Thanksgiving is a crucial event in many Americans’ homes. It is a period where people gather and recognize the essence of things in life that are often taken for granted.
Every day is Thanksgiving Day to me. I usually take every opportunity to give thanks to my family, friends, health, and food.
But my Thanksgiving feast cannot go without a chess pie as the last act. The dessert usually steals the show due to its flaky crusts, moist crumbs, creamy custards, and ethereal frostings.
My love for chess pie is indeed unmeasurable. I crave a slice of lemon, chocolate, buttermilk, grapefruit, and more. I find it challenging to decide which chess pie to bake.
If you are looking to make everyone smile during turkey day, you have come to the right place. We are going to share with you 10 mouth-watering chess pie recipes for your dessert table. With that said let’s jump right in!
Here are the top 10 chess pie recipes to consider:
- Chocolate Chess Pie
- Lemon Chess Pie
- Buttermilk Chess Pie
- Angus Barn Chocolate Chess Pie
- Chess Pie with Cornmeal
- Grapefruit Chess Pie
- Classic Chess Pie
- Browned Butter Chess Pie
- Pumpkin-Lemon Cream Cheese Chess Pie
- Old Fashioned Chess Pie
Top 10 Mouth-Watering Chess Pie Recipes to Try at Home
1. Chocolate Chess Pie
Do you love a rich chocolate pie? This chess pie is among the richest chocolate-flavored pies I know. This quick dessert is dense, rich, and full of flavors.
Most ingredients for baking this pie are readily available in the kitchen. The smell of this chess pie while baking is lovely, it will arouse anticipation in everyone.
I once tasted the pie during a ladies’ luncheon, and my taste buds got tossed. The pie is developed from an old Southern classic recipe.
The pie version is quick and easy to prepare for your dessert table. The most exciting thing is that this chocolate pie doesn’t fall if not frozen. It is an excellent choice for bringing to a picnic.
Ingredients
- Two eggs.
- One unbaked pie crust.
- One teaspoon of Vanilla.
- One and half cups of sugar.
- Three teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa.
- Five oz. of evaporated milk (or cream).
- A quarter melted butter or margarine.
Instructions
- Put unsweetened cocoa powder and sugar into a bowl. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients until they blend well.
- Add evaporated milk and eggs to the mixture. Mix with a whisk to form a uniform mixture.
- Add margarine or melted butter and vanilla. Whisk until it blends well.
- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust. Bake it under 350°F for 45 minutes.
- Serve when warm or cold. You can also serve this chess pie with whipped cream and chocolate sauce toppings.
2. Lemon Chess Pie
Lemon chess pie is yet another southern classic dessert with phenomenal flavor. Baking this pie is super easy since it comes together with a handful of ingredients.
The lemon curd taste is the reason behind the large fan base across the world. The pie does not need any refrigeration as it is served immediately.
We recommend refrigerating the leftovers to last longer. The lemon chess pie can last for two days in a refrigerator while maintaining the lemon curd flavors.
If you are a creamy dessert sucker, you need to try this incredible pie. It is a dream pie ideal as the last act for the Thanksgiving feast.
Most of the ingredients used for baking lemon chess pie are readily available at home. Remember to allow the pie to cool before cutting.
Ingredients
- Four eggs
- Two cups of sugar
- One tablespoon flour
- One tablespoon cornmeal
- A quarter evaporated milk
- A third cup of lemon juice
- A quarter cup of melted butter
- One sheet of refrigerated pie crust
- Two tablespoons of grated lemon zest
Instructions
- Add sugar, flour, and cornmeal to a large bowl. Whisk the mixture to blend well.
- Add eggs and melted butter to the mixture. Whisk together with lemon juice, lemon zest, and evaporated milk.
- Mix the blend until it is smooth. Pour the mixture into a sheet of refrigerated pie crust.
- Bake the pie in a preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes. Bake until the middle part is set.
- You can serve with whipped cream or meringue toppings.
3. Buttermilk Chess Pie
Buttermilk chess pie is a popular American classic pie. The pie has a deep root in England with a twang bred in the Southern region.
This ancient pie is gradually coming back with different tastes and flavors. Many bakers are becoming innovative when making a classic buttermilk pie.
Preparation of this chess pie is super simple. It entails readily available ingredients that bring out mouth-watering tastes and flavors.
Not many modern American parents can bake buttermilk pie. Most of them were born when the pie was almost facing complete extinction.
But thanks to the numerous cookbooks online that help to resurrect the baking idea. Many people are opting for this mouth-watering dessert after main dishes.
If you are a beginner looking to learn how to bake buttermilk pie, you have come to the right place. We have highlighted some ingredients and baking instructions to consider.
