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Chess Pie Recipe

Chess Pie Recipe

This classic Southern Chess Pie Recipe offers a comforting balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors. Using simple pantry ingredients, it yields a smooth, golden custard pie with a tender, flaky crust that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust

  • 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornmeal

Wet Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place it carefully in the plate, pressing gently down to fit snugly against the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork lightly to prevent bubbling.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and flour (or cornmeal if using). This ensures even distribution and prevents clumping in the filling.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add melted butter, milk or buttermilk, vanilla extract, and white vinegar or lemon juice. Blend well to incorporate all the flavors.
  4. Make the Filling: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, whisking consistently until the batter is smooth and glossy without lumps.
  5. Pour and Bake: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and smooth the top gently. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set and golden on top. Cool completely before serving to allow the custard to firm up.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and dairy for a smoother mix and even baking.
  • Do not overbake; the pie should be slightly jiggly in the center when removed from the oven.
  • Cover the crust edges with foil or a crust shield halfway through baking to prevent over-browning.
  • Allow the pie to cool fully before serving to set the custard properly.
  • Use pure vanilla extract for a richer, more aromatic flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chess pie, southern dessert, custard pie, easy pie recipe, classic pie