Kentucky Derby Pie – topped with Chocolate Ganache

Kentucky Derby Pie with Chocolate Ganache: A Southern Classic Goes Gourmet

First off, thank you so much for being here. I truly love sharing these Southern-inspired recipes with you, especially the ones that take a beloved tradition and give it an irresistible little upgrade. And friends—this Kentucky Derby Pie with chocolate ganache is everything. Think of it as the rich, gooey cousin of pecan pie, but with chocolate chips, buttery walnuts, and a splash of bourbon… and then, yes, a glossy layer of chocolate ganache to push it right over the top!

If you haven’t already, subscribe below so you never miss a dessert this decadent again—I promise, your sweet tooth will thank you.

What Is Kentucky Derby Pie?

Kentucky Derby Pie is a decadent, chocolate-chip-and-nut-studded dessert baked into a flaky pie crust. It originated in the 1950s at the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky and has since become synonymous with Derby Day traditions. The classic version includes eggs, butter, sugar, chocolate chips, and either pecans or walnuts. My twist? A rich chocolate ganache topping that adds smooth, velvety luxury to an already indulgent pie.

Reasons to Love This Kentucky Derby Pie with Chocolate Ganache

• Ultra-decadent: Gooey center + fudgy ganache = total showstopper.

• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or Derby Day.

• Simple ingredients, big flavor: Pantry staples with a gourmet finish.

• Versatile: Serve warm, room temp, or chilled—it’s fabulous all ways.

• Bourbon-kissed: That hint of Kentucky spirit is unforgettable!

What Does This Pie Taste Like?

It’s got the soul of a chocolate chip cookie and the heart of a Southern pecan pie. The filling is buttery and rich with a soft, chewy center thanks to the chocolate and eggs. The nuts add crunch, and then that thick, glossy ganache on top? It melts in your mouth and makes the pie taste like a slice of gourmet truffle meets gooey cookie bar.

Benefits of Making This Pie at Home

• Customizable sweetness: Adjust the sugar or chocolate to your liking.

• No artificial flavors or preservatives.

• Looks fancy, but it’s easy! Seriously, that ganache glaze makes it look bakery-quality.

• Feeds a crowd: Perfect for 8–10 slices.

Ingredients

For the Pie:

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

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 3 large eggs

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tbsp bourbon (optional but highly recommended)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

• Pinch of salt

• ½ tsp bourbon or vanilla (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk and spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• 9-inch pie dish

• Small saucepan (for ganache)

• Wire rack for cooling

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

• No bourbon? Use vanilla extract instead or leave it out entirely.

• Nut-free option: Swap nuts for shredded coconut or omit completely.

• Dark chocolate chips: For a more intense chocolate hit.

• Add sea salt: A sprinkle on top of the ganache = flavor explosion.

How to Make Kentucky Derby Pie with Chocolate Ganache (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and both sugars. Add the melted butter, flour, bourbon, and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.

Step 3: Fill and Bake
Pour the filling into your prepared crust. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Let the pie cool completely before adding ganache.

Step 4: Make the Ganache
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Add a splash of bourbon or vanilla if using.

Step 5: Top the Pie
Pour the ganache over the cooled pie, spreading it to the edges. Let set at room temperature or chill in the fridge for quicker setting.

What to Serve with Kentucky Derby Pie

• A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream

• Fresh berries on the side for a refreshing contrast

• Hot coffee or, for true Derby spirit, a mint julep!

Tips for the Best Results

• Cool the butter before mixing it with eggs to avoid scrambling them.

• Use a deep-dish crust to hold all the rich filling comfortably.

• Don’t overbake—a slightly gooey center is perfect!

• Chill before slicing if you want neat, clean cuts.

• Ganache won’t set instantly—give it time at room temp or chill to firm up.

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Covered, up to 2 days (if not too warm).

• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days. Let it come to room temp before serving.

• Freezer: Wrap well and freeze slices up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge.

General Info About Kentucky Derby Pie

This pie is as tied to the Kentucky Derby as big hats and mint juleps. Created in the 1950s by the Kern family of Prospect, Kentucky, “Derby Pie®” is actually a trademarked name—so you’ll often see it called “chocolate nut pie” or “Derby-style pie” in cookbooks. What sets it apart from a traditional pecan pie is the addition of chocolate chips and sometimes bourbon, giving it that chocolate-chip-cookie-meets-pie appeal. It’s especially popular during spring and Derby season, but don’t let that stop you—this dessert is a winner year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pecans instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans are actually more traditional in some versions and add a buttery texture.

Can I skip the ganache?
Sure, but it really adds a luxurious layer. You could also drizzle melted chocolate instead.

Do I need to blind bake the crust?
Nope! The filling bakes right in the raw crust and comes out perfectly cooked.

Can this pie be made ahead?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day, and the ganache sets beautifully overnight.

Is the bourbon necessary?
No, but it adds depth and a classic Kentucky twist. Totally optional.

Conclusion

Rich, nutty, chocolatey, and topped with that silky ganache… this Kentucky Derby Pie with chocolate ganache is nothing short of unforgettable. It’s the kind of pie that makes people stop mid-bite and say, “Wow.” Whether you’re baking it for Derby Day, a dinner party, or just because your sweet tooth demanded something spectacular, this pie delivers big.

If you loved this, you might also enjoy:

• Bourbon Pecan Pie Bars

• Chocolate Chess Pie

• Old-Fashioned Buttermilk Pie with Brown Sugar

Share Your Sweet Slice!

Tried this recipe? I’d be thrilled to see your pie pics! Tag me on Pinterest or drop a comment below and tell me how it turned out. Did you go team pecan or team walnut? I’m all ears (and sweet tooth)!

Nutritional Information (Per Slice, based on 8 servings)

• Calories: ~520

• Fat: 32g

• Carbohydrates: 58g

• Sugar: 40g

• Protein: 5g

• Fiber: 2g

Kentucky Derby Pie – topped with Chocolate Ganache

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

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Description

This Kentucky Derby Pie with chocolate ganache takes the Southern classic to luxurious new heights—gooey chocolate chip and walnut filling topped with a glossy, bourbon-kissed ganache.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 3 large eggs
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp bourbon (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• Pinch of salt
• ½ tsp bourbon or vanilla (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and both sugars. Add the melted butter, flour, bourbon, and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
3. Pour the filling into your prepared crust. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out mostly clean. Let the pie cool completely before adding ganache.
4. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over chocolate chips in a bowl. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Add a splash of bourbon or vanilla if using.
5. Pour the ganache over the cooled pie, spreading it to the edges. Let set at room temperature or chill in the fridge for quicker setting.

Notes

Let the pie cool fully before adding ganache. Chill if needed for clean slices. Don’t overbake—slightly gooey is perfect. Use a deep-dish crust to hold all the richness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 40g
• Sodium: 90mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: kentucky derby pie, chocolate ganache pie, derby dessert, bourbon pie, walnut pie