Description
This classic Southern Chess Pie recipe features a rich, custardy filling made from simple pantry staples nestled inside a flaky pie crust. With a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and buttery flavors, it’s an effortless dessert that’s ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike. Bake a delicious Chess Pie for any occasion and enjoy its creamy texture and comforting taste.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornmeal
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie crust and fit it snugly into a 9-inch pie pan. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while preparing the filling to keep it firm and prevent shrinking during baking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and all-purpose flour or cornmeal thoroughly to ensure even distribution and a smooth texture in the filling.
- Blend Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, milk or buttermilk, vinegar or lemon juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Combine and Pour: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Once the filling is silky and uniform, pour it gently into the chilled pie crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pie on the middle rack of a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the filling is golden and set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allow the pie to cool completely so the filling firms up properly before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and avoid curdling.
- Do not overbake; the filling should have a slight jiggle in the center to prevent cracks and dryness.
- Chill the pie crust before baking to keep it sturdy and flaky.
- Let the pie cool fully to allow the filling to set, enabling clean slices.
- Use fresh, high-quality vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: Chess pie, Southern dessert, custard pie, easy pie recipe, classic pie