Ingredients
- Four large eggs
- A quarter tablespoon salt
- Three tablespoon all-purpose flour
- One tablespoon cornmeal
- Three quarters cup buttermilk
- One and half cups granulated sugar
- Four tablespoon melted butter
- Two teaspoons lemon juice
- Two teaspoons vanilla extract
- One teaspoon lemon zest
- One unbaked pie crust
Instructions
- Add sugar, cornmeal, flour, and salt to a medium bowl. Whisk to blend well.
- Whisk the eggs with buttermilk, melted butter, vanilla, lemon juice, and zest in another bowl.
- Mix the dry and wet ingredients. Whisk them until it becomes smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a pie crust. Bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to 325°F for 25 minutes or until the pie filling is set.
- Remove from the oven and cool before serving.
- Serve with freshly whipped cream toppings. Sprinkle shreds of lemon zest and enjoy.
4. Angus Barn Chocolate Chess Pie
Angus barn chocolate chess pie is a legendary and landmark pie in North Carolina. Angus Barn is a family restaurant with a reputation for baking mouth-watering desserts.
The restaurant was established in Raleigh in 1960 by Thad Eure Jr. Van took over the restaurant after Thad has passed away. She was the person behind this chocolate chess pie recipe.
The pie is an excellent delicacy after a Thanksgiving feast. It is also a delicious dessert to treat yourself throughout the year.
The recipes for baking this chocolate chess pie are super easy. The ingredients are readily available and can fit any budget.
You can double the pie and freeze one part for the upcoming holidays. It is the best option for those individuals looking to treat their extended family.
There is no need to enroll in baking classes. We have shared ingredients and steps on how to bake Angus Barn chocolate chess pie at home.
Ingredients
- One unbaked pie crust
- Half unsalted butter
- One cup granulated sugar
- Two large eggs
- One teaspoon vanilla
- Three oz. semi-sweet chocolate
- Salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Melt chocolate and butter in a small bowl
- Add sugar, salt, vanilla, and eggs in a large bowl. Whisk to blend well.
- Add melted chocolate mixture to the larger bowl content. Mix to become smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the pie shell and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool for some minutes.
- Serve with ice cream or whipped cream as toppings.
5. Chess Pie with Cornmeal
Chess pie with cornmeal is an old-fashioned southern classic pie that is known to have stood the test of time with a good reason.
The pie is a great option for putting smiles on the faces of your family or friends at a reunion. This old-fashioned favorite uses simple ingredients like cornmeal.
There are several versions of making this sweet custard pie. Keeping it simple helps to uphold the tradition and adding a hint of nutmeg seals the whole deal.
One of my favorite features is that this chess pie does not need extra toppings. The simplicity makes it have a mouth-watering taste.
Preparing this classic pie is super easy. All the ingredients are available in the kitchen cupboard and no need to have a college degree to bake it.
Ingredients
- Three egg yolks
- A half cup of milk
- One unbaked pie shell
- A quarter melted butter
- Two teaspoon cornmeal
- One cup granulated sugar
- A half teaspoon vanilla extract
- A quarter teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Put all the ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk to become smooth.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Pour all the ingredients into an unbaked pie shell.
- Place the pie shell with an ingredient in the oven and bake for 50 minutes.
- Turn off the oven and allow the pie to cool.
- Serve with ground nutmeg toppings and enjoy.
6. Grapefruit Chess Pie
Thanksgiving Day usually happens in winter when citrus fruits are in plenty. This could be the right time for you to learn how to bake grapefruit chess pie.
Preparing this ass kickin pie at home is super easy. You only need to be in the right mood and stimulate your appetite for this mouth-watering chess pie.
If you are from the south, baking chess pie isn’t a big deal. It is the most famous dessert after every main dish. It entails the use of simple ingredients that are readily available at home or in the market.
There are several versions of baking grapefruit chess pie online. Some baking instructions are complicated to follow. But this recipe provides a simple guide to follow.
Keep reading to find out every bit and tips for baking grapefruit pie like a pro. We have outlined essential ingredients and simple steps to follow.
Ingredients
- Half cup flour.
- Four large egg yolks.
- Two and half cups of sugar.
- One pre-made pie shell crust.
- One teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Five red medium grapefruits
- One teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 16 oz. sweetened condensed milk.
Instructions
- Whisk two cups of sugar and flour in a small bowl.
- Beat the four egg yolks in another bowl and keep them under room temperature.
- Cut grapefruits into quarters and remove the rind from each section.
- Put the peeled fruits into a saucepan and add two cups of water. Bring to boil.
- Add half a cup of sugar while stirring until a thick and pulpy mixture is formed.
- Add condensed milk to the sugar-flour mixture and stir to become smooth.
- Pour hot fruit mixture into the egg yolks and whisk. Add lemon juice and boil for 10 minutes.
- Add vanilla extract into the mixture. Pour the content into the pie shell and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Serve with whipped cream to bring out the balance of flavors and texture.
7. Classic Chess Pie
Classic chess pie is yet another popular dessert in the American south with roots from England. The traditional pie is highly rated in many American’s homes after every main dish.
This delicious pie is an excellent choice for celebration during holidays or family gatherings. The treat is rich in flavors and has a luscious texture.
The popularity of the pie is due to how simple it is to create. All it takes is simple ingredients to bake this pie.
This traditional pie is perfect for every member of the family, no matter what their age, thanks to its tempting simple but sweet flavor.
The browned butter is a secret ingredient that makes this chess pie unique. It feels amazing to place this pie on your dessert table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of sugar
- One refrigerated pie crust
- 2 tablespoons of cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour.
- A quarter teaspoon of salt.
- A quarter cup of melted butter or margarine
- A quarter cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- A half tablespoon of vanilla extract
- Four large egg yolks
- Powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Mix sugar, vanilla and butter in a bowl.
- Whisk eggs while stirring cornmeal, white vinegar and evaporated milk to become smooth.
- Pour the content in the pie crust and place in the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Let it cool and cut.
- Serve with whipped cream as toppings.
8. Browned Butter Chess Pie
Browned butter chess pie is another southern classic for family gatherings. This classic dessert is a perfect choice after eating the main meal.
The rich flavors make the pie hard to resist. It is one of the reasons why many families try to keep it a secret from the general public.
Having tasted this chess pie from a family friend reunion, I decided to share with you the crucial secret behind the pie preparation.
Keep in mind that baking browned butter chess pie is super simple. The ingredients used in the preparation of the pie are readily available in the kitchen.
This recipe can be modified by using items that suit your preferences and tastes. It is available in numerous mouthwatering variations.
Ingredients
- One and half cup all-purpose flour.
- One teaspoon granulated sugar.
- A half tablespoon salt.
- A half cold unsalted butter.
- Four tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Place the butter in a saucepan and melt under medium heat.
- Continue cooking the butter until brown specks form on the bottom of the pan.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and cool it down.
- Add eggs in the mixture and whisk.
- Add more butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix them to combine.
- Stir cornmeal and salt in the mixture. Pour in the pie shell all the content.
- Place the pie crust in a preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes.
- Serve with toppings of your choice and enjoy.
9. Pumpkin-Lemon Cream Cheese Chess Pie
Pumpkin-lemon cream cheese pie is yet another classic southern chess pie to try over the weekend. The combination of lemon cream cheese and fall pumpkin is delicious.
This chess pie is a perfect choice for those families that prefer traditional ingredients. The fall pumpkin spice and lemon cream bring out that sweet-tart taste.
Most ingredients behind the preparation of this pie are readily available in the backyard garden and kitchen. Here are the ingredients and quick tips for baking this pumpkin pie.
Ingredients
- Two lightly whisked eggs.
- 16 oz pumpkin and one teaspoon cinnamon.
- A third sugar and half teaspoon salt.
- Half teaspoon ginger.
- One and half cream
- One cup sour cream and pie crust.
- One tablespoon lemon juice and brown sugar
- One teaspoon lemon zest and a quarter chopped pecans
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together.
- Pour all the content into pie crust and bake for 15 minutes under 425oF.
- Reduce the heat to 325°F and continue baking for 45 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and cool for 20 minutes.
- Spread a mixture of sour cream over the pie and bake again for 10 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy
10. Old Fashioned Chess Pie
The last entry on our list is old-fashioned chess pie. Many people usually confuse this pie with buttermilk chess pie.
Both of these chess pies have the same taste. But old-fashioned chess pie has a tad bit sweeter taste since it is made with less milk.
The chess pie has a nice crispy crust after baking. Below are some of the ingredients and quick tips for preparing old-fashioned chess pie at home.
Ingredients
- Four large eggs.
- Pre-made pie crust
- One tablespoon white vinegar
- One tablespoon cornmeal.
- Two teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Half cup unsalted butter
- Two cups white sugar
Instructions
- Mix butter, vanilla and sugar in a bowl well.
- Add eggs, cornmeal, milk and vinegar in the mixture. Mix well.
- Pour all the content into a pie crust.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and place the pie crust inside it.
- Bake for one hour and ten minutes. Switch off the oven.
- Allow the pie to cool for 45 minutes.
- Serve with topping of your choice and enjoy.
