Classic desserts never go out of style, and chess pies are a perfect example. These rich, gooey treats have been a staple of Southern cuisine for generations. With their simplicity in both preparation and ingredients, it’s no wonder why chess pies remain a beloved favorite among many. In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 classic chess pie recipes that you simply must try.
From traditional Southern-style pies to innovative flavor combinations, our collection has something for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a new dessert to impress your friends and family, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
In this article, we’ll be delving into the world of chess pie, exploring its history, versatility, and – most importantly – showcasing 18 mouth-watering recipes that will make you want to head to the kitchen and start baking immediately. So, let’s get started!
Traditional Southern Chess Pie
This classic dessert is a staple of Southern cuisine, made with a simple combination of sugar, butter, eggs, and flour to create a rich, custard-like filling. Our recipe is a tried-and-true take on this beloved pie.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, and eggs until smooth.
3. Add flour and salt; whisk until well combined.
4. Gradually add heavy cream or whole milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
5. Pour filling into a 9-inch pie dish or a 2-quart baking dish.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
Buttermilk Chess Pie
This creamy, tangy pie is a staple of Southern cuisine, perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. With its simplicity and rich flavor profile, it’s sure to become a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Whisk together buttermilk, eggs, sugar, flour, and salt until smooth.
3. Stir in melted butter and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour mixture into a greased 9-inch pie dish.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and edges are golden brown.
6. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Chocolate Chess Pie
Classic Southern dessert, this chocolate chess pie is a showstopper with its gooey, fudgy center and crispy edges. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 cups sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder until smooth.
3. Add melted butter, vanilla extract, flour, and salt; stir until combined.
4. Pour in chocolate chips and stir until well coated with the batter.
5. Pour mixture into a 9-inch pie dish and bake for 40-45 minutes or until edges are set and center is still slightly jiggly.
6. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Lemon Chess Pie
Brighten up your dessert game with this tangy and sweet Lemon Chess Pie! This classic Southern treat is a refreshing twist on the traditional chess pie, featuring a rich lemon filling in a flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into crumbs.
3. Gradually add granulated sugar and confectioners’ sugar; mix until dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Place in a 9-inch pie dish.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, lemon juice, and heavy cream. Pour into pastry-lined pie dish.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Coconut Chess Pie
This creamy pie combines the richness of chess pie with the tropical flavor of coconut, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. The result is a smooth and indulgent treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 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 condensed milk, heavy cream, coconut, and sugar until smooth.
3. Beat in egg yolks until well combined.
4. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
6. Pour filling into the pie crust.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pecan Chess Pie
This Pecan Chess Pie recipe is a classic Southern dessert that combines the richness of pecans with the simplicity of a chess pie crust. With its gooey, caramel-like filling and crunchy pecan topping, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup light corn syrup
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup melted butter
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Arrange pecan halves on top of pie crust.
5. Pour filling over pecans, spreading evenly.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until filling is set and crust is golden brown.
7. Let cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Vanilla Chess Pie
This creamy and sweet pie is a staple of Southern cuisine, with a velvety filling made with vanilla, sugar, eggs, and butter. Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch pie crust
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and melted butter until smooth.
3. Add vanilla extract and salt; whisk until combined.
4. Pour filling into pie crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and edges are lightly browned.
5. Let cool on wire rack before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Brown Sugar Chess Pie
This classic Southern dessert is a staple of comfort food at its finest. A dense, sweet, and indulgent treat that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and salt.
3. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
6. Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Maple Chess Pie
This classic Southern dessert combines the richness of chess pie with the warmth of pure maple syrup, creating a sweet and savory masterpiece. With its crumbly crust and gooey filling, this Maple Chess Pie is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 large eggs
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and cold butter until crumbly.
3. Press mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Bake crust for 15 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, salt, maple syrup, and eggs.
6. Pour filling over baked crust and bake for an additional 30-40 minutes or until filling is set.
7. Allow to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Bourbon Chess Pie
This classic Southern dessert combines the richness of bourbon with the simplicity of a traditional chess pie, resulting in a deep, velvety filling that’s perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons bourbon whiskey
– 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 sugar and melted butter until combined.
3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
4. Whisk in heavy cream, bourbon whiskey, and vanilla extract.
5. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
6. Pour filling into the prepared pie crust.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pumpkin Chess Pie
This classic Southern dessert combines the warmth of pumpkin with the richness of chess pie, perfect for fall gatherings and holidays.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 3 large eggs
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together cream, sugar, flour, and salt until smooth.
3. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger; whisk until well combined.
4. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Pour filling into the pie crust.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Apple Chess Pie
This classic Southern dessert combines the flavors of tender apples, sweet brown sugar, and flaky pastry crust to create a cozy treat perfect for any gathering. Our simplified recipe brings this traditional favorite to your table with ease.
Ingredients:
– 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Arrange apple slices in the pie crust, leaving a 1-inch border.
4. Mix brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sprinkle mixture evenly over apples.
5. Dot top of apple mixture with butter pieces.
6. Roll out remaining pie crust and use to cover pie. Crimp edges to seal.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Caramel Chess Pie
This classic Southern dessert combines a gooey caramel filling with a flaky pastry crust, resulting in a sweet and indulgent treat that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and butter; use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until dough forms.
4. Roll out dough on a floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
5. Pour caramel filling (see below) onto one half of the dough; fold other half over filling and press edges together.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until crust is golden brown.
Caramel Filling:
– Combine sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt in a saucepan.
– Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches 350°F on a candy thermometer.
Orange Chess Pie
This classic Southern dessert combines the brightness of oranges with the richness of a chess pie crust, creating a delightful flavor combination. With its easy-to-make crust and simple filling, this orange chess pie is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add softened butter and mix until crumbly.
3. Press mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour filling over crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until filling is set.
6. Allow pie to cool before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Peanut Butter Chess Pie
This peanut butter chess pie combines the classic Southern dessert with a creamy and nutty twist, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With its gooey peanut butter filling and flaky crust, this pie is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press dough into a 9-inch pie dish.
4. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
5. Pour filling into the pie crust and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Banana Chess Pie
This Banana Chess Pie recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a creamy, rich chess pie filling. It’s an ideal dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, flour, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
4. Arrange the sliced bananas in a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Pour the chess pie filling over the bananas.
6. 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 combines the warmth of spices with a rich, buttery crust to create a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, this spiced chess pie is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
4. Press mixture into a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Beat eggs and heavy cream in a separate bowl.
6. Pour egg mixture into the crust.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Chess Pie with Graham Cracker Crust
Classic Chess Pie with Graham Cracker Crust: A rich and gooey dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Stir in melted butter until well combined. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, corn syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Pour filling into the prepared crust and bake for 45-50 minutes or until filling is set.
5. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the rich flavors of classic chess pie recipes! This beloved Southern dessert has been reimagined with creative twists and classic combinations. From traditional buttermilk to decadent chocolate, tangy lemon to nutty pecan, there’s a chess pie recipe for every taste bud. Try Bourbon-infused, Pumpkin-spiced, or Apple-caramelized for added depth. Or, go all out with Graham cracker crust or Spiced goodness. With 18 mouthwatering recipes to choose from, you’ll never tire of this creamy, dreamy treat. Get ready to pie-fect your baking skills!
