Envision biting into a hot, sticky pie with melted chocolate, toasted nuts, and a buttery filling. It sounds incredible, doesn’t it? That is precisely what the Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe provides!
This timeless Southern dessert has been a Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe tradition for decades, but you don’t have to be in Kentucky to taste its goodness. With its beautifully flaky crust and rich, sweet filling, this pie can unite people.
No matter if you’re an experienced baker or a complete novice, using this simple recipe will lead you to the production of a pie that’s as beautiful as it tastes.
What Is Kentucky Derby Pie?
The Kentucky Pie is a rich, custard-filled pie loaded with chocolate and nuts, all held together in a buttery pie crust. It’s gooey in the middle, crunchy on top, and delicious.
The History Behind This Southern Favorite:
It was created in 1950 by the Kern family at the Melrose Inn in Kentucky. They named it “Derby Pie” and even trademarked it! Today, to stay out of trouble with the law, some refer to it as “Kentucky Pie,” but whatever you name it, one thing is certain—it’s irresistible.
Why Is It So Popular?
✔️ Easy to prepare – Made with common ingredients.
✔️ A perfect blend of flavors – Sweet, nutty, and chocolaty.
✔️ Perfect for special events – A necessity for the Kentucky Derby, Thanksgiving, and holidays.
The Traditional Kentucky Pie Recipe – Ingredients with Instructions!
This traditional recipe serves to make a decadent, chocolatey, and buttery pie fit for any gathering.
Classic Derby Pie – Ingredients with Procedure:
This tried-and-tested recipe will enable you to produce a decadent, chocolatey, and buttery pie suitable for any gathering.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Pie crust (store-bought or homemade) | 1 (9-inch) |
| Unsalted butter, melted | ½ cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | ½ cup |
| Large eggs | 2 |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Semi-sweet chocolate chips | 1 cup |
| Chopped walnuts or pecans | 1 cup |
| Pinch of salt | Optional |
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out your pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Prepare the filling – In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients – Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts.
- Pour the mixture into the crust – Spread it evenly.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes or until the center is just set.
- Allow it to cool for a minimum of one hour before cutting.
👉 Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Derby Pie Recipe Without Corn Syrup:
A number of classic Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe incorporate corn syrup in the dual role of sweetener and binder. However, should you wish not to use corn syrup for health reasons or in order to keep the recipe as organic as possible, you can simply substitute it with other ingredients without compromising on taste or texture.
Why Exclude Corn Syrup?
Corn syrup is often mixed into pies, candies, and desserts to resist sugar crystallizing and give the mixture a silky, sticky consistency. While not necessarily unhealthy to consume in limited amounts, there are those who choose to exclude it from ingredients because of preconceived ideas about processed sugar or personal eating habits.
Ingredient Modifications for a Corn Syrup-Free Derby Pie:
To remove corn syrup without losing a rich and gooey filling, you simply need to adjust the balance of sugar:
❌ Remove corn syrup completely
✅ Increase brown sugar from ½ cup to ¾ cup
How to Make Kentucky Pie Without Corn Syrup?
- Follow the classic recipe but instead of ½ cup brown sugar, use ¾ cup.
- Mix the filling as usual, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for 50-55 minutes until the center is set.
- Cool before slicing to let the filling firm up properly.
Kentucky Pie Recipe with Bourbon:
Adding bourbon to Derby Pie is a traditional Southern variation that adds the dessert’s flavor with rich, caramel-like depth. Bourbon’s warm, oaky flavors complement the chocolate and nut filling perfectly, adding sophisticated depth to the pie that makes it even more decadent.
Bourbon’s inherent sweetness pairs well with the brown sugar and chocolate. The nutty flavor of the pecans or walnuts is complemented by vanilla and caramel undertones. Smokiness provides a balancing note for richness.
Kentucky is renowned for bourbon and Derby Pie, so it is a no-brainer to marry the two!
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Best Bourbons for Kentucky Pie:
Not all bourbons are the same, and choosing the right one can enhance your pie’s flavor. Here are three excellent options:
- Woodford Reserve – A smooth, slightly sweet bourbon with hints of dried fruit and spice.
- Maker’s Mark – A rich bourbon with strong caramel and vanilla notes, making it perfect for dessert recipes.
- Buffalo Trace – A bold, full-bodied bourbon with hints of toffee, vanilla, and oak, adding depth to the pie.
💡 Pro Tip: If you wouldn’t drink it, don’t bake with it! Use high-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
No-Bake Kentucky Derby Pie – A Quick & Easy Dessert!
The addition of bourbon to Kentucky Pie is a classic Southern twist that adds the dessert’s taste with deep, caramel-like richness. The warm, oaky notes of bourbon pair beautifully with the chocolate and nut filling, adding an old, sophisticated depth that makes the pie all the more over-the-top.
