Name: Chess Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust; 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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If you’ve ever wondered what makes Southern baking so magical, Chess Pie is the answer tucked into a flaky, golden crust. This sweet, buttery pie boasts a creamy, custardy filling with subtle tang and a delicate, crackly top. Whether it’s gracing a holiday table or serving as a simple weeknight treat, Chess Pie delivers pure comfort in every slice. Its humble ingredients come together into something extraordinary, and once you taste its signature sugar-kissed smoothness, you’ll understand why this pie has been a generations-old favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Chess Pie is its unfussy ingredients—each one pulls its weight to create the pie’s signature sweet richness and unique texture. Don’t let the simplicity fool you; every component matters for achieving the perfect balance of flavors!

Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: This is your pie’s foundation, so choose a quality buttery crust or make your own for maximum flakiness.
Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): The heart of Chess Pie’s sweetness and that beautifully caramelized, crackly top.
Cornmeal (1 tablespoon): The secret ingredient! It adds a subtle texture and helps the filling set perfectly.
All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Just enough to give the filling a lovely, custard-like consistency.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A hint of salt balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
Unsalted butter, melted and cooled (1/2 cup): For that unmistakable silky texture and buttery richness.
Whole milk (1/4 cup): Creamy and rich, just enough to keep things luscious without making it soupy.
White vinegar (1 tablespoon): This gives Chess Pie its faint, delicious tang—don’t skip it!
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warm, fragrant notes that round everything out.
Large eggs, lightly beaten (4): The backbone of the custard, making the filling luxuriously smooth and helping it set up just right.

How to Make Chess Pie

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pie Crust

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Press your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges however you like—classic scallops or a simple forked edge both look gorgeous! Set it aside while you assemble the filling.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornmeal, flour, and salt. This blend ensures the filling will be smooth, with no pockets of dry ingredients lurking at the bottom.

Step 3: Add the Dairy and Flavorings

Pour in the melted (and cooled) butter, whole milk, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until silky-smooth; you want to make sure the butter is evenly dispersed for that creamy texture and rich flavor that defines Chess Pie.

Step 4: Stir in the Eggs

Gently fold in the lightly beaten eggs. Stir only until everything is fully combined—overmixing can make the filling less tender. At this point, the mixture should look custardy and glossy.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Pour the filling into your prepared pie crust. Carefully transfer the pie to the oven, and bake for 45-50 minutes. Watch for that signature golden-brown top and a center that’s just barely set with a slight jiggle. If the edges of your crust start to brown too fast, cover them with foil partway through baking.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Once the Chess Pie is done baking, let it cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the filling finish setting. Slice and serve at room temperature or chilled—whichever way you love best!

How to Serve Chess Pie

Garnishes

Let Chess Pie’s natural beauty shine with a whisper of powdered sugar dusted over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of whipped cream or a handful of fresh berries can make every slice feel extra special without overpowering the pie’s iconic sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chess Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some lightly sweetened whipped cream for extra indulgence. For contrast, a tart berry compote or even a crisp cup of black coffee cuts the sweetness just right and makes for a truly memorable dessert duo.

Creative Ways to Present

Chess Pie looks stunning on a pedestal cake stand, or you can serve it in rustic wedges on mismatched dessert plates for a cozy, nostalgic vibe. If you have mini tart pans, pour the filling into smaller crusts to create individual Chess Pie tarts—perfect for parties or a charming afternoon tea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Chess Pie, cover the pie or its slices tightly and store them in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days, and the flavor will just deepen with each day.

Freezing

Chess Pie freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for that just-baked texture.

Reheating

To bring back a bit of that fresh-baked warmth, pop slices of Chess Pie in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave on low power for 20-30 seconds, but the oven keeps the crust perfectly crisp.

FAQs

What gives Chess Pie its unique flavor?

The combination of butter, sugar, a touch of cornmeal, and a surprising splash of vinegar gives Chess Pie its unforgettable flavor. The vinegar adds subtle tang, while the cornmeal gives just a hint of texture, setting it apart from other custard pies.

Can I use a store-bought crust for Chess Pie?

Absolutely! Store-bought crusts work beautifully and save time. If you have a little extra time, homemade pie crust brings a little more buttery flavor and flakiness, but either way you’ll get a delicious result.

Is it necessary to use cornmeal?

Yes, a tablespoon of cornmeal is classic and crucial for that telltale texture. It helps the filling set, creating a pie that’s creamy in the center with a slight bite and a crusty top—otherwise, the custard can be overly soft.

Why does the top crack or puff up during baking?

Cracking or puffing is totally normal for Chess Pie, as the sugar caramelizes and the top sets. The pie will settle and flatten a bit as it cools, leaving that trademark crisp, crackly surface.

Can I make Chess Pie ahead of time?

Yes, Chess Pie is the perfect make-ahead dessert! Bake it a day in advance and chill. The flavors deepen as it rests, making every bite even more luscious the next day.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried making Chess Pie at home, now’s the time—its sweet, custardy magic is just too good to miss. With simple ingredients and cozy flavors, you might find it’s the pie you make again and again for every gathering, celebration, or quiet coffee break. Happy baking!

Chess Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Chess Pie is a classic Southern dessert known for its simple yet rich and sweet custard filling. This recipe yields a golden, slightly jiggly center encased in a flaky pie crust, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

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 bowl, whisk together sugar, cornmeal, flour, and salt. Add butter, milk, vinegar, and vanilla; whisk until smooth. Stir in eggs.
Fill the Crust: Pour the filling into the pie crust.
Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and set.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool before slicing. Serve at room temperature or chilled.