Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe
A rich, gooey Southern dessert with pecans, chocolate chips, and a hint of bourbon, baked in a flaky pie crust, perfect for Derby celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup pecans coarsely chopped (or walnuts for traditional flavor)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate for richer taste
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup light corn syrup or dark corn syrup for deeper flavor
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 2 tbsp Kentucky bourbon optional, or substitute with apple juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set oven to 350°F. Place unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate, crimp edges, and set on a baking sheet.
- Prepare the filling: Whisk eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, bourbon (if using), and vanilla in a large bowl until smooth.
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in flour and salt until no lumps remain.
- Fold in nuts and chocolate: Fold pecans and chocolate chips into the filling, ensuring even distribution.
- Fill the crust: Pour filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading evenly.
- Bake the pie: Bake for 45-50 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Cover crust with a pie shield or foil after 25 minutes to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and serve: Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours to set. Serve warm or chilled with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for 2-3 months, wrapped tightly.
- Substitutions: Use apple juice instead of bourbon, or omit nuts for a fudgy version (reduce corn syrup to ¾ cup).
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and crust.
- Prevent Sinking: Toss chocolate chips and nuts with 1 tbsp flour before adding to filling.