Craving a dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and effortlessly easy to make? Look no further—this recipe for a chocolate chess pie is the perfect blend of Southern tradition and deep, fudgy chocolate flavor. Whether you're a seasoned baker or making a Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe for the first time, this tried-and-true recipe ensures a flawless, velvety filling every single time. Rooted in classic baking techniques and perfected for modern kitchens, this chocolate chess pie recipe is guaranteed to impress at any gathering. If you're searching for a chocolate chess pie recipe that delivers both nostalgia and pure decadence, you’ve just found it.
What Makes Chess Pie Special?
A timeless staple of Southern baking, chess pie carries generations of history and tradition. This beloved custard-based dessert has been passed down through families, proving that simple pantry ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. If you're searching for the ultimate recipe for a chocolate chess pie recipe, this rich, fudgy twist on the classic takes it to the next level.
What makes this chocolate chess pie recipe stand out among other chocolate desserts? It’s all about the perfect harmony of deep cocoa flavor and just the right touch of sweetness. Unlike a standard chocolate custard pie, this pie boasts a signature crackly, caramelized top—a hallmark of any truly authentic chocolate chess pie recipe. With its irresistibly gooey, brownie-like center and crisp top layer, this is the recipe for a chocolate chess pie that belongs in every baker’s collection.
Why This Recipe for a Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe Stands Out
This recipe for a chocolate chess pie stays true to its Southern roots while remaining effortlessly simple, making it a must-have for both beginner and seasoned bakers. Unlike elaborate desserts that require specialty ingredients or advanced techniques, this chocolate chess pie recipe is refreshingly straightforward—no fancy equipment, no hard-to-find items, just pure baking magic. With the filling coming together in a single bowl, cleanup is just as easy as the preparation.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any occasion that calls for a decadent, crowd-pleasing treat, this chocolate chess pie recipe delivers rich, fudgy flavor with minimal effort. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience, or enjoy it as is—its crackly top and luscious, brownie-like filling make every bite unforgettable. If you’re looking for the best recipe for a chocolate chess pie, this one is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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Ingredients
The Crust:
- Unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade) - forms the base of your delicious pie
The Filling:
- Granulated sugar - provides sweetness and helps create the characteristic crackly top
- Cocoa powder (unsweetened) - provides the deep chocolate flavor without being overwhelming
- Unsalted butter, melted - adds richness and helps create that fudgy texture
- Large eggs, at room temperature - binds the filling together
- Evaporated milk - creates a creamy texture (can substitute with half and half)
- Pure vanilla extract - enhances the chocolate flavor
- Salt - balances the sweetness
- Yellow cornmeal - traditional ingredient that helps create the characteristic chess pie texture
- All-purpose flour - helps stabilize the filling
See recipe card for quantities.
Equipment For Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe
- 9-inch pie plate
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil (for protecting crust edges)
Instructions
Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place your unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate. If using store-bought, let it sit at room temperature according to package directions before unrolling.
- Gently press the crust into the pie plate and crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
Mix the Chocolate Chess Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and cocoa powder until no lumps remain. This step is crucial for a smooth filling.
- Add the melted butter and whisk until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Pour in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract, then whisk until smooth.
- Sprinkle in the salt, cornmeal, and flour. Whisk until the mixture is glossy and completely blended.
Pro Tip: For the smoothest filling, sift your cocoa powder and flour before adding them to the mixture.
Bake to Perfection
- Pour the chocolate filling into your prepared pie crust.
- Bake on the middle rack of your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes.
- The pie is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly (similar to how a cheesecake looks when done). The top will form a crackly crust while the inside remains fudgy.
- If the edges of your crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil after about 20 minutes of baking.
Baking Secret: The filling will puff up slightly while baking but will settle as it cools. This is completely normal and part of the chess pie charm!
Cool and Set
- Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely, at least 2 hours.
- As it cools, the filling will continue to set and develop that perfect fudgy texture.
- Prepare Your Pie Crust: Prepare the crust by pressing it into a pie plate and preheating the oven to 350°F.
- Mix theFilling: Whisk the sugar, cocoa, and butter before adding eggs, evaporated milk, and the remaining ingredients.
- Baking: ake for 45-50 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Cooling: Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set perfectly.
Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chess Pie
- Room temperature ingredients matter: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for the smoothest filling.
- Don't overmix: Once you add the eggs, mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air.
- Check for doneness properly: The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid when you gently shake the pie.
- Cool completely: Resist the temptation to slice into the pie while it's warm - cooling completely allows the filling to set properly.
- Use quality cocoa powder: The chocolate flavor comes primarily from cocoa powder, so use the best quality you can find.
Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications
Easy Chocolate Chess Pie Variations:
- Chocolate Bourbon Chess Pie: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for a grown-up twist.
- Chocolate Espresso Chess Pie: Mix 1 tablespoon of espresso powder into the cocoa powder for a mocha flavor.
- Chocolate Pecan Chess Pie: Sprinkle ½ cup of chopped pecans on the bottom of the crust before adding the filling.
Dietary Adaptations:
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the tablespoon of all-purpose flour with cornstarch.
- Dairy-Free Possibility: Replace butter with coconut oil and evaporated milk with full-fat coconut milk (note: this will add a slight coconut flavor).
