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It’s almost that time of year. You know what I mean. Kentucky Derby time!
Time to break out the fancy hats, sip on some mint juleps, and enjoy some of that to-die-for Kentucky Derby Pie!
Kentucky Derby Pie – You’ve heard of it – that sweet southern pie with walnuts, chocolate, and bourbon. It’s like a chocolate pecan pie (or walnut pie) that you can make boozy, if you like.
With this version of the recipe, the pie is more like a cross between a warm chocolate chip cookie and pecan pie, as it has pecans, chocolate chips, and vanilla, and bourbon is optional. I left it out, but if you want it, go ahead and add a splash.
This golden brown Kentucky Derby Pie is basically a chocolate pecan pie and is a little different than the original recipe by the Kern family. It’s one of our favorite pies to make not only for the Kentucky Derby but one of the best Pies for Pi Day!
Table of Contents
What Was The Original Derby Pie Recipe
You might wonder: Why does a horse race have its own pie named after it? That’s a good question.
The original recipe is from the Kern family, specifically Walter Kern and his wife, Luandra Kern, owners of Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky, and their son, George Kern. The pie was so good that they trademarked the recipe’s name, Derby Pie. You can buy Kern’s Derby Pie at Kern’s Kitchen if you want to taste the original.
This Kentucky Derby Pie recipe is NOT the original pie recipe, but it is still crazy delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Version of Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe
Delicious Dessert – This delicious pie is like a pecan pie, but more accurately, it is more of a chocolate pecan pie. Some call it a Kentucky Derby Chocolate pie. However, it combines a chocolate pie and a Kentucky pecan pie recipe.
Texture – It is so good with the gooey filling, melted chocolate, and crunchy pecans!
Optional Kick of Bourbon – Traditionally, this pie is known for having bourbon in it. I didn’t include that in my recipe because we don’t drink that, but if you want it, go ahead and add a splash of bourbon.
What Is The Kentucky Derby?
If you’re not from the United States or just not into horse racing, you may not be familiar with the Kentucky Derby. It is an annual horse race at Churchill Downs in Kentucky that is typically held on the first Saturday in May of each year.
People who attend dress up in fancy clothes, wear fancy hats, drink fancy drinks called mint juleps, and enjoy the popular dessert, Derby Pie, while they watch the race.
For those who can’t make it, many get together for a Kentucky Derby party and watch the horse race together.
Equipment
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Ingredient Notes
Below, I discuss the ingredients and possible substitutions if you don't have a specific ingredient. However, if you are looking for the specific measurements of each ingredient, scroll down to the bottom of this article, just above the comments, for the printable recipe card, which includes all the ingredients and the specific amounts of each one.
- Butter – I highly recommend using real butter and not margarine. It makes a big difference in the taste and texture.
- Corn Syrup – I used dark corn syrup, but you could use light corn syrup if you wish.
- Sugar – I used granulated sugar, but you could use half brown sugar and half granulated sugar if you prefer.
- Chocolate Chips – Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best flavor. If you prefer, you could use milk chocolate chips instead.
- Vanilla Extract – Use a high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.
- Pie Crust – I used a store-bought refrigerated pie crust. However, you could make your own crust, a homemade crust, by using your favorite homemade pastry recipe if you wish.
- Ice Cream / Whipped Cream – Top with your favorite toppings, such as whipped cream, Cool Whip, and caramel sauce, or top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
How To Make Kentucky Derby Pie
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, butter, eggs, and corn syrup.
Stir until well combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips, pecans, and vanilla.
Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for an hour. The middle should still be slightly jiggly.
Remove and cool before slicing.
Serve with Cool Whip (or other refrigerated whipped topping) or ice cream.
Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead – Make the pie a day ahead of time to allow you time to enjoy the Kentucky Derby and any party you may be either hosting or attending.
- No Sinking – To prevent the pecans and chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom of the pie, add a tablespoon of flour each to the pecan pieces and chocolate chips.
- No Burnt Edges – Use a pie shield, if you have one, to prevent the edges of the crust from burning. If you don’t have a pie shield, cover the edges with aluminum foil before baking. To make it easier, cover the whole pie with foil, securing it around the edges, and then using scissors, cut a circle around the inside edge of the pie and remove that foil so only the foil around the edge of the pie is left. Remove the foil or pie shield during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Jiggles – When the pie is finished baking, the center of the pie will jiggle slightly. This is normal and to be expected. Allow the pie to sit on the counter and cool to allow the pie to firm up some and not be runny.
- Cool – After pulling the pie out of the oven, set it on a cooling rack and let it cool for about an hour, but no longer than 2 hours, before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Blind baking the pie crust ahead of time can help prevent this. Pour dry beans on the bottom of the pie crust and spread evenly. Cover the edges of the pie crust with foil before baking. Bake in a preheated 375-degree F. oven for 8 – 10 minutes. Remove from the oven, remove the dry beans, and let cool.
Since the pie has eggs, do not leave it out for more than 2 hours. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. You can also store it in a pie
Yes, you can freeze this pie. Cover with plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
No. The corn syrup is what gives the pie sweetness and that gooey texture. I do not recommend changing the corn syrup. However, if you absolutely want to substitute something else for it, you can use 1 cup of maple syrup for each cup of corn syrup.
More Pecan Pie Recipes
- Mini Pecan Pies
- German Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Pecan Pie Overnight Oats
- Old Fashioned Pecan Pralines
- Pecan Cream Pie
- Pumpkin Pecan Pie
If you love this Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe, please leave a 5-star rating and comment below, and share the recipe with your friends.
Recipe
Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup dark corn syrup
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 9 – inch pastry pie crust
- Optional items for serving: cool whip ice cream, caramel sauce
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°.
- In a large bowl, add sugar, butter, eggs, and corn syrup. Stir until combined, then add the chocolate chips, pecans and vanilla.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for an hour. The middle of the pie should still be slightly jiggly.
- Remove and cool before slicing.
- Serve with cool whip or icecream.
Hi, I’m Michele Feuerborn, a home cook with 25+ years experience, and former AllRecipes Allstar, creating bold & easy Southern, Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Instant Pot recipes. Featured in publications like Parade and BuzzFeed. Read More…
Wynton E. says
Very good recipe. Very simple. Genuinely there’s not a single thing wrong with it. Adding a bourbon/rye helps but is not needed at all.
Michele says
Hi Wynton,
I’m so glad you liked it. Thanks for the nice comment.
Michele
Tavi says
Very strong contender for being my favorite pie of all time! Very rich and excellent with a scoop of icecream or a glass of milk.
Marci says
omg, fabulous….crazy delicious and super easy to put together ❤️
Michele Feuerborn says
Hi Marci,
I’m so glad you loved it! Thanks for letting us know.
Michele
Pat says
Delicious!!