Classic Kentucky Chocolate Chip Pie (Derby Style)
Kentucky Derby pie is a Southern classic with a gooey filling of chocolate chips, crunchy walnuts or pecans, and a splash of bourbon for depth. It’s a simple dessert that’s always a hit, whether served at a Derby party or as an everyday treat. Enjoy it with whipped cream or warm with a scoop of ice cream.
This Kentucky Derby pie is a classic Southern dessert that’s a must for any Derby celebration. It’s wonderfully gooey and packed with chocolate chips, crunchy walnuts or pecans, and just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy any chocolate lover.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make—just stir, pour, and bake! You can add a splash of bourbon for a true Kentucky twist, and it’s irresistible served warm with ice cream or topped with fluffy whipped cream.
What You’ll Like About This Pie
Easy to make. Just mix everything in one bowl and pour it into the crust.
Rich and gooey. Chocolate chips and melted butter create a soft, fudgy texture.
Crunchy and flavorful. Walnuts or pecans add texture and a nutty contrast.
Perfect for celebrations. Optional bourbon makes it extra special for Derby Day!
Ingredient Notes
- Unbaked pie pastry – A standard 9-inch crust works perfectly; homemade or store-bought.
- Chocolate chips – Semisweet chips melt into pockets of rich chocolate throughout the pie.
- Walnuts or pecans – Either nut adds great flavor and texture; walnuts are classic.
- Brown and granulated sugar – The combo creates a caramel-like sweetness.
- Eggs – Help bind the filling and give it structure.
- Flour – Thickens the filling as it bakes.
- Butter – Melted butter adds richness and helps create the pie’s signature texture.
- Vanilla + bourbon – Vanilla is essential; bourbon is optional but highly recommended for tradition.
Steps to Make Kentucky Derby Pie
- Fit the pie crust into a pie pan and flute the edges.
- Add the chocolate chips and walnuts to the bottom of the crust.
- Mix the sugars, eggs, flour, salt, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Stir in bourbon if using.
- Pour the filling over the chocolate and nuts.
- Bake until the filling is set and the crust is golden.
- Cool before slicing and serve as desired.
Tips
- Cool the melted butter slightly so it doesn’t cook the eggs.
- Use good-quality bourbon for the best flavor if you choose to add it.
- Check the pie near the end of baking; ovens vary and the center should be set.
- Let the pie cool before slicing to keep the filling from spilling.
Recipe Variations
- Make it boozy. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon for a classic Kentucky touch.
- Swap the nuts. Use pecans instead of walnuts—or mix both for more flavor.
- Go extra chocolatey. Add a handful of white chocolate or dark chocolate chunks.
- Make it nut-free. Omit the nuts for a softer, fully gooey pie.
- Add a drizzle. Top slices with caramel or chocolate sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips.
- Add a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce for a decadent twist.
- Garnish with mint sprigs or chocolate curls for a Derby Day presentation.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate. Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze? Freeze slices tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
To Reheat. Warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven until gently heated through.
Kentucky Derby Pie
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie pastry, unbaked
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts, or pecans
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch salt
- 4 ounces butter, melted, cooled slightly
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 or 2 tablespoons good quality Kentucky Bourbon, optional
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 325°F.
- Prepare the pie shell. Fit pie pastry in a 9-inch pie pan and flute as desired. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and walnuts in the unbaked pie crust.
- Make the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine the light brown and granulated sugars with the eggs, flour, salt, melted butter, and vanilla. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended. If desired, whisk in the bourbon.
- Bake the pie. Pour the filling mixture over the chocolate chips and nuts. Bake the pie for approximately 40 to 50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Cool on a rack.
- Serve. Top slices of pie with whipped cream or frozen thawed whipped topping, or serve it warm with a big scoop of ice cream.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
