If you’re craving a dessert that’s rich, nutty, and bursting with gooey chocolate goodness, the Derby Pie Recipe is your new best friend. This celebrated Southern treat features a perfectly flaky crust filled with a luscious blend of chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and a sweet, buttery filling that’s as indulgent as it is irresistible. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or sneaking a slice after dinner, this pie’s enchanting flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture make it a timeless favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Derby Pie Recipe is refreshingly simple. Each component plays a vital role: the chocolate chips deliver rich depth, pecans add a satisfying crunch, and the brown sugar contributes a caramel-like sweetness that ties everything together perfectly.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: This forms the buttery, flaky base that holds all the delicious fillings beautifully.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): They melt into pockets of rich, melted chocolate throughout the pie.
- Chopped pecans (1 cup): These bring an earthy crunch and a classic Southern touch.
- Packed brown sugar (1 cup): A key element for sweetness with a warm, molasses undertone.
- Large eggs (2): They bind the filling and give it that smooth, custardy texture.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the filling.
- All-purpose flour (1 tbsp): Helps thicken the filling just enough so it sets without losing its lusciousness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tbsp): Enhances all the flavors, lending a warm, aromatic note.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and heightens overall flavor complexity.
How to Make Derby Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowl
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your pie is assembled. Grab a large mixing bowl where you’ll combine the filling ingredients smoothly and efficiently.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In your bowl, whisk together the eggs, packed brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until you see a shiny, smooth mixture. This combination ensures the base of the filling is decadent yet perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients and Mix-ins
Next, sprinkle in the tablespoon of flour to give the filling its proper thickness. Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans, distributing these stars of the pie evenly so you get a bite of crunch and chocolate in every slice.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Carefully pour your luscious filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it evenly. The pie crust will bake to golden perfection while cradling the rich filling inside.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pie for about 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the filling to set while remaining just slightly jiggly in the center—this is the sweet spot where it’s perfectly gooey and tender once cooled.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Let your Derby Pie come to room temperature before slicing. This resting period allows the filling to firm up for clean, beautiful slices that show off all those tempting chocolate and pecan bits.
How to Serve Derby Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra something on top can elevate this pie beautifully. A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a cool, fluffy contrast to the warm pie, making every bite a heavenly experience.
Side Dishes
This pie shines as a star on its own, but serving alongside a cup of hot coffee or a glass of bourbon can deepen the flavors and make your dessert moment feel even more decadent and special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the Derby Pie into smaller squares for a buffet or party platter, or serve it ala mode with a sprinkle of toasted pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce for a gourmet touch that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it refrigerated. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a second helping of this delectable Derby Pie Recipe.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and then again in aluminum foil before freezing. Properly stored, it holds well for up to 2 months without losing its wonderful flavor and texture.
Reheating
To bring your frozen or refrigerated pie back to that freshly baked magic, warm slices in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can, as the crust won’t stay as crisp.
FAQs
What makes this pie a “Derby” Pie?
The Derby Pie Recipe is named after the famous Kentucky Derby horse race, cherished in Southern tradition. Its signature combination of chocolate and pecans captures the rich flavors loved in that region.
Can I use a homemade pie crust?
Absolutely! A homemade crust adds a personal touch and can enhance the flavor and texture even more. Just make sure it’s rolled out to fit a 9-inch pie pan and kept cold before filling.
Is it okay to substitute walnuts for pecans?
Yes, walnuts can be a great alternative if pecans aren’t your thing. They provide a slightly different texture and flavor, but the pie will still be deliciously nutty.
Can Derby Pie be made gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use a gluten-free pie crust. It might change the texture slightly but will still be a wonderful treat.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
Look for the edges to be golden and the filling to be set but slightly jiggly in the middle. It should not be liquidy, but a bit of gentle wobble means the filling will firm up as it cools.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and celebratory about the Derby Pie Recipe—it’s more than just dessert, it’s a moment to savor and share. Whether it’s your first bake or a beloved tradition, this pie promises smiles, warm memories, and irresistible flavor with every forkful. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite!
Print
Derby Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Derby Pie recipe features a rich and gooey filling made from semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and a buttery brown sugar custard baked in a flaky unbaked pie crust. Perfectly balanced with vanilla and a hint of salt, this Southern favorite is best served cooled and pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
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 reaches the correct temperature before baking the pie.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour until fully incorporated, helping to thicken the filling.
- Combine Chocolate and Pecans: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly throughout the batter for that classic crunchy and chocolaty texture.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the prepared filling mixture into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The filling should be set but remain slightly jiggly in the center when done to maintain a gooey consistency.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely. This helps the filling to firm up for easier slicing.
- Serve: Slice and serve the Derby Pie as is, or enhance the experience by topping with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Do not overbake the pie; the center should remain slightly jiggly to keep the texture gooey and moist.
- Use good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for best flavor.
- Chop pecans to your preferred size for texture variation.
- Allow pie to cool completely before slicing to prevent a runny filling.
- Optional toppings like whipped cream or vanilla ice cream complement the warm spices and sweetness perfectly.
