southernEasyeggetariannut free
Chess Pie
RATING
4.6/5(185)
TASTE SCORE
9/10
A beloved Southern classic, this pie features a rich, sweet custard filling with a hint of tang from vinegar. It bakes into a beautifully golden, slightly crackled top over a dense, buttery interior.
SERVINGS
8
INGREDIENTS
For 8 servings
NUTRITION · PER SERVING
367
367
CALORIES · 1 SLICE
Protein4g · 4%
Carbs48g · 52%
Fat19g · 47%
Fiber1g
Sodium113mg
Potassium45mg
Phosphorus53mg
INSTRUCTIONS
5 steps. 55 minutes total.
5 STEPS
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
- a.Place the unbaked pie crust on a baking sheet to catch any potential spills.
- 2
Step 2
- a.In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the mixture is smooth and pale. Stir in the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, vanilla extract, white vinegar, and salt. Mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- 4
Bake for 50-60 minutes
- a.The pie is done when the top is golden brown and the center is mostly set, with just a slight jiggle. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack, for at least 2 hours. This is a crucial step as the filling will continue to set as it cools. Slicing it warm will result in a runny filling.
PRO TIPS
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer, nuttier flavor, use browned butter instead of just melted butter. Let it cool slightly before using.
- 2Don't skip the vinegar or lemon juice! It cuts through the intense sweetness and helps balance the flavor.
- 3To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can blind bake the pie shell for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- 4The pie is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- 5Serve slices with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream or a side of fresh berries to complement the pie's sweetness.
RECIPE VARIATIONS
Adapt it for your goals.
quick
Quick
Use a store-bought, pre-made 9-inch pie crust to save time on preparation.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Create a Chocolate Chess Pie by adding 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients.
gluten freeGluten free
Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
healthyHealthy
For a slightly less sweet version, reduce the sugar to 1 and 1/4 cups. The texture will be slightly less custardy but still delicious.
PAIRS WELL WITH