Southern Chess Pie

Is Chess Pie Southern?

While the original recipe came from England, the Southerners definitely perfected it. Did you know it was first called chess pie in a recipe book from 1877? For it to stay so popular this long, you know it has to be good.

Is Chess Pie and Buttermilk Pie the Same?

No, they are not. While they are both awesomely delicious, chess pie is made with cornmeal and buttermilk pie boasts buttermilk, lemon zest, and extra vanilla. Have you thought of making both of them at the same time and comparing them side by side? Yum!!!

Southern Chess Pie Ingredients

• Pie Crust – Homemade pie crusts are best. However, there is no shame in using a store-bought one. 
• Base Ingredients – Cornmeal, flour, eggs, sugar, evaporated milk, and butter create a sweet and custardy pie delight!
• Vinegar – This secret ingredient’s terrific tartness balances the sweetness of the sugar. Lemon juice gives you the same effect without affecting the color.
• Bourbon – This optional ingredient gives your chess pie an extra kick.

How to Make Southern Chess Pie

1. Prep the Crust – Place the pie crust on a greased pie plate, and line the pie crust bottom with parchment paper. Add pie weights or dried beans on top so the bottom of the crust doesn’t lift.
2. Blind Bake the crust for 5-6 minutes in the preheated 325℉/163℃ oven. Take it out of the oven and allow it cool. You don’t want the pie crust to brown. 
3. Mix Filling – Whisk the eggs, cornmeal, flour, vanilla, evaporated milk, butter, lemon juice, sugar, and bourbon in a large mixing bowl. 
4. Assemble – Pour the filling into your pie crust and bake at 325°F/163℃ for 35-40 minutes, or until the top nicely browns and a toothpick inserted into the pie’s center comes out clean.
5. Allow to Cool – Let it cool for 10 minutes. Southern chess pie is excellent with berries and whipped cream on top!

Recipe Tips

• Add dried beans or pie weights between the parchment paper and the pie crust. This will keep the pie crust from rising.
• This Southern chess pie recipe is quite sweet. You can reduce the sugar to just one cup if you’re concerned about it.
• If the pie is slightly runny in the center, turn off your oven and leave the pie inside for 5-10 minutes to give it time to firm up.
• It’s perfectly normal to have cracked pie. So don’t be alarmed if that happens.

Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

Bake the pie as directed, then let it completely cool. Wrap it in cling wrap and refrigerate it for up to two days or wrap it in foil and freeze it for two months.

Let it warm to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring it back to room temperature.

More Decadent Pie Recipes to Try

• Carrot Pie
• Chocolate Chess Pie
• Southern Pecan Pie
• Banana Cream Pie
• Black Folk’s Sweet Potato Pie

Conclusion

Sweet, decadent custard in a flaky pie crust is a classic Southern comfort dessert. Would you like more mouthwatering recipes? Then sign up for the newsletter, and stay up to date!❤️