Name: Chess Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon cornmeal; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1/4 cup whole milk; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs, lightly beaten

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There’s just something magical about Chess Pie—a Southern classic with a custardy filling that’s impossibly smooth and sweet, tucked in a flaky, golden crust. It’s the kind of humble dessert that makes your kitchen smell like home and brings everyone running for a slice. With a few pantry staples, this old-fashioned treat proves that simple ingredients can turn into pure comfort. If you’ve never tried Chess Pie, prepare to fall in love at first bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chess Pie stands out for its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that signature rich, buttery flavor and delectable texture. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need, along with why you shouldn’t skip a single thing!

Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: This is the crisp, buttery base that holds our luscious filling—homemade or store-bought works!
Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): The heart of Chess Pie’s signature sweetness and caramelized top.
Cornmeal (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle texture and helps set the filling perfectly—a signature touch for authentic Chess Pie.
All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Gives the filling structure and a delicate, creamy bite.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and round out the flavors.
Unsalted butter, melted and cooled (1/2 cup): For that irresistible golden richness in every mouthful.
Whole milk (1/4 cup): Loosens the filling, keeping it silky and smooth.
White vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and balances out the sugar for perfect harmony.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Blends everything together with warmth and depth.
Large eggs, lightly beaten (4): The key to a creamy, custardy texture—don’t skip or substitute!

How to Make Chess Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place your unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate, making sure to gently press it into the corners and give the edges a pretty crimp if you’d like to show off a little flair.

Step 2: Make the Filling

Grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together the granulated sugar, cornmeal, flour, and salt. This mixture will not only bring sweetness but also lend that classic Chess Pie texture you crave.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in your melted (but cooled) butter, milk, white vinegar, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything until you have a smooth, glossy batter—don’t rush, this step is where the filling gets its signature silkiness!

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs

Stir in your lightly beaten eggs. Make sure they’re completely blended in, ensuring your Chess Pie will bake up with that lovely, even custard throughout.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Pour the filling into your prepared pie crust. Lift and gently tilt the plate if you need to level out the filling. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is beautifully golden, the edges are set, and the center has a friendly little jiggle.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Allow your Chess Pie to cool completely before cutting into it—this helps the custard set up perfectly for gorgeous, neat slices. It’s worth the wait, promise!

How to Serve Chess Pie

Garnishes

While Chess Pie shines on its own, a sprinkle of powdered sugar gives it a delicate finish. For something extra special, try piling on a cloud of freshly whipped cream or a scattering of seasonal berries for color and brightness.

Side Dishes

Keep it classic with a scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream or a crisp glass of cold milk on the side. If you want to dress things up, serve it alongside macerated fruit or a citrusy salad to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

You can easily transform Chess Pie into elegant mini tartlets for parties, or serve petite slices on decorative plates with a drizzle of berry coulis. For picnics or potlucks, try baking individual Chess Pie bars—fun, portable, and just as delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To savor every bite, cover leftover Chess Pie with plastic wrap or tight-fitting foil and refrigerate. It keeps perfectly for up to three days, making it the ideal make-ahead dessert for gatherings (or late-night cravings!).

Freezing

Believe it or not, Chess Pie freezes beautifully! Wrap cooled slices or the whole pie tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and it’ll taste just as dreamy as the day you baked it.

Reheating

Prefer your Chess Pie a little warm? Just pop a slice in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or reheat gently in the microwave. This revives the filling and brings back the buttery crust—like it’s fresh from the oven!

FAQs

What is the difference between Chess Pie and custard pie?

Great question! While both pies share a silky, eggy filling, Chess Pie includes cornmeal and sometimes a splash of vinegar, giving it a subtle texture and a sweet-tangy flavor you won’t find in custard pies.

Why do you add cornmeal to Chess Pie?

The cornmeal is Chess Pie’s secret weapon—it ever-so-slightly thickens the filling and creates that instantly recognizable, faintly gritty bite that fans adore. It’s what sets this pie apart from other custardy desserts!

Can I use a different type Dessert

White vinegar is the classic choice for Chess Pie, adding a gentle zing. Apple cider vinegar will work in a pinch, but avoid anything too strong-flavored, or it might overwhelm the simple, sweet filling.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend, and use a gluten-free pie crust. The results are just as delightful, and no one will be the wiser.

How can I tell when Chess Pie is done baking?

Look for a golden, puffy top and a filling that jiggles slightly in the center—think of it like a cheesecake. If the edges brown too fast, loosely cover them with foil for the last bit of baking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something sweet, creamy, and steeped in Southern tradition, you simply must try Chess Pie. With its uncomplicated ingredients and soul-warming flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a joy to bake at home. Share a slice with someone you love, and make your own custardy memories!

Chess Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, custardy goodness of a classic Chess Pie with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this Southern favorite is sure to become a go-to dessert in your repertoire.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Filling:

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornmeal
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1/4 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs, lightly beaten

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Crust: Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.
Mix the Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, cornmeal, flour, and salt. Add melted butter, milk, vinegar, and vanilla. Stir in beaten eggs.
Bake: Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 45-50 minutes until set. Cool before serving.