Chocolate chess pie is classic southern pie that’s easy to make and a delight to eat! With a custardy chocolate filling that quickly comes together in just one bowl, the hardest part is assembling the from-scratch pie crust. But if you want to cut that part out and use a premade pie crust, we won’t tell anyone!
Make no doubt, chocolate chess pie is a modest and humble dessert. But the flaky crust and rich, fudgy filling speak for themselves as delicious proof that sometimes simple really is best. This pie will win rave reviews from all your friends and family. Taste for yourself why it’s included it in our list of favorite chocolate pies.
What is chocolate chess pie?
Although originally from England, chess pie is considered a southern classic in the United States. Think of the pie filling as that of pecan pie, only without the pecans! And since chocolate makes everything better, it will be hard to resist this chocolaty twist.
Chocolate Chess Pie Ingredients
- Flour: When measuring flour, be sure to measure carefully and properly. Too much flour will result in a dry, crackly pie crust. Here’s our Test Kitchen’s guide on how to measure flour correctly.
- Butter: Cold butter is essential for creating a flaky pie crust. Unsalted butter is preferred, as it allows you to better control the overall salt in the recipe.
- Shortening: A solid vegetable shortening, like Crisco, makes the pie dough easier to roll out and hold its shape better.
- Ice water: Ice water is another essential for creating a flaky crust. Fill a small bowl with water, and add a couple ice cubes. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to get extra cold before measuring out the required amount.
- Brown sugar: Use light brown sugar for a less pronounced molasses flavor.
- Chocolate: Unsweetened chocolate should say “100% cacao” on the package. To melt, place chopped chocolate in a glass bowl, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval.
Directions
Step 1: Make the pie dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
Using fork tines or a pastry cutter, cut in the butter and shortening until crumbly.
Add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork until the dough holds together when pressed between your fingers. Dump the dough onto the counter, and quickly shape into a disk.
Wrap well in plastic wrap, and refrigerate one hour or overnight.
Editor’s Tip: Looking for a shortcut? These are our favorite premade pie crusts.
Step 2: Prebake the pie crust
Preheat oven to 425°F. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate.
Trim the edges, and crimp as desired. Refrigerate 30 minutes. Line the unpricked crust with two layers of foil, and fill with dried beans or pie weights. Bake on a lower oven rack until light golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and weights, and continue to bake until the bottom is golden brown, three to six minutes. Move to a wire rack to cool, and reduce the oven setting to 325°.
For an extra-special touch, we have great tips on how to make a decorative pie crust.
Step 3: Make the pie filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugars, melted chocolate, milk, flour and vanilla until combined.
Gradually whisk in the melted butter until smooth.
Pour the filling into the prebaked crust. To prevent overbrowning, cover the pie edges with foil or a pie crust shield.
Editor’s Tip: Make sure the eggs are at room temperature and the chocolate is slightly cooled before combining. Cold eggs could seize the chocolate, and hot chocolate could cook the eggs.
Step 4: Bake the pie
Bake at 325° until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove the foil or pie crust shield, and cool on a wire rack. Then refrigerate the pie, covered, for three hours or until chilled through.
Editor’s Tip: A pretty pie plate will make this chocolate chess pie the guaranteed star of the dessert table.
Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe Variations
- Add pecans: For a version of chess pie that meets pecan pie, check out our recipe for pecan chess pie.
- Add citrus: In the mood for brighter flavors? This lemon chess pie will bring the taste of sunshine year-round.
How to Store Chocolate Chess Pie
Chess pie can be kept at room temperature for up to 48 hours, but it’s best stored, loosely wrapped, in the refrigerator.
Can you freeze chocolate chess pie?
On the off chance you have any leftovers (hello, yum!), you can freeze the pie—well wrapped—for up to three months. But if looking to make the pie for a future event, believe it or not, it’s better to freeze a prepared chess pie before you bake it. Freezing an already-baked pie starts to deteriorate its desired texture.
Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe Tips
How do you know when chocolate chess pie is done?
Chocolate chess pie is done when there is a slight jiggle in the middle of the pie and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Why did my chocolate chess pie separate?
As your pie cools, both the filling and the crust move in opposite directions (so there will always be a slight separation between the two). But to prevent any dramatic spaces, don’t expose the pie to drastic temperature differences. In other words, let the pie cool completely to room temperature before refrigerating!