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerator Storage:
This chocolate chess pie recipe will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover loosely with foil rather than plastic wrap to prevent sticking to the surface of the pie.
Freezer Instructions:
You can freeze the baked and cooled pie for up to 3 months:
- Place the completely cooled pie in the freezer uncovered until firm (about 2 hours).
- Wrap tightly in aluminum foil, then place in a freezer bag.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Grandma’s Secret to the Perfect Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe
Growing up in the South, I always knew when a Chocolate Chess Pie was baking—the rich aroma of cocoa and sugar filled the air, signaling something special. But it wasn’t until my grandmother finally shared her secret that I truly understood what made her pie irresistible.
“The crackly top is the soul of a true chess pie,” she’d say with a knowing smile. The trick? A touch of cornmeal. It might sound unusual for a dessert, but this tiny addition creates that signature crisp, caramelized layer while keeping the inside gloriously fudgy and rich. And the second secret? Patience. She never rushed the cooling process, always letting the pie rest at room temperature before refrigerating. This slow transition allowed the textures to settle perfectly—the crisp top gently yielding to a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate center.
Now, every time I make this Chocolate Chess Pie recipe, I follow her wisdom to the letter. And just like hers, it never fails to disappear within minutes. Want to taste the magic? Try this recipe and savor the secrets that have been passed down for generations.
FAQ
What is chocolate chess pie made of?
Chocolate chess pie is made of simple ingredients including sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, butter, and evaporated milk in a flaky pie crust. Unlike regular chess pie, this recipe for a chocolate chess pie adds cocoa for rich flavor. Traditional recipes include a small amount of cornmeal which creates the signature crackly top while the inside remains fudgy and dense. This Southern dessert uses pantry staples for an easy homemade treat.
What is the difference between chocolate pie and chocolate chess pie?
The main difference between chocolate pie and chocolate chess pie is texture and ingredients. Chocolate chess pie recipe has a dense, fudgy filling with a signature crackly top, while regular chocolate pie has a smoother, pudding-like consistency. Chess pie contains cornmeal for its distinctive texture, while chocolate cream pies typically use cornstarch. Southern chocolate chess pie recipes are simpler, using basic ingredients rather than the heavy cream or chocolate chips found in standard chocolate pies.
What makes a chess pie a chess pie?
What makes a chess pie distinctively a chess pie is its simple custard filling made with eggs, butter, sugar, and a small amount of cornmeal or flour. This old-fashioned chess pie recipe creates a crackly, slightly caramelized top while maintaining a gooey interior. The cornmeal is crucial as it helps form the characteristic texture. Southern chess pie typically includes vinegar or lemon juice for tanginess. The name likely comes from "chest pie" as these simple pies were stored in pie chests.
What is Dolly Parton pie?
Dolly Parton pie is essentially a variation of traditional Southern chess pie with chocolate. Similar to a chocolate chess pie recipe, Dolly's version features a rich, fudgy filling with a crackly top. Her famous recipe includes traditional chess pie ingredients like eggs, butter, and sugar, plus cocoa powder for chocolate flavor. Dolly Parton, being from Tennessee where chess pies are popular, has helped popularize this classic Southern dessert with her own special twist on the recipe.
A Slice of Southern Comfort – Try This Chocolate Chess Pie Today!
This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Chess Pie recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a timeless Southern classic that brings warmth, nostalgia, and indulgence to every bite. With its crackly, caramelized top and irresistibly fudgy center, this pie perfectly balances rich chocolate flavor with the simplicity of a traditional chess pie. Best of all, it’s made with pantry staples and comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal go-to for both special occasions and everyday cravings.
If you loved this Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe, why stop here? Explore more crowd-pleasing homemade desserts like our Easy Filled Crescent Roll Recipe, a buttery, flaky pastry filled with delicious goodness, or try the Quick Apple Danish Pastry Recipe for a fruity, bakery-style treat in no time.
Bake this chocolate chess pie today and see why it’s a must-have for any dessert table. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below—we’d love to hear how it turned out!
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Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9-inch pie plate Glass or metal recommended
- 1 Mixing bowl Large enough to mix filling
- 1 Whisk or electric mixer For smooth blending
- 1 Measuring cups/spoons For accuracy
- 1 Wire rack For cooling
- 1 Aluminum foil To prevent crust over-browning
Ingredients
- 1 each Unbaked pie crust Store-bought or homemade
- 1 ½ cups Granulated sugar Provides sweetness & crackly top
- ¼ cup Cocoa powder unsweetened Deep chocolate flavor
- ½ cup Unsalted butter melted Adds richness
- 3 large Eggs at room temperature Binds the filling
- ½ cup Evaporated milk Can substitute with half & half
- 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract Enhances chocolate flavor
- ¼ teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness
- 1 tablespoon Yellow cornmeal Essential for texture & crackly top
- 1 tablespoon All-purpose flour Helps stabilize the filling
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk sugar and cocoa powder until combined.
- Add melted butter and whisk until smooth.
- Whisk in eggs one at a time, followed by evaporated milk and vanilla.
- Stir in salt, cornmeal, and flour until the filling is glossy.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is just set but slightly jiggly.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours.
- Slice and serve at room temperature or chilled.
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