Alright, dessert lovers buckle up, because this Derby Pie is not your average chocolate chip pie. It’s gooey, nutty, chocolatey perfection all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. Every bite is a little celebration: rich, warm, and indulgently sweet. It’s like your favorite chocolate chip cookie got all dressed up in a pie crust and added a little Southern charm.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering, a potluck with friends, or just because your sweet tooth whispered, “Let’s bake something awesome,” this recipe is here to deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. It’s cozy, comforting, and just downright delicious.

Why You’ll Love Derby Pie

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Perfect for any occasion from formal dinners to backyard hangouts.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples you probably already have.

Quick and Easy: Stir, pour, bake. That’s it. No fancy techniques required.

Customizable: You can play around with the chocolate, nuts, or even add a splash of bourbon for an extra kick.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Derby Pie

This pie is built on the simplest ingredients that magically bake into something unforgettable:

Pie Crust: The cozy, flaky base that holds all the gooey goodness inside. Use store-bought or homemade no judgment here.

Butter: Melted and rich, it gives the filling that velvety texture and deep flavor.

Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like depth and gooey texture that white sugar just can’t match.

White Sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps the pie set properly.

Eggs: The binding magic that keeps the filling rich and firm.

Vanilla Extract: A little splash of warmth and aroma that rounds out the flavor.

All-Purpose Flour: Just a touch to help thicken the filling and hold everything together.

Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melty chocolate in every bite yes, please.

Chopped Pecans or Walnuts: Adds crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet filling.

Optional Splash of Bourbon: For a subtle, grown-up twist that enhances everything.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your pie bakes evenly and develops that golden crust.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each.

Add Dry Ingredients: Gently stir in the flour, then fold in chocolate chips and nuts. The mixture will be thick and chunky exactly what you want.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges as desired. No need to pre-bake we’re keeping this simple.

Assemble the Dish: Pour the filling into the pie crust and smooth out the top. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or nuts on top.

Cook to Perfection: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is just set (a little jiggle is okay). A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Finishing Touches: Let the pie cool completely before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes slicing much cleaner.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Bliss!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 460

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Derby Pie

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Try it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top, or serve it with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. For an extra-special treat, enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk. You can even get fancy and top it with bourbon whipped cream!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Don’t overbake the center should still be soft and slightly gooey.
Use high-quality chocolate for the best melt and flavor.
Let the pie cool fully before cutting for clean slices.
Store leftovers in the fridge and gently reheat for 10 seconds in the microwave.
Freeze individual slices for an anytime dessert fix.

FAQ’s

1 Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! It’s a great time-saver and works perfectly.

2 What kind of nuts are best?
Pecans or walnuts both work great use your favorite or a mix.

3 Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well at room temp for a day or in the fridge for up to 4 days.

4 Can I freeze Derby Pie?
Yes, slice it and freeze individually wrapped portions for easy reheating.

5 What’s the best way to reheat it?
A quick zap in the microwave (10–15 seconds) brings it back to life.

6 Is this the same as a Kentucky Derby Pie®?
This is a similar homemade version, not affiliated with the trademarked brand.

7 Can I leave out the nuts?
Sure! The texture will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.

8 How do I know when it’s done baking?
The top will be golden and a toothpick in the center will come out with moist crumbs.

9 Can I add bourbon to the filling?
Yes! A tablespoon adds a subtle, rich depth.

10 Do I need to chill the pie before serving?
It’s best to let it cool at least an hour, but you can serve it warm for extra gooey goodness.

Conclusion

Derby Pie is the ultimate dessert for when you want something easy, comforting, and irresistibly decadent. It’s a sweet Southern gem with gooey chocolate, crunchy nuts, and a buttery crust that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds). So go ahead, bake this beauty, slice it warm, and don’t forget the ice cream you’re in for a treat that hits every sweet spot.

Print