If you’ve ever wanted to surprise your friends or family with a show-stopping dessert that’s rich, indulgent, and downright legendary, this Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pie Recipe is your new best friend. Combining a tender premade pie crust with a luscious chocolate and walnut filling, it bakes up to a decadent, fudgy masterpiece that’s perfect for any special occasion or simply whenever you crave some chocolate magic. This pie truly captures the spirit and flavors that make Southern desserts unforgettable, and I promise once you try it, it’ll become one of your favorite treats to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pie Recipe is in its simple, classic ingredients that come together to create an irresistible balance of textures and flavors. Each element plays a vital role: sugar and butter give richness and sweetness, eggs provide structure, flour adds just enough thickness, and chocolate with walnuts lends that iconic gooey, nutty twist.
- 1 – 9 inch premade pie crust: A convenient base that’s buttery and flaky, perfect for holding the rich filling.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetness to balance the chocolate intensity.
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted: Adds richness and smooth texture to the filling.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding everything together and creating that custardy pie consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- ½ cup flour: Gives the filling body so it sets up nicely without being cakey.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the chocolate taste.
- 1 ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts into the filling for rich chocolate pockets.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts: Provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips + ½ cup heavy whipping cream: Combined to make the silky chocolate ganache topping.
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips for topping: Adds a playful texture and extra chocolate punch on the surface.
How to Make Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pie Shell
First things first: preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Placing the premade pie shell on a cookie sheet is a smart move because it helps with easy handling and prevents any drips from baking onto your oven floor. This little step sets you up for pie baking success.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter, flour, sugar, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This creamy base is what creates the luscious texture of your pie’s filling, so take your time to get it well combined.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. The eggs help the pie’s filling set properly, while vanilla adds a subtle warmth that enhances the chocolate’s sweetness—trust me, it makes a noticeable difference.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Gently fold in the 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and the chopped walnuts. Folding rather than mixing vigorously ensures the chocolate chips and nuts remain nicely dispersed throughout the pie, creating those delightful bursts of chocolate and crunch in every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Pour the batter carefully into the pie shell and place it in the oven to bake for 55 to 65 minutes. You’re aiming for a firm yet slightly gooey center that edges toward fudge-like, a texture that makes this Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pie Recipe stand out. The cookie sheet underneath your pie shell will make it easier to pull out without any spills.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Adding Ganache
Once baked, allow your pie to cool completely. This patience pays off because the filling firms up and the flavors settle, allowing the chocolate ganache topping to spread perfectly without melting or sliding off.
Step 7: Create and Add the Chocolate Ganache Topping
Heat the ½ cup heavy whipping cream gently until just simmering and pour it over 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl. Stir until the chocolate melts into a glossy, velvety ganache. Pour the ganache over the cooled pie and spread it evenly. Finish off by sprinkling the mini chocolate chips on top to add that charming decorative touch and extra chocolate bites.
How to Serve Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream adds a delightful creamy contrast to the rich chocolate. A light dusting of powdered sugar or some toasted walnut halves on top can amp up the pie’s visual appeal and add texture, too.
Side Dishes
This pie is decadent enough to stand on its own, but if you want to create a full dessert experience, pair it with fresh berries or a bright fruit compote to cut through the richness with a refreshing zing. A cup of strong coffee or a smooth bourbon also pairs beautifully, tying in with the Kentucky Derby spirit.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual mini Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pie portions in small ramekins or tartlet pans. You can also drizzle caramel or raspberry sauce on each slice for an elegant touch, or top with shaved chocolate curls to impress your guests visually and taste-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pie keeps well when covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the ganache topping’s smooth texture and the filling’s fudgy consistency perfectly.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this pie in advance, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When frozen, it can last up to a month and still taste as delicious as fresh.
Reheating
For serving leftovers straight from the fridge, you can let the pie sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften slightly. Avoid microwaving as it can cause uneven warming and affect texture. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this pie without the premade crust?
Absolutely! If you prefer a homemade crust, a simple buttery pastry crust or graham cracker crust would work wonderfully. Just be sure to blind bake slightly to prevent sogginess before adding the filling.
Is it possible to substitute walnuts?
Yes, pecans are a great substitute since they’re also traditional to Southern baking and have a similarly rich, buttery flavor. If nuts aren’t your thing, you can omit them, but the texture will be less crunchy.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
You want the edges to be set and slightly puffed, while the center should still have a slight jiggle—like fudge. It will continue to firm as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep it gooey and soft.
Can I make the ganache topping ahead?
Sure! The ganache can be made a day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Warm it gently before pouring over the pie for a smooth finish.
Is this pie suitable for special occasions like the actual Kentucky Derby?
Definitely! This pie embodies the flavors and spirit of the Kentucky Derby in every bite, making it perfect for celebrations and gatherings, especially if you’re watching the race or hosting a Derby-themed party.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to indulge in a dessert that’s bursting with rich chocolate, buttery walnuts, and that unmistakable Southern charm, you’ve got to try this Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pie Recipe. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen. Trust me, once you bake it, you’ll be sharing it with everyone you know!
Print
Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and decadent Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pie featuring a buttery premade crust filled with a creamy chocolate, walnut, and vanilla batter, baked to perfection and topped with a luscious homemade chocolate ganache and mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Pie
- 1 – 9 inch premade pie crust
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Chocolate Ganache Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pie shell: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and place the premade pie crust onto a cookie sheet to catch any drips.
- Mix base ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the melted butter, flour, sugar, and kosher salt together until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Add eggs and flavoring: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract until the batter is well combined and smooth.
- Fold in chocolate and nuts: Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips and the chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pie shell, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, until set and a tester inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the pie: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack to room temperature before adding the ganache topping.
- Prepare chocolate ganache: In a small saucepan, heat the ½ cup of heavy whipping cream just until it begins to simmer. Pour over 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a bowl and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Top the pie: Pour the ganache evenly over the cooled pie surface and sprinkle with ¾ cup mini chocolate chips for extra texture and decoration. Allow the ganache to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Ensure the pie cools completely before adding ganache to prevent it from melting and running.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or substitute with toasted coconut flakes.
- The pie is best served at room temperature or chilled for a firmer texture.
- You can make the ganache topping in advance and refrigerate it; warm slightly before pouring over the pie.
