Chocolate Chess Pie – rich, wonderfully sweet, chocolatey Southern classic pie that will make you fall head over heels with its custard-like filling that has a crispy crackle on top. Easy chocolate baked treat just in time for Valentine’s Day!
As a way to celebrate this February’s Black History Month, I’m sharing with you guys a classic quintessential Southern recipe that has satisfied many cravings for decades. And if you’re a chocolate lover, you’re just in for a treat. No way you’d pass up something as drool-worthy as this Chocolate Chess Pie. So luscious, sweet, chocolatey treat!
What is Chocolate Pie?
Chocolate Chess Pie is a Southern gem that is somewhat a cross between a brownie and pudding pie. It’s sweet, but not too heavily sweet. But it sure does pack with tons of chocolate flavor from cocoa powder and semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks. Think of this regular Chess Pie recipe with chocolate flavor instead of buttermilk and lemon.
Chocolate Chess Pie Ingredients
You’d be surprised how easy it is to whip up this Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe. You’ll need just a handful of regular baking ingredients and tons of patience as you wait for it to bake through and cool completely. I know, I know. You’d probably say there’s no way for you to be able to wait that long. But remember friends, patience is the key!
Here’s what you’ll be needing for this Southern chocolate pie (aside, of course, from patience😉):
- semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- unsalted butter
- granulated sugar
- cornstarch
- cocoa powder
- eggs
- evaporated milk
- vanilla extract
- homemade or store-bought unbaked pie crust
- your preferred toppings (whipped cream, strawberries or powdered sugar)
How to Store Chocolate Chess Pie
This easy Chocolate Chess Pie can be stored at room temperature or chilled. But I prefer mine chilled; it just taste even more amazing! For any leftover, simply cover the pie with a plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
As for freezing it, just bake the pie as per directions and let it cool completely. Then wrap it tightly with a plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, remove the plastic wrap and serve. Or if you want to re-crisp the crust, you may pop it in the oven for about 10-15 minutes at 375 degrees F.
Top it with whipped cream (stay tuned for my Homemade Whipped Cream in the coming days), some fresh strawberries or any berries at all, some chocolate swirls or simply with powdered sugar. Perfect homemade treat for this February 14 or any time you want to! Enjoy!
More Pie Recipes
Can’t get enough of pies? I have a lot here for you to explore!
- Pecan Pie
- Buttermilk Pie
- No Bake Key Lime Mango Coconut Cheese Cake Pie
- Coconut Cream Pie
- Banana Cream Pie
- Pineapple Pie
Other Southern Baked Recipes You’ll Love
How To Make Chocolate Chess Pie
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Make the Filling: In a small bowl (microwave safe), microwave the chocolate for about 30-second, then add butter and continue melting in the microwave in the 30-second interval, stirring after each interval until completely melted and smooth. Set aside.
Line the bottom of the pie crust with parchment paper and add dried beans on top. The beans will ensure that the bottom of the crust does not rise. Bake for 5-6 minutes in the preheated oven, remove from the oven and let it cool. You do not want the pie crust to be too brown.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cocoa powder. Then add eggs, milk and vanilla extract. Finally, add the microwaved chocolate and butter.
Pour into the pie crust and bake at 325 °F for 35-40 minutes or until the top is nice and thoroughly browned or when a skewer inserted in the middle of the pie comes out clean. (See notes 1) Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving. Serve with a dollop of this homemade whipped cream and strawberries, if desired.
Chocolate Chess Pie
Ingredients
- 2 ounce (54g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter , melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons (22.5g) cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons (20g) cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs , beaten
- 1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon (4.2g) vanilla extract
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought is fine)
- whipped cream , if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Make the Filling: In a small bowl (microwave safe), microwave the chocolate for about 30-second, then add butter and continue melting in the microwave in the 30-second interval, stirring after each interval until completely melted and smooth. Set aside.
- Line the bottom of the pie crust with parchment paper and add dried beans on top. The beans will ensure that the bottom of the crust does not rise.
- Bake for 5-6 minutes in the preheated oven, remove from the oven and let it cool. You do not want the pie crust to be too brown.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and cocoa powder.
- Then add eggs, milk and vanilla extract.
- Finally, add the microwaved chocolate and butter.
- Pour into the pie crust and bake at 325 °F for 35-40 minutes or until the top is nice and thoroughly browned or when a skewer inserted in the middle of the pie comes out clean. (See notes 1)
- Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving. Serve with a dollop of this homemade whipped cream and strawberries, if desired.
Tips & Notes:
- If your chess pie is slightly runny in the middle, turn off the oven and leave the pie inside the oven for about 5-10 minutes.
- Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.
Nutrition Information:
Yasmin says
What kind of beans? I didn’t see that mentioned in the list of ingredients
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Yasmin, It really doesn’t matter… the beans will ensure that the bottom of the crust does not rise. You can equally use these https://www.amazon.com/Mrs-Andersons-Baking-Ceramic-Stoneware/dp/B00004S1BT/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2H1INORZPXTTO&keywords=pie+weights+for+baking&qid=1581085840&sprefix=pie+w%2Caps%2C239&sr=8-1-
Cassandra Benjamin says
Only one ounce of chocolate?! There must be an error in the recipe. Please explain.
Sweetie says
Your recipes keep getting better! It is a treat everyday!