Name: Kentucky Derby Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought); 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp bourbon (optional); 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; Pinch of salt

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pie is indulgent, gooey, and filled with melty chocolate and crunchy nuts—all baked into a golden pie crust. It’s essentially part cookie, part brownie, and part pie, making it a dessert that appeals to everyone. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Eggs
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Unsalted butter, melted
All-purpose flour
Vanilla extract
Bourbon (optional, for authentic flavor)
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Chopped walnuts or pecans
Pinch of salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan and set aside.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
Stir in melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, and bourbon (if using). Mix until combined.
Fold in chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
Pour mixture into the prepared pie crust and spread evenly.
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Use pecans instead of walnuts for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Add a splash of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Swap chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks for a richer taste.
Make it boozy by adding bourbon, or keep it family-friendly by leaving it out.
Try a gluten-free crust and flour blend to adapt for dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds. This pie also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this pie without bourbon?

Yes, it’s optional, and the pie will still be delicious without it.

What nuts are best for Kentucky Derby pie?

Walnuts are traditional, but pecans are a great substitute.

Do I need to blind bake the crust?

No, the filling cooks fully as the crust bakes.

Can I use a homemade crust?

Absolutely—homemade crust adds extra flavor and texture.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, bake it a day in advance and store covered until serving.

How do I know when the pie is done?

The center should be set but still slightly soft. It will continue firming up as it cools.

Can I make it nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the nuts or substitute with seeds for crunch.

Can I add more chocolate?

Definitely—use extra chocolate chips or chunks for a fudgier pie.

Should I serve it warm or cold?

It’s delicious both ways, but warm with vanilla ice cream is classic.

Can I use dark corn syrup in the filling?

Some variations include corn syrup, but this recipe achieves gooeyness without it.

Conclusion

Kentucky Derby pie is a classic Southern dessert that’s gooey, chocolatey, and nutty all in one bite. Perfect for Derby Day, holidays, or any time you crave a rich and comforting treat, this pie is as impressive as it is easy to make. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream, and you’ll have a dessert that’s truly unforgettable.