A freshly baked homemade chocolate chess pie with a crackly top

Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe

A rich and fudgy Chocolate Chess Pie recipe that brings together deep chocolate flavor with a classic Southern chess pie texture. With its signature crackly top and gooey, brownie-like center, this dessert is easy to make with simple ingredients. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy homemade treat!

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 45

Chill Time: 2

Total Time: 3

Servings: Slices

Calories: 350kcal

Cost: $7

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.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition