This take on Kentucky Derby pie is basically a warm gooey chocolate chip cookie with walnuts in a buttery flaky pie crust. How can you say no?
Kentucky Derby Pie
This Kentucky Derby Pie is pretty much as easy as pie can get. Dump all of the ingredients in a bowl, bake in a pie shell, and your end results will blow your mind.
Gooey chocolate and walnut filling that's a little denser than your typical pecan pie and almost reminds me of a super soft, warm chocolate chip cookie. All of that warm goodness is inside a perfectly flaky and buttery pie crust.
Serve it up with a mint julep and enjoy the derby. (Or make it anytime. Because you can. And you'll want to!)
What is Derby Pie?
Derby pie is a trademarked name and pie created by George Kern in Prospect, Kentucky. It has a chocolate and walnut filling inside a traditional pie crust. It is often associated with the Kentucky Derby.
Some versions are made as a chocolate pecan pie, but the original has a more dense filling and uses walnuts.
How to Serve Kentucky Derby Pie?
Traditionally, it is served bare. The consistency reminds me of a warm chocolate chip cookie, so eating it warm is a treat.
You can also top it with whipped cream or ice cream with mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts for garnish.
New to the Pie-Making Scene?
Here are some helpful Pie Making Resources to make sure all your pies come out perfect and delicious!
- Easy No Fail Pie Crust Recipe - this easy pie crust recipe comes out perfect Every. Time. It's my grandma's recipe, and it's never failed me yet!
- Rolling Out Pie Crust Tutorial - If rolling out your own homemade pie crust makes you nervous, stop right now! This easy step-by-step tutorial will tell you exactly what to do for a perfect pie crust!
- Pretty Ways to Finish Pie Crust Edges - There are so many ways to finish pie crust once you're done rolling it out to make a truly special pie. Try some of these easy and fun ones this year!
- Must Have Pie Making Supplies - If you love pies, you need these tools so you can make them all the time at home
More Recipes You'll Love
- Southern Pecan Pie - a classic gooey filling with crunchy pecans in a buttery flaky crust.
- Pecan Cheesecake Pie - two favorite combined into one. Traditional gooey pecan pie filling and creamy cheesecake unite in one amazing pie.
- Southern Pecan Pie Bars - gooey pecan pie filling on top of a soft buttery crust.
- Kentucky Butter Cake - a soft pound cake infused with a sweet butter sauce.
Kentucky Derby Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust 9 inch, unbaked
For the Filling
- 1 cup butter melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Prepare and roll out pie crust. (You'll only need half of my favorite homemade recipe.) Place in a buttered 9-inch pie dish, and flute edges. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugars
- Add eggs, vanilla, bourbon, and flour, and whisk again until combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts.
- Pour filling into prepared pie crust.
- Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes, until edges are set.
Video
Notes
- When done, the edges of the pie will be set, but the very center may still be a little jiggly.
- Wait until pie is cooled and center is set before serving.
- You can substitute pecans for the walnuts.
- Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freezer Directions: Cover and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then allow to come to room temperature on the counter before serving.
Nutrition
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Mahy says
Delicious pie that has just the perfect texture. I cook pies a lot and I can see how well you've made this one - fantastic work!
Lindsay says
Yes. Yes. and yes! Making this for Easter and I'm super excited!
Carrie Robinson says
Oooooo... now this looks & sounds decadent! I could definitely go for a slice of this right about now. 😉
Kristina Tipps says
Tasted fantastic! Thank you for the new pie maker tips, as that is me and they were very helpful.
Jersey Girl Cooks says
This is one fantastic pie with just the right amount of chocolate!
Catherine says
I've never had a Derby Pie but I would love to give it a try now! We love celebrating the derby in my house so this would be a perfect addition to the spread...such a decadent treat!
Christina says
Hey Girl! Love your recipes... am I missing how much butter to use in this Kentucky Bourbon Pie recipe? Also, is it melted or softened? Sorry 😩
Michelle says
I am adding it now! Thank you for letting me know. It is melted!
Joleen says
Is this supposed to be 1 cup of butter or one stick of butter? I used 1 cup, as the recipe states, and there was butter melting and oozing out the side of the pie during and after it baked.
Michelle says
Yes, this is supposed to be 1 cup of butter. I remade the recipe again, just to make sure I didn't make an unfortunate typo, and 1 cup of butter came out perfectly for me. I'm not sure why you had butter oozing out. I've never had that happen, and can't think of a reason why it would.
JFree says
Yes... happened to me to. Melted butter all on my cookie sheet, thank God I used one. Have made plenty of pies and this was new to me . Anyone ever find out why this would happen? Haven't tried it yet, waiting to cool down
Michelle says
I tested this recipe for the 4th time after this original comment, and it still isn't happening to me. I would use a deeper pie dish.
Cynthia | What A Girl Eats says
Gah! You had me at chocolate...and nuts...and bourbon! Such a deliciously decadent pie! Thank you.
Vicky says
I've heard of this pie but now I've GOT to try it! You had me at gooey and chocolate. 🙂
Jacqueline Meldrum says
I've never heard of this pie but oh my god it sounds and looks delicious!
Sara Welch says
Enjoyed this after dinner last night and it did not disappoint! So easy and delicious; exactly what I needed to cure my sweet tooth! Definitely, a new favorite!
Michelle says
Made this for Easter -- this was such a delicious pie! My family enjoyed it very much, thank you!
Brenda James says
I'm planning on making this for a Derby party and want to verify. Is one cup two sticks) of butter correct? Seems like a lot for one pie and I don't want to ruin what looks like a delicious recipe.
Michelle says
Yes, that is correct!
Gwynn Galvin says
You had me at warm gooey chocolate! Such a delicious recipe!
Carrie Robinson says
Oh yum! This definitely sounds like my kind of pie. Can't wait to make this. 🙂
Mahy says
Give me a glass of milk and I am in a pie heaven! Can't wait to make it now.
Andrea Harrison says
This is such a great pie! I love how gooey it is. The flavor was so amazing and we all loved it.
ARH says
I'm making this for a Derby party tomorrow, since I forgot to have one shipped in time. Are you using a deep dish pie crust, or regular? Thanks!
Michelle says
Regular pie crust. You may want to use a deeper dish as some people are reporting spillage.
Here's the recipe I use: https://www.thegraciouswife.com/fail-pie-crust/
suzanne f jones says
I make this recipe, almost to the letter, except my recipe calls for a stick of butter. It works fine for me.