Kentucky Derby Pie
Kentucky Derby Pie is a classic Southern dessert that’s rich, gooey, and packed with delightful flavors. It combines a buttery pie crust with a filling made from pecans, chocolate chips,…
By Ava
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Reading time: 5 min
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Kentucky Derby Pie is a classic Southern dessert that’s rich, gooey, and packed with delightful flavors. It combines a buttery pie crust with a filling made from pecans, chocolate chips, and a touch of bourbon, creating a perfect mix of nutty crunch and sweet, melty chocolate.
I love making this pie for special occasions because it feels like a little celebration with every bite. The bourbon adds just enough kick to make it interesting without overpowering the sweetness, and the pecans give it a nice texture. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to put together, which is always a win in my book.
My favorite way to serve Kentucky Derby Pie is warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It melts slightly over the pie, making it even more comforting and delicious. Whenever I bring this pie to a gathering, it’s always the first thing to disappear, and I’m pretty sure it’s because everyone loves that mix of rich chocolate and toasty pecans that just screams “treat time!”
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crust: A store-bought crust works well for convenience, but homemade pie crust adds a lovely flaky texture. If you prefer, use a gluten-free crust for dietary needs.
Bourbon Whiskey: Bourbon gives this pie its signature warm flavor. You can skip it or use vanilla extract if you want to avoid alcohol, but I recommend keeping it for that traditional taste.
Pecans: Pecans are essential for crunch and nuttiness. If you don’t have pecans, walnuts can be a good substitute, but pecans have a sweeter, buttery flavor I prefer here.
Chocolate Chips: Semisweet chocolate chips bring rich chocolate notes. You can use bittersweet or milk chocolate chips, depending on your sweetness preference.
How Do You Know When Kentucky Derby Pie Is Properly Baked?
The key to Kentucky Derby Pie’s texture is baking it just right—gooey but set. Here’s how I do it:
- Bake at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes. The filling should look firm around the edges.
- The center will still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan—this means it’s not overbaked.
- If the crust edges brown too fast, cover them with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
- Let the pie cool completely; it firms up as it cools, making slicing easier and the texture perfect.
Following these tips helps avoid a wet center or burnt crust, giving you a balanced, delicious pie every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9-inch pie plate – perfect size for this recipe and helps the crust bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls – handy for combining your ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk – makes mixing the wet ingredients easy and lump-free.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient amounts, which is key to great baking.
- Foil – useful for covering pie edges if they brown too quickly while baking.
- Wire cooling rack – lets the pie cool evenly and set properly after baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap bourbon with dark rum or brandy for a different but still rich flavor.
- Replace pecans with walnuts if you prefer a slightly milder nut flavor or don’t have pecans on hand.
- Add a handful of dried cherries or cranberries for a tart contrast to the sweet filling.
- Mix in butterscotch chips along with chocolate chips for a deeper sweetness and texture.
How to Make Kentucky Derby Pie?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon bourbon whiskey (optional, but traditional)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
For Topping (Optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh cherry and mint leaves (for garnish)
Time You’ll Need:
This pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 50 to 60 minutes to bake. After baking, you’ll want to let it cool completely for about an hour so the filling sets nicely before serving. Total time: around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie plate and flute the edges if you like for a nice finish.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and light corn syrup until smooth. Add eggs one by one, beating well after each. Stir in melted butter, vanilla extract, and bourbon until everything is well combined. Gently fold in the chopped pecans and semisweet chocolate chips.
3. Bake the Pie:
Pour the filling evenly into the pie crust. Bake in your preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. The filling should be set but still jiggle slightly in the center when you gently shake the pie. If the crust edges brown too fast, you can cover them loosely with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
4. Cool and Serve:
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack — this helps the filling firm up making it easier to slice. Just before serving, dust the top lightly with powdered sugar and garnish with a fresh cherry and mint leaf if desired. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes it even more special!
Can I Use a Store-Bought Pie Crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought crust works great and saves time. Just make sure to thaw it if frozen before filling and baking.
Can I Skip the Bourbon?
Yes, you can omit the bourbon if you prefer. The pie will still taste delicious, just missing that classic warm kick bourbon adds.
How Should I Store Leftover Pie?
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat slightly before serving for the best texture.
Can I Freeze Kentucky Derby Pie?
Yes! Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.