texture.
- Unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Adds all the richness for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
- Bourbon (optional): Deepens the flavor and adds a grown-up depth—skip it if you need a non-alcoholic version, but it’s truly special with it.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with mellow, aromatic warmth.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Studded throughout the filling for little pools of molten chocolate in every bite.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans: Offer a satisfying crunch and rich, nutty complexity—use your favorite or whatever’s on hand.
- Pinch of salt: Brightens and balances the sweetness, letting all the flavors sing.
How to Make Derby Pie
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), letting it come fully up to temperature. While that’s happening, roll out your pie crust and gently nestle it into a 9-inch pie plate, making sure to smooth out any wrinkles and crimp those edges for a pretty finish. If you’re using store-bought, simply unroll and press it in—no shame in the shortcut!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. This quick blend helps distribute the flour evenly and gets your dry ingredients ready to thicken and sweeten the filling just right.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs until no streaks remain, then whisk in the melted butter (make sure it’s just slightly cooled so it doesn’t scramble the eggs), along with your vanilla extract and bourbon if you’re using it. The aroma alone will have you excited for what’s to come!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until everything is combined into a smooth, thick batter. You want zero dry spots and a uniform golden color—this is the luscious base of your Derby Pie.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate and Nuts
Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and the chopped walnuts or pecans. You’ll want every slice to have that perfect blend of melty chocolate and nutty crunch, so stir just enough to distribute them evenly.
Step 6: Fill the Crust and Bake
Pour the filling into your waiting pie crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and let it bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden top and a center that’s set but still a little moist—test with a toothpick, and if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, you’re golden.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Resist the urge to dive in right away—let your Derby Pie cool for at least 1 hour. This not only helps the filling set for cleaner slices but also gives those flavors time to meld. Once it’s just barely warm or at room temperature, it’s prime time for slicing.
How to Serve Derby Pie
Garnishes
Dress up your Derby Pie with a big billow of whipped cream or a velvety scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Dusting a little cocoa powder or chocolate shavings over the slice? Chef’s kiss. These easy touches take an already show-stopping pie to true Southern dessert royalty.
Side Dishes
Keep it classic and simple—Derby Pie is best paired with a hot mug of coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you’re feeling extra festive, serve it alongside a bourbon-spiked cocktail or a frosty mint julep to lean into those Derby Day vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try slicing Derby Pie into small bars for a dessert tray, or bake minis in muffin tins for adorable party-friendly portions. A drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt before serving offers a gourmet flair guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have any Derby Pie left, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors get even better as they hang out together!
Freezing
This pie freezes beautifully. Simply cool Derby Pie completely, wrap the whole pie (or individual slices) first in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked taste, gently warm individual slices in the microwave in 10-second bursts, or pop the whole pie into a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes. This brings out the gooey chocolate and melty texture again—just like magic.
FAQs
What is the origin of Derby Pie?
Derby Pie originated in Kentucky, created by the Melrose Inn for the Kentucky Derby festivities. It’s become a tradition for racing fans, but its signature combination of nuts and chocolate appeals to dessert lovers everywhere.
Can I make Derby Pie without nuts for allergies?
Absolutely! Just leave out the nuts and toss in a few more chocolate chips for extra richness, or swap in seeds if you want to keep some crunch without the allergens.
Is bourbon necessary in Derby Pie?
Bourbon adds that little Southern touch, but you can skip it for a non-alcoholic version. The pie will still be deliciously moist and flavorful, so don’t worry if you need to leave it out.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Make sure the Derby Pie has cooled for at least an hour—longer if possible—so the gooey center sets. Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for picture-perfect slices every time.
Can I use a different kind of chocolate?
Definitely! While semisweet chocolate chips are classic, feel free to use bittersweet, milk chocolate, or even a mix. It’s all about your personal chocolate preference.
Final Thoughts
Derby Pie just might become your new favorite dessert to bake, serve, and (most importantly) devour. It’s simple, outrageously flavorful, and brings a little Kentucky tradition to your own table anytime. Trust me: give it a try, and you’ll see why this pie is such a cherished classic!
Print
Derby Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of Derby Pie with this classic recipe. A buttery pie crust filled with a sweet mixture of chocolate chips, nuts, and a hint of bourbon, this dessert is a favorite at Kentucky Derby parties and beyond.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the melted butter, bourbon, and vanilla.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until smooth.
- Add chocolate and nuts: Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts.
- Fill the pie crust: Pour the filling into the pie crust and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until golden brown and set.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with optional toppings.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the nuts and increase the chocolate chips slightly.
- Bourbon adds depth of flavor but can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American – Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 37 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
