Chess Pie Recipe
Chess Pie Recipe
Table of Contents
Chess Pie Recipe
Chess Pie recipe is a beloved Southern dessert with a smooth, sweet, and buttery filling. This classic pie is made with simple ingredients like sugar, butter, eggs, and a dash of vinegar, all baked in a buttery, flaky pie crust. The result is a rich and satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, holiday feast, or potluck, this traditional chess pie will steal the show with its delightful flavors and texture.
Description
Chess pie recipe is a quintessential Southern dessert known for its unique, custard like filling. Its name comes from the old English word “cheese,” though there’s no cheese in the recipe. Instead, this Chess Pie recipe is made with sugar, butter, eggs, and a little flour, which together create a creamy, almost caramelized filling. Often, a touch of vinegar is added to cut through the sweetness and give it a little tang. This delightful dessert is easy to make, and despite its humble ingredients, it has a distinct flavor that makes it a favorite in many Southern kitchens.
The pie’s simplicity is part of its charm. Unlike other pies, which require elaborate ingredients and techniques, chess pie only takes a handful of pantry staples to create its signature custard. The pie filling is a blend of sugar, butter, eggs, and a bit of flour or cornmeal to thicken the filling. Sometimes, variations of the recipe call for the addition of buttermilk or vanilla extract, but the base of the recipe remains the same.
The crust of the pie can either be store bought or homemade, depending on your preference. For the best results, use a flaky, buttery pie crust that complements the rich filling. Many people enjoy serving chess pie with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, though it’s also delicious on its own.
Though it’s a traditional pie in the Southern United States, chess pie has gained popularity across the country due to its simplicity and irresistible flavor. It’s perfect for any time of the year and especially popular around the holidays, where it adds a unique twist to the dessert table alongside other classic pies like pecan and sweet potato.
Whether you’re a baking novice or an experienced cook, this chess pie recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy to follow, requires minimal ingredients, and results in a pie that’s sure to be the highlight of any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornmeal, flour, and salt. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vinegar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Prepare the Pie Crust: If you are using a store-bought crust, place it on a pie dish. If you are using a homemade pie crust, make sure it is chilled and ready to go before filling it with the pie mixture.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the pie filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even layer.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The pie is done when the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The pie will set as it cools.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
you may like : Cream Pie Recipe
Chess Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornmeal, flour, and salt. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vinegar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Prepare the Pie Crust: If you are using a store bought crust, place it on a pie dish. If you are using a homemade pie crust, make sure it is chilled and ready to go before filling it with the pie mixture.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the pie filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing it out with a spatula for an even layer.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The pie is done when the top is golden brown, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The pie will set as it cools.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Notes
- You can add a bit of lemon zest or a splash of bourbon to give the pie an extra layer of flavor.
- For a more traditional flavor, try substituting the vanilla extract with buttermilk for a tangier twist.
- If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, increase the flour or cornmeal by a tablespoon.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added decadence.