Bourbon’s natural sweetness is complemented by the brown sugar and chocolate, and the nuttiness of the pecans or walnuts is elevated by vanilla and caramel notes. In addition, the smokiness adds a counterpoint for richness.
And since Kentucky is famous for bourbon and Derby Pie, it would be only natural to bring them together!
Ingredients for No-Bake Kentucky Derby:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade) | 1 (9-inch) |
| Semi-sweet chocolate (melted) | 1 cup |
| Heavy whipping cream | 1 cup |
| Chopped pecans or walnuts | ½ cup |
| Brown sugar | ¼ cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
How to Make No-Bake Kentucky Derby?
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
- Heat the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.
- Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract while the chocolate is warm—this dissolves the sugar and introduces a scrumptious richness of flavor.
Pro Tip: For an even more velvety texture, melt the chocolate with a double boiler instead.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
- Fill a large mixing bowl with cold heavy whipping cream.
- Whip the cream on medium-high speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form—about 2-3 minutes.
- The whipped cream is what lightens the filling and makes it mousse-like.
Don’t overwhip! You want the cream to be soft and airy, not hard.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
- Fold the whipped cream into the melted chocolate mixture gently with a spatula.
- Add the chopped nuts and mix lightly.
Pro Tip: Don’t overmix! Folding lightly keeps the filling light and airy rather than heavy.
Step 4: Assemble & Chill
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the graham cracker crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Chill the pie in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours to permit the filling to set.
- Sliced and served chilled!
Baking Tips for the Best Kentucky Pie
Need a perfectly gooey, rich Kentucky Derby every time? Try these easy tips for the best flavor and texture.
Utilize High-Quality Chocolate:
The chocolate really is worth it in terms of final flavor and texture. Don’t use cheap chocolate chips, as they have stabilizers that hinder smooth melting. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate (60% or higher cocoa) for a rich, full flavor. Chop chocolate baking bars such as Ghirardelli or Lindt before adding them to the filling.
Let the Pie Cool Before Slicing:
Be strong and resist the urge to cut into the pie too soon! Let it stand at room temperature for an hour, then chill in the fridge for a further hour to create clean, even cuts. If you want it warm, simply microwave single portions for 10-15 seconds before serving.
Toast Nuts for Added Flavor:
Toasting pecans or walnuts before mixing them into the filling gives them added crunch and flavor.
- Stovetop: Medium heat a dry skillet, stir nuts for 2-3 minutes, and allow to cool.
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and toast nuts for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway.
Store Leftovers Properly:
- Refrigerate: Wrap the pie in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Heat in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to revive freshness.
FAQs
How is a Derby Pie different from a pecan pie?
Pecan pie contains a sticky, caramel-filled center composed of pecans, eggs, butter, and corn syrup. Derby Pie contains chocolate chips and walnuts (or pecans), giving it a more intense, thick texture. Bourbon may also be added in some variations for added taste.
What is a classic Kentucky Derby Pie?
An old-fashioned Kentucky Pie boasts a buttery, flaky crust and filling of sugar, butter, eggs, vanilla, walnuts, and chocolate chips. Developed in the 1950s by the Kern family, it’s a crowd-pleaser on Derby Day, usually with the addition of a dash of bourbon for decadence.
What is the classic dessert of the Kentucky Derby?
Derby Pie is the favorite, but bourbon balls and bread pudding with bourbon sauce are Derby Day treats too. These decadent, Southern-style sweets go perfectly with the celebratory mood.
What is traditional Kentucky Derby food?
Traditional Derby Day fare consists of Kentucky Hot Brown (bacon and turkey sandwich), Benedictine spread (cream cheese and cucumber dip), pimento cheese sandwiches, burgoo stew, and country ham biscuits. Mint Julep cocktail is a must!
My Final Thoughts on this recipe
The Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Southern classic that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try the bourbon or no-bake versions, this pie will quickly become a family favorite.
Try it today and bring a taste of Kentucky into your home!
Best Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Pinch salt optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it is evenly pressed against the sides and bottom.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour (and a pinch of salt, if using) into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
- Add Chocolate and Nuts: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least one hour before slicing. This ensures the filling sets properly.
- Serve: For an added indulgence, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Corn Syrup Alternative: Some traditional recipes include corn syrup for added sweetness and texture. If preferred, you can substitute part of the sugar with corn syrup, adjusting to taste.
- Bourbon Addition: For a classic Kentucky twist, consider adding 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling mixture. This imparts a subtle depth of flavor that complements the chocolate and nuts.
- Nut Variations: While walnuts and pecans are traditional, experiment with other nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for a different flavor profile.
- Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
