Irresistible Derby Pie Recipe with Chocolate and Pecans

The rich, buttery smell of Derby Pie baking in the oven fills the kitchen with pure nostalgia. This Kentucky classic, packed with gooey chocolate chips, crunchy pecans, and a hint of bourbon, is the kind of dessert that instantly makes you feel at home. I first fell in love with Derby Pie at a family gathering—it was love at first bite. The combination of flavors and textures is simply unforgettable, and the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! Whether you’re prepping for a holiday feast or just craving something indulgent, this recipe will have you baking like a pro in no time.

What makes this Derby Pie recipe special is its balance of classic Southern charm and irresistible decadence. It’s perfect for anyone who loves pecan pie but wants to take it to the next level with chocolate. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation. Let’s dive into the details and get you baking your very own irresistible Derby Pie!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt down anything fancy—these are pantry staples with a Southern twist.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of chocolate, pecans, and buttery crust creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Perfect Texture: Gooey chocolate meets crunchy pecans in a soft, flaky crust—pure heaven in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this pie is beginner-friendly yet impressive enough for special occasions.
• Versatile: Great for holidays, potlucks, or even a cozy Sunday dessert with coffee.

This recipe is tried and tested—after serving this at countless family dinners, I can confidently say it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The secret is in the balance of flavors: the sweetness of the chocolate, the nuttiness of the pecans, and the subtle kick of bourbon. It’s the kind of dessert that makes people ask for seconds (and the recipe, of course).

What Ingredients You Will Need

This Derby Pie uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich and decadent dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pie crust: Use a pre-made crust for convenience, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Unsalted butter: Melted and slightly cooled for a smooth batter.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the richness of the chocolate.
• Brown sugar: For a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
• Large eggs: Use room-temperature eggs for best results.
• Vanilla extract: A must for enhancing the flavors.
• Bourbon (optional): Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the pie.
• All-purpose flour: Helps bind the filling together.
• Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate work best for a rich flavor.
• Pecans: Coarsely chopped for a delightful crunch.

If you need substitutions, you can swap the bourbon for a splash of coffee for a similar depth of flavor, or use walnuts instead of pecans for a slightly different taste. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to make it your own!

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls: One large bowl for the batter and a smaller one for the dry ingredients.
• Whisk: For combining the wet ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Perfect for folding in the chocolate chips and pecans.
• Pie pan: A standard 9-inch pie dish works best.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision is key for baking success.
• Cooling rack: Essential for letting the pie set properly after baking.

If you don’t have a pie pan, you can use a shallow cake pan as an alternative. Just make sure to grease it well!

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the rack in the center position.
2. Prepare the pie crust: Roll out your pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim and crimp the edges, then set aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and bourbon (if using), and whisk until fully combined.
4. Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, whisking gently until the batter is smooth.
5. Add the mix-ins: Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans using a spatula. Make sure they’re evenly distributed.
6. Assemble the pie: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Smooth the top with your spatula.
7. Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. The center may jiggle slightly but will firm up as it cools.
8. Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Pro tip: If the edges of your pie crust brown too quickly, cover them with strips of aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Use room-temperature eggs: They blend more easily into the batter, creating a smoother filling.
• Don’t skip the cooling time: This allows the filling to set properly, ensuring clean slices.
• Toast the pecans: For extra flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the batter.
• Monitor your crust: If the edges start to darken too much, use a pie crust shield or foil to protect them.
• Customize the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the sugar slightly or use bittersweet chocolate chips.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap pecans for shredded coconut or leave them out altogether for a chocolate-only pie.
• Seasonal Twist: Add a handful of dried cranberries or orange zest for a holiday-inspired flavor.
• Mini Derby Pies: Make individual pies in muffin tins for easy serving at parties!

I’ve tried the mini version myself, and they’re always a hit at gatherings—they’re adorable and perfectly portioned!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Derby Pie slightly warm or at room temperature for the best texture. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. If you’re hosting, consider serving it with coffee or bourbon-spiked hot chocolate—it’s a match made in heaven!

To store leftovers, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the pie for up to 3 months; simply wrap it in plastic wrap followed by foil, then thaw in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While Derby Pie is undeniably indulgent, it does have some redeeming qualities thanks to the pecans. Pecans are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, contains flavonoids that may support heart health. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per slice:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g

Keep in mind that these values will vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use.

Conclusion

Derby Pie with Chocolate and Pecans is the ultimate Southern dessert—rich, decadent, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. I love how customizable it is, allowing you to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your own variations or serving ideas—I’d love to hear how you make it your own!

Happy baking, and here’s to creating sweet memories with every slice!

FAQs

Can I make Derby Pie without bourbon?

Absolutely! You can skip the bourbon or replace it with a splash of coffee or vanilla extract for added flavor.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they’re fragrant and lightly browned.

Can I freeze Derby Pie?

Yes, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. It will keep for up to 3 months.

Should I use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips?

Semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, but dark chocolate works great if you prefer a less sweet pie.

How do I prevent my pie crust from burning?

Cover the edges of the crust with aluminum foil or use a pie crust shield halfway through baking.

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