This is the BEST Southern chocolate chess pie recipe I’ve ever tasted, and it’s the perfect cross between a brownie and a molten lava cake.

Chocolate chess pie is a Southern favorite

Chocolate chess pie is a darling dessert that is a staple in the South. It is a familiar favorite that you’ll surely see at church potlucks, state fair cook-offs, and in roadside BBQ joints. You’ll usually find several chocolate chess pie recipes in any church or Southern cookbook. Everyone has their favorite version!

Chocolate chess pie isn’t the prettiest, but it sure tastes good!

Chocolate chess pie isn’t known for its looks and wouldn’t be your top choice for presentation. It’s more of a classic “country pie” that you’d see on Grandma’s table. It doesn’t shine by its appearance, but it stands out for its decadent chocolate flavor and heavenly texture. Despite its lowly appearance, it is one of the most popular and beloved pies in the South, especially here in Alabama.

Why do they call it a chocolate chess pie?

There are several origin stories about how “chess pie” got its name. One story tells of a woman in 19th-century Alabama who created the pie when typical pie ingredients, such as nuts, were few and far between. When asked what kind of pie it was, she said in a rich southern accent, “Just pie.” It’s believed that the phrase was misheard as “chess pie.”

Chess pie was typically stored unrefrigerated in a chest for as long as it lasted. Some believe that “chest pie” was misheard as “chess pie.”

The final tale comes from Phila Hach’s cookbook, where she claimed it was named after the use of chestnut flour instead of cornmeal.

Do you eat chocolate chess pie cold or hot?

The beauty of chess pie is that it’s totally up to you on how you’d like to enjoy it! Typically, it’s best to eat at room temperature or slightly chilled. Letting it cool before enjoying it allows the custard to set, giving it a thicker and richer consistency. However, if you prefer to warm it up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, be my guest!

What is the difference between chess pie and regular pie?

What sets chess pie apart is that it’s a custard-based pie with a smooth, rich, fudgy, and creamy texture. It’s mostly made of simpler ingredients—sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, evaporated milk, butter, and a dash of salt. 

Does chess pie need to be refrigerated?

No need to place this in the refrigerator! Simply bake in the oven and keep it at room temperature until ready to serve.

Ingredients for a chocolate chess pie

Not only does this recipe yield my favorite chess pie, but it requires ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry. All you need are the following ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 3 Tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• Pinch of salt
• 5 oz. evaporated milk (small can)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pie crust (My favorite store-bought crust is the Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust.)

How to make this Southern staple

Start by unrolling your pie crust and fitting it into your pie pan. Then in a large bowl, mix your sugar, melted butter, and cocoa powder. Add eggs and whisk with a handheld mixer for about 2 1/2 minutes. Add in your salt, evaporated milk, and vanilla, and mix well. Pour the mixture into the pie crust, and cover the edges with a pie shield or aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. Bake in the oven at 350F for 30–40 minutes or until the pie begins to slightly crack on top. A slight jiggle is fine when removing from the oven. Keep in mind that the pie will firm up as it cools.

Watch me make this recipe from start to finish

 

Can you make it ahead of time?

If you want to make a chocolate chess pie for an event, it is best to make it a day or two ahead—just be prepared for guests to ask for seconds, no matter the calories! 

While I always love making ahead and freezing certain foods, I don’t recommend placing this pie in the freezer.

How to make miniature pies

If you want to make miniature chocolate chess pies, simply buy 16 small tart shells instead of pie dough, and pour the filling in them. My favorite mini pie shells are Dutch Ann Tart Shells. I see these all the time at my local Walmart.

What can I serve with it?

This pie is fantastic, and it goes especially well with easy homemade Brunswick Stew and your favorite barbecue recipes.

I’ve tried several versions of chocolate chess pie, and this is the one that I return to time and again. If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think in the comments! Be blessed & stay savvy!