Chess Pie

Name: Chess Pie
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 6 h
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 pie crust; 4 large eggs; 1 1/2 c. granulated sugar; 1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, melted and cooled slightly; 1/4 c. milk; 1 tbsp. white vinegar; 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract; 1/4 c. cornmeal; 1 tbsp. all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

By Makinze GoreUpdated: Aug 29, 2022

Approved by the Delish Test Kitchen

4.2

5 Ratings

preview for A Perfect Recipe For The Classic Chess Pie

Yields:

8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

6 hrs

Jump to recipe

Chess Pie is a simple and easy pie recipe that we can't get enough of. It's a simple custard pie mostly made from eggs, sugar, and butter (what's not to love!) and typically includes a bit cornmeal for a nice subtle texture. Plus, it all comes together with our homemade pie dough, which couldn't be easier or more fool-proof for a flaky, buttery crust.

This delicious custard pie is very similar to the classic Buttermilk Pie. The main difference? Buttermilk pie doesn't include the cornmeal that chess pie is known for, and adds lemon juice and zest while chess pie is only flavored with vanilla. It's wonderful on its own, with a dusting of powdered sugar, or served with fresh fruit, and is a perfect summer pie when you're looking to switch it up from fruit-based pies!

How did it get its name?

Its texture is similar to a certain type of European cheesecake, and rumor has it that Southerners were mispronouncing "cheese pie" to sound more like chess and that's how the pie got its name! Another theory is that the pie used to be kept in a pie chest — due to its ability to last a long time without refrigeration — and that "chest pie" turned into chess pie. No matter where the name came from, this custard pie is simply delicious, and has become a tried-and-true Southern tradition.

How do I best store chess pie and how long will it keep?

Chess pie should be stored in the refrigerator. After taking it out of the oven, let it cool at room temperature for a few hours and then place in the refrigerator. This will help prevent the top from cracking. This pie will stay good for about 5 days in the fridge.

Can I add other flavorings?

Chess pie is traditionally only flavored with vanilla, but its simple base pairs well with a lot of different flavors! Add fresh orange juice in place of the vinegar or use coffee or maple extracts in place of the vanilla. Have fun with it!

Have you made this yet? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

Editor's Note: This intro was updated to add more information about the dish on August 29, 2022.

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Ingredients

1
pie crust
4
large eggs
1 1/2 cups
granulated sugar
1/2 cup
(1 stick) butter, melted and cooled slightly
1/4 cup
milk
1 Tbsp.
white vinegar
2 tsp.
pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup
cornmeal
1 Tbsp.
all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp.
kosher salt

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 425°. Roll out pie crust and place in a 9” round pie dish. Trim and crimp edges and poke bottom of crust all over with a fork. Place in freezer to chill for 15 minutes.
2. Step 2Place parchment paper inside pie crust and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake until golden about 15 minutes, then carefully remove parchment and pie weights and bake 10 minutes more. Let cool while making pie filling.
3. Step 3Reduce oven temperature to 325°. In a large bowl whisk eggs and sugar together. Add melted butter, milk, vinegar, and vanilla and whisk until incorporated. Add cornmeal, flour, and salt and whisk until combined.
4. Step 4Pour filling into pie crust and bake until just set in the middle, 50 minutes. Let cool at room temperature, then place in refrigerator until ready to serve, at least 4 hours,
5. Step 5Dust with powdered sugar before serving.