Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe
Savor the rich, chocolatey goodness of my classic Kentucky Derby Pie, loaded with pecans and a hint of bourbon for a decadent Southern dessert that's perfect for any celebration
Equipment
- pie pan
Ingredients
Sweet Pastry Dough
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter ½ stick cut into small pieces kept very cold
- 1 large egg room temperature
Filling
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
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Instructions
Sweet Pastry Dough
- Add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and table salt to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse 3 times to combine the ingredients.
- Add the very cold butter pieces and pulse at one-second intervals until the butter is mixed in.
- Add the egg and pulse until the dough forms a ball on the blade of the processor
- Turn the dough out of the food processor onto a floured surface, and carefully remove the blade.
- Flatten the dough into a disc. Wrap with plastic wrap and chill for 15-20 minutes.
- Roll out pie dough on a lightly floured surface.
- Place the dough into a pie pan. Crimp the edge, and refrigerate until needed.
- Preheat oven to 350ºF.
- Add the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment (or a large bowl and an electric hand mixer). Whip until thick and creamy.
- Add the flour and salt to the bowl and mix until just combined. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Add the bourbon to the batter and mix to combine.
- Add chopped pecans and chocolate chips to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Pour the batter into the pie crust and smooth into an even layer with a rubber spatula.
- Place the pie plate on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. It may be slightly jiggly in the middle.
- Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
- When cooled, slice and serve with whipped cream.,
Notes
Can I Make Adjustments to the Recipe?
We made our Derby Pie with pecans, but you can use walnuts if that’s what you’ve got on hand. The flavor will be slightly earthier, but still rich and satisfying.
For the bourbon, replace it with an equal amount of strong brewed coffee if you’d rather skip the alcohol. It gives the pie a deep, warm note without the boozy edge.
If you like extra texture, try swapping half the chocolate chips for toffee bits. It adds a buttery crunch that works beautifully with the gooey filling.
How to Store and Reheat
Let the pie cool completely, then wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, bringing it to room temperature before serving.
For the best texture when reheating, warm slices in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until just heated through. You can also microwave individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 15-20 seconds, just until the chocolate starts to soften.
You can freeze the pie, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Can I skip the bourbon and still get great flavor?
Absolutely. Swap the bourbon for strong brewed coffee for a deep, roasty note, or use vanilla extract for a sweeter, more mellow flavor. Even orange extract works if you want a subtle citrus twist to balance the chocolate.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s a smart move. Bake it the day before, let it cool, then cover and store at room temperature. The flavors settle in beautifully overnight, making each bite even better the next day.
What makes Derby Pie different from a classic pecan pie?
A classic pecan pie leans sweet and nutty, while Derby Pie layers in gooey chocolate chips and the optional kick of bourbon. It’s richer, more complex, and a little harder to put down.
Nutrition
Calories: 722kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 8gFat: 49gSaturated Fat: 25gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 147mgSodium: 114mgPotassium: 293mgFiber: 4gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 1004IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 74mgIron: 3mg
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