Kentucky Derby Pie: 6-Ingredient Classic Southern Treat

Why You’ll Love This Kentucky Derby Pie

If rich, buttery pies with melty chocolate and crunchy nuts sound like a slice of heaven to you—congratulations, you’ve found your new go-to dessert. This Kentucky Derby Pie recipe is a Southern classic that brings big flavor without a long ingredient list or complicated steps. It’s sweet, decadent, and made for celebrations—or just because it’s Tuesday and you deserve something special.

Here’s why this pie is pure perfection:

🥧 Simple & Fast
Only six main ingredients, one mixing bowl, and zero culinary stress. No stand mixer, no water bath, no fuss. Just whisk, pour, and bake.

🍫 Decadently Rich
Imagine warm, gooey chocolate chips suspended in a buttery, golden filling, balanced out by toasty chopped walnuts. It’s like a chocolate chip cookie in pie form—only better.

🎉 Perfect for Any Occasion
Sure, it’s a star on Derby Day, but this pie shines year-round—whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, bringing dessert to a potluck, or just craving something cozy and indulgent with your evening coffee.

Ingredients for Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe

This pie proves you don’t need a long list to make something unforgettable. Here’s everything you need to whip up this Kentucky Derby Pie from scratch:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour – Just enough to bind the filling without making it cakey.
• 1 cup granulated sugar – For that classic Southern sweetness.
• 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, melted and cooled – Rich and golden; don’t skip the cooling!
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten – Helps hold everything together with a soft, custard-like texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds that warm, bakery-style depth.
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips – Melty, chocolatey goodness in every bite.
• 1 cup chopped walnuts – For crunch, balance, and a little rustic charm.
• 1 unbaked deep-dish pie shell – Your vessel of choice; store-bought or homemade both work great.

Once you’ve got these on hand, you’re just one mixing bowl and 45 minutes away from dessert bliss.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

This pie might look and taste like a bakery showstopper, but making it? Easier than folding laundry (and way more fun). Follow these six simple steps to create your own Kentucky Derby Pie from scratch:

Step 1 – Preheat the Oven

Start by heating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the oven rack in the center to ensure even baking.

Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar and flour. This helps prevent clumps and gives your filling a smooth base.

Step 3 – Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the cooled melted butter, then add the beaten eggs and vanilla extract. Stir everything together just until combined. You’re going for silky, not overmixed.

Step 4 – Fold in Chocolate & Walnuts

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. This is where it all starts to look and smell dangerously good. Try not to “taste test” too much—we see you.

Step 5 – Fill the Pie Shell

Grab your unbaked deep-dish pie crust and pour the filling right in. Spread it evenly with a spatula and give it a gentle tap to settle everything.

Step 6 – Bake

Bake for about 45 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. The center should still have a soft wobble—think brownie meets custard. Let it cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing (if you can wait that long).

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Helpful Tips for the Best Kentucky Derby Pie

Want that perfect gooey center and crisp top every time? These little tricks will help your pie shine:

🧈 Cool Your Butter
If the melted butter is too hot, it can cook the eggs on contact (scrambled eggs in pie? Hard pass). Let it cool to room temp before mixing.

🥧 Use a Deep-Dish Crust
This filling is rich and generous—so go for a deep-dish pie shell to avoid overflow and give it room to puff and settle beautifully.

⏳ Let It Rest Before Slicing
Yes, it smells amazing. Yes, everyone’s hovering with forks. But give it 10–15 minutes to set so your slices hold together with that perfect gooey center.

🍨 Optional (But Not Really): Serve with Ice Cream
A scoop of vanilla ice cream on a warm slice? You’ve officially entered Southern dessert heaven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s answer the most common questions about making Kentucky Derby Pie from scratch—because when dessert’s this good, curiosity follows.

Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?

Definitely! Pecans are a delicious swap and give the pie a slightly sweeter, buttery crunch. Use the same amount and enjoy a Southern-style twist.

Do I need to pre-bake the pie shell?

Nope! Use an unbaked deep-dish pie crust. The filling and crust bake together, which helps everything cook evenly and creates that gooey-meets-golden perfection.

How do I know when it’s done?

Look for a set top that’s lightly golden. The edges should look firm, while the center will have a soft, brownie-like jiggle. It continues to set as it cools.

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Storage & Maintenance

Whether you’re saving slices for later or baking ahead for a party, this pie stores like a dream.

Room Temperature:
Cover loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store at room temp for up to 2 days.

Refrigerate:
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just warm it up before serving to bring back that gooey magic.

Freeze:
Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in a 300°F oven.

Final Thought

This Kentucky Derby Pie may be simple in ingredients, but it delivers mile-high flavor and pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a Derby Day bash, making dessert for a holiday table, or sneaking in a slice on a Tuesday night, this pie brings Southern charm and chocolatey bliss to any occasion.

It’s rich, it’s gooey, it’s nostalgic—and it’s proof that some of the best things in life start with butter, sugar, and a little love from the oven.

So grab a fork, pour some sweet tea (or bourbon), and as always—Stir the Taste and share the joy.

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