Name: Kentucky Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup light corn syrup; 4 large eggs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted); 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips; 1 cup chopped pecans

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Get ready to meet your next obsession: Kentucky Pie! Imagine a decadent Southern dessert that fuses gooey chocolate, toasted pecans, and a buttery-sweet filling, all nestled in a flaky crust. This classic treat is the ultimate showstopper at any gathering—rich, comforting, and simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for the Derby, a family celebration, or just treating yourself to a slice of Southern bliss, Kentucky Pie delivers an unforgettable combination of flavors and textures that will have everyone clamoring for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Kentucky Pie comes from everyday pantry staples, each bringing its own special touch. Simple though they may be, every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating that signature fudgy, nutty, and golden finish you love.

Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Provides the crispy and buttery base that holds the luscious filling together—opt for homemade or store-bought for convenience.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling and helps create that beautiful caramelized top.
Light corn syrup (1 cup): The secret to a silky, gooey texture while preventing crystallization.
Large eggs (4): These bind everything, adding richness and structure to the pie.
Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup): Infuses creaminess and that classic, luxurious mouthfeel.
Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Rounds out the sweetness and deepens the flavor profile.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch sharpens the chocolaty, nutty notes and balances the sweetness.
Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Melty chocolate pockets in every bite make this pie unforgettable—use dark chips for a more intense, richer experience.
Chopped pecans (1 cup): Bring that signature crunch and classic nutty flavor—feel free to substitute with walnuts if desired.

How to Make Kentucky Pie

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, gently fit your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the edges and crimping the border if you’re feeling fancy. Set it aside; this is the golden vessel for all the goodness to come.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and glossy—this is where that unmistakable Kentucky Pie richness begins!

Step 3: Add the Chocolate and Pecans

Stir in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed for the perfect bite every time. These chunky mix-ins are what take Kentucky Pie from simple to spectacular.

Step 4: Fill and Bake

Pour your luscious filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted near the middle comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with sweet, buttery anticipation!

Step 5: Cool and Slice

Once baked, let the Kentucky Pie cool completely on a wire rack. This step is key—cooling allows the filling to set perfectly, so every slice holds its shape (and you don’t lose all that gooey goodness!). Cut into wedges and get ready to dig in.

How to Serve Kentucky Pie

Kentucky Pie Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of shaved chocolate or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also add a festive touch. These simple garnishes amplify both the look and the flavor, making your Kentucky Pie truly celebration-worthy.

Side Dishes

Balance the richness of Kentucky Pie with a few light, refreshing sides. A crisp green fruit salad or some tart berries will cut through the sweetness beautifully. Pairing it with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of cold milk makes this Southern classic even more comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Kentucky Pie presentation up a notch by baking mini pies in ramekins or a muffin tin for individual servings—perfect for parties! Or, serve it alongside a bourbon-infused whipped cream for a grown-up twist. No matter how you present it, this pie never fails to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Kentucky Pie keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator—just cover the pie dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. The flavors deepen as it sits, making your next-day indulgence even more delicious. Enjoy leftovers within 4 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

Want to bake ahead? Kentucky Pie freezes like a champ! Cool the pie completely, then wrap it snugly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the crust nice and flaky.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked magic, warm slices in the oven at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes. This not only revives the gooey filling but also crisps up the crust beautifully. If you’re short on time, a quick zap in the microwave works too—but for the flakiest texture, the oven is your best bet.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely! Kentucky Pie is all about convenience and comfort. A high-quality store-bought crust saves time and still delivers fantastic results, so don’t hesitate to use one.

What’s the difference between Kentucky Pie and Derby Pie?

While both pies hail from Kentucky and feature chocolate and nuts, Kentucky Pie is a more general name and can include variations like different nuts or chocolate types. Derby Pie is a trademarked version with a closely guarded secret recipe, but their flavors are very similar.

Can I make Kentucky Pie without corn syrup?

If you prefer to avoid corn syrup, you can try substituting with pure maple syrup or golden syrup. Just know that the texture may change slightly, but you’ll still have a delicious result.

What kind of nuts work best?

Pecans are the classic, but walnuts offer great flavor and a more robust crunch if that’s your preference. You can even mix and match, or use what you have on hand!

How do I know when Kentucky Pie is done baking?

Your best bet is the knife test: insert a knife near the pie’s center—if it comes out mostly clean with just a bit of gooeyness, you’re good to go. The top should look set and golden, with the slightest jiggle in the middle.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a homemade Kentucky Pie with friends and family. Its gooey center, crunchy pecans, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate make every bite pure happiness. Give it a try—trust me, once you experience the joy of this Southern classic, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe box!

Kentucky Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of the South with this decadent Kentucky Pie. A perfect blend of chocolate, pecans, and a hint of vanilla in a flaky pie crust, this dessert is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Filling:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
4 large eggs
1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped pecans

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, corn syrup, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans.
Fill the pie crust: Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
Bake the pie: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the pie cool completely before slicing. Serve plain or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.