If you’ve ever wanted to bring a taste of Southern charm right into your kitchen, this Derby Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. With its rich, gooey chocolate and crunchy pecans nestled in a buttery crust, this dessert is a true celebration of texture and flavor. Derby Pie is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a slice of Kentucky tradition wrapped up in every bite, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself after a long day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple, quality ingredients sets the stage for the magic of this Derby Pie Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role—the chocolate for sweetness and richness, the pecans for crunch and earthiness, and the brown sugar for deep caramel notes. Together, they blend seamlessly into a dessert that feels luxurious without any fuss.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The perfect foundation that provides a flaky, buttery base for all the delicious filling.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Adds a smooth, melty chocolate goodness that balances the sweetness.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): Brings a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Brown sugar, packed (1 cup): Offers deep, molasses-y sweetness and moisture to keep the filling fudgy.
- Large eggs (2): Acts as a binder, helping the filling set while keeping it soft.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Adds richness and helps create a velvety texture in the filling.
- All-purpose flour (1 tbsp): Lightly thickens the filling for that perfect sliceability.
- Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Enhances the flavor with warm, sweet aromatic notes.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and brings out the depth of all the ingredients.
How to Make Derby Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This even temperature ensures the pie will bake uniformly, setting the filling without burning the crust. An accurately preheated oven is a small but vital step toward pie perfection.
Step 2: Mix the Filling Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is silky smooth. This blend creates the luscious foundation of your Derby Pie, combining sweetness with richness and just the right touch of structure to hold those mix-ins perfectly.
Step 3: Add Chocolate and Pecans
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans. This is where the texture magic happens—chocolate melts a bit during baking to create gooey pockets while the pecans provide a satisfying crunch that balances the pie.
Step 4: Pour into Pie Crust
Pour your luscious filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust. The filling might seem loose at this point, but don’t worry—it will set just right as it bakes. Be sure to evenly distribute the chocolate and nuts to get a balanced bite in every slice.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes. The goal is for the filling to be firm around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center when you gently shake the pan. This ensures a creamy, gooey texture that’s classic to a Derby Pie, rather than a dry, overcooked dessert.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Patience here is rewarded. Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Cooling lets the filling fully set, making clean slices possible and allowing those incredible flavors to meld fully.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Derby Pie Recipe is ready to shine! Serve it up with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the experience. The warmth of the pie paired with cool, creamy toppings is an absolute dream.
How to Serve Derby Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes make all the difference. Fresh whipped cream is classic, adding lightness to the dense pie, while a sprinkle of chopped pecans on top gives an extra crunch and visual appeal. For a fun twist, drizzle a bit of caramel or chocolate sauce over each slice to make every piece a work of art.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with a few select accompaniments. Fresh berries or a mixed berry compote add a tangy contrast that cuts through the sweetness. On the savory side, a cup of rich coffee or a robust black tea perfectly balances the indulgence of the pie.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not present your Derby Pie Recipe mini-style? Use a muffin tin to create individual mini pies for parties. Alternatively, serve warm slices on vintage dessert plates with a sprig of mint or edible flowers to impress your guests with style and sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover Derby Pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy a decadent dessert even after the initial excitement has passed.
Freezing
If you want to save Derby Pie for later, wrap it snugly and place it in an airtight container before freezing. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain its texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
To relive that fresh-from-the-oven experience, warm slices in a low oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or pop them briefly in the microwave. Adding a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream after warming brings back that delightful contrast of warm and cool.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this Derby Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought crust makes this recipe even easier, and it bakes up flaky and buttery, perfectly supporting the rich filling.
What can I substitute for pecans if I’m allergic?
Walnuts or chopped almonds are excellent alternatives that maintain the nutty crunch, though the flavor will be slightly different. You could also omit nuts entirely for a smooth chocolate pie.
Is it necessary to chill the pie before slicing?
Yes, chilling allows the filling to firm up, so you get clean, beautiful slices—plus, the flavors have time to meld and deepen, making each bite more satisfying.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Sure thing! You can mix the filling a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before pouring into the crust for baking.
What is the best way to serve Derby Pie Recipe for a crowd?
Serving it warm with a variety of toppings on the side—such as whipped cream, ice cream, caramel sauce, and chopped nuts—lets guests customize their slices and enjoy pooling deliciousness.
Final Thoughts
This Derby Pie Recipe truly captures the spirit of comfort, celebration, and homemade goodness. Its rich chocolate and nutty filling wrapped in a flaky crust create a dessert that’s irresistible and easy to love. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply because you deserve a treat, I highly recommend giving this pie a whirl—it just might become your new favorite to share with cherished friends and family.
Print
Derby Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Derby Pie is a classic Southern dessert featuring a rich, gooey filling of semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans baked in a flaky pie crust. Perfectly balanced between sweet and nutty flavors, this pie is traditionally served at gatherings and pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the pie evenly.
- Prepare Filling Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring a consistent texture.
- Add Chocolate and Pecans: Gently stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans into the filling mixture, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the prepared filling mixture into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it out evenly to the edges.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The filling should be set but remain slightly jiggly in the center when done, indicating perfect gooey texture.
- Cool the Pie: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature to let the filling set further and make slicing easier.
- Serve: Slice the cooled pie and serve it as is or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake; the center should remain slightly jiggly for the best texture.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips based on preference.
- For enhanced flavor, toast the pecans lightly before adding to the filling.
- Ensure the pie crust is properly chilled before filling to prevent sogginess.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator; best enjoyed within 3 days.
