Introduction
Chess Pie is a timeless Southern dessert known for its simple ingredients and rich, custardy filling. Made with butter, sugar, eggs, and a touch of cornmeal, this pie offers a delightful combination of sweetness and texture. The cornmeal adds a slight crunch, while the butter and eggs create a smooth, velvety filling. Chess Pie is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, from holidays to casual gatherings. Whether served warm or chilled, it’s a dessert that brings comfort and nostalgia with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp cornmeal
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup whole milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp white vinegar (or lemon juice for tartness)
- Pinch of salt
For the Crust:
- 1 9-inch pie crust, store-bought or homemade
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a homemade pie crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Flavorings
- Stir in the cornmeal, flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add the milk, vanilla extract, and vinegar (or lemon juice) to the mixture, and stir until smooth. The batter will be slightly runny but will set as it bakes.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Bake the pie for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top has a golden-brown crust. A slight jiggle in the center is fine, as the pie will continue to set while it cools.
Step 6: Cool the Pie
- Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the filling set properly for clean slices.
COOKING NOTE
- Prevent Over-Browning: If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie crust shield during the final 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Texture Adjustment: For a firmer texture, use heavy cream instead of milk. For a slightly lighter texture, reduce the sugar to 1 1/4 cups.
- Storage: Chess Pie can be stored at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
- Citrus Twist: Serve with fresh lemon slices to enhance the tang from the vinegar or lemon juice.
Tips
- Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling.
- Avoid Overbaking: Check the pie at the 50-minute mark; the filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Crust Options: Use a graham cracker crust for a different twist, or make a chocolate chess pie by adding cocoa powder to the filling.
- Make Ahead: Chess Pie tastes even better the next day, as the flavors develop further.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
50-55 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 180mg
(Values may vary depending on crust and portion size.)
Conclusion
Chess Pie is a simple yet decadent dessert that embodies the essence of Southern baking. With basic pantry ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, and cornmeal, this pie is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious. Its rich, custard-like filling with a subtle crunch from the cornmeal makes it unique and unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just because, this pie will bring comfort and joy to everyone at the table.
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Chess Pie: A Classic Southern Dessert with Simple Ingredients
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp cornmeal
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup whole milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp white vinegar (or lemon juice for tartness)
- Pinch of salt
For the Crust:
- 1 9-inch pie crust, store-bought or homemade
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a homemade pie crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Flavorings
- Stir in the cornmeal, flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add the milk, vanilla extract, and vinegar (or lemon juice) to the mixture, and stir until smooth. The batter will be slightly runny but will set as it bakes.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
- Bake the pie for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top has a golden-brown crust. A slight jiggle in the center is fine, as the pie will continue to set while it cools.
Step 6: Cool the Pie
- Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the filling set properly for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 180mg
- Protein: 5g