Kentucky Derby Pie

Kentucky Derby Pie: A Classic Southern Dessert with a Gooey Chocolate Twist

Thank you so much for being here—it means more than you know! I get so excited sharing recipes that carry tradition, warmth, and a little indulgence. And this one? Oh, it’s legendary. Right after the H1, I want to shout it from the rooftops: Kentucky Derby Pie is a gooey, chocolatey, nutty dessert that’s as iconic to Kentucky as bourbon and bluegrass.

It’s the perfect treat for Derby Day, holidays, or any time you’re craving something sweet and comforting with a touch of elegance. Be sure to subscribe below to get this recipe sent straight to your inbox—plus more Southern dessert favorites to sweeten your inbox all year long!

What Is Kentucky Derby Pie?

Kentucky Derby Pie is a rich, decadent dessert made with a buttery pie crust filled with a mixture of chocolate chips, chopped pecans or walnuts, and a sweet, gooey brown sugar filling. It’s baked until golden, slightly crisp on top, and luxuriously melty in the center.

This pie was created in the 1950s by the Kern family in Prospect, Kentucky, and it’s traditionally served during the Kentucky Derby celebrations—but trust me, once you taste it, you won’t want to wait for May to make it again!

Reasons to Love This Kentucky Derby Pie

• Easy to make with simple ingredients—just stir, pour, and bake.

• A texture lover’s dream—crunchy nuts, melty chocolate, and gooey center.

• Crowd-pleasing and nostalgic, perfect for gatherings.

• Make-ahead friendly—this pie tastes even better the next day!

• Freezer-friendly, so you can always have one on hand.

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine a warm chocolate chip cookie collided with a pecan pie and decided to live in a flaky pie crust. That’s Kentucky Derby Pie. It’s sweet and buttery with a caramel-like filling, rich chocolate flavor in every bite, and a nutty crunch that balances the goo.

It’s one of those “just one more bite…” kind of desserts. (I’m kicking myself for not having shot it right after slicing—it looked amazing!)

Health Benefits (With a Side of Sweet Indulgence)

Okay, this pie is a treat, and that’s the point. But here’s the good news:

• Walnuts and pecans are heart-healthy and full of good fats.

• Dark chocolate chips add antioxidants and a rich flavor.

• No corn syrup in this version—just natural brown sugar and real butter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar

• 3 large eggs

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional but SO worth it)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (or a mix!)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Rubber spatula

• Pie dish (9-inch)

• Cooling rack

Ingredient Additions & Swaps

Make it your own:

• Add a tablespoon of espresso powder for a mocha twist.

• Use dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.

• Swap nuts—pecans, walnuts, or even almonds work.

• Make it boozy with a splash of Kentucky bourbon (highly recommended for Derby Day!).

How to Make Kentucky Derby Pie (Step-by-Step)

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.

2. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth.

3. Add flavorings: Stir in flour, vanilla extract, and bourbon (if using).

4. Fold in the good stuff: Gently stir in chocolate chips and chopped nuts.

5. Pour into crust: Spread the mixture evenly in the pie shell.

6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is just set. (A little jiggle is okay!)

7. Cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling firm up.

What to Serve with Kentucky Derby Pie

This pie is rich and indulgent—pair it with:

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for creamy contrast.

• Fresh berries for a tart, juicy side.

• A cup of hot coffee or bourbon-spiked cream for sipping.

And of course—serve it up while watching the Kentucky Derby with a mint julep in hand!

Tips for the Best Pie

• Don’t overbake! The center should be just set for that gooey, brownie-like texture.

• Use a pie shield or foil if the crust edges brown too quickly.

• Let it cool completely before cutting—it’s worth the wait!

• Use good-quality chocolate chips for meltier pockets of chocolate.

How to Store Kentucky Derby Pie

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

• Freeze slices (wrapped well) for up to 3 months—just thaw and warm before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without nuts?
Yes! It’ll be more like a gooey chocolate chip pie—still amazing.

Can I use a frozen pie crust?
Absolutely—just let it thaw before filling and baking.

Is bourbon necessary?
No, but it adds a lovely depth. You can leave it out or use a teaspoon of maple syrup for extra flavor.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day. Bake, cool, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Fall in Love with Kentucky Derby Pie

Kentucky Derby Pie is everything I love about Southern baking—it’s indulgent, rich, full of flavor, and just a little nostalgic. Whether you’re making it for Derby Day or just a cozy Sunday dinner, this pie delivers big comfort in every slice.

If you’re a fan of pecan pie, chocolate chip cookies, or anything with a gooey center… this one’s calling your name.

More Southern Dessert Favorites to Try

• Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

• Chocolate Chess Pie

• Peach Cobbler with Buttermilk Biscuits

Share Your Pie!

Have you baked this beauty? I have to see it! Tag me on Pinterest or leave a comment below with your photos and feedback—I love celebrating your kitchen wins.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

• Calories: 440

• Fat: 28g

• Carbs: 45g

• Sugar: 33g

• Protein: 5g

• Fiber: 2g

Kentucky Derby Pie

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• Author: iyma hernandes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 slices 1x

Print Recipe

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Description

Kentucky Derby Pie is a gooey, chocolatey, nutty dessert that’s as iconic to Kentucky as bourbon and bluegrass. It’s rich, nostalgic, and easy to make—perfect for Derby Day or whenever you need a slice of sweet Southern comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon bourbon (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth.
4. Stir in flour, vanilla extract, and bourbon if using.
5. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped nuts.
6. Pour mixture into pie crust and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until top is golden and center is just set.
8. Cool completely before slicing for clean cuts and gooey texture.

Notes

Let the pie cool completely before slicing to achieve that perfectly gooey center. Use a pie shield if the crust browns too fast. For a boozy touch, don’t skip the bourbon!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 33g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: kentucky derby pie, southern dessert, chocolate pecan pie, derby day recipe