If you’ve ever dreamt of a pie that’s rich, gooey, and packed with the perfect mix of chocolate and nuts, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Derby Pie Recipe. This classic Southern dessert is downright addictive with its luscious filling nestled in a flaky pie crust—every bite bursts with chocolate chips and crunchy pecans swirled in a caramel-like, brown sugar custard. It’s a timeless crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to whip up but delivers a big wow factor every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Derby Pie Recipe lies in a handful of simple ingredients that play together like a dream. From the smoothness of eggs to the nutty crunch of pecans, each component is essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture and irresistible flavor.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Serves as the buttery, flaky base that holds all that delicious filling.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds rich chocolate bursts throughout the pie for luscious sweetness.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: Provides the perfect nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Infuses the filling with a deep, caramelized sweetness essential to Derby Pie’s signature taste.
- 2 large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together while giving structure to the pie’s gooey texture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and keeps the filling silky smooth.
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour: Helps to slightly thicken the filling and keep it nicely set.
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the nutty and chocolate notes.
How to Make Derby Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly even bake that will set the filling just right without drying it out.
Step 2: Whisk Together Wet and Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and brown sugar until smooth and combined. Add the melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, and salt, stirring well to create a luscious filling base that’s both silky and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Stir in Chocolate and Pecans
Now for the best part—fold in those chocolate chips and chopped pecans. This step guarantees every forkful of your Derby Pie Recipe is packed with that iconic combination of sweet and crunchy goodness.
Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust
Carefully pour the decadent filling into your unbaked pie shell, spreading it evenly. This ensures a uniform bake and that beautiful golden top once it’s out of the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the pie into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle in the center – that’s the ideal texture for this pie.
Step 6: Cool and Set
Take your pie out and let it cool completely. Patience is key here because cooling lets the filling firm up just enough for perfect slicing.
Step 7: Serve with Style
Slice your Derby Pie Recipe and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic Southern finish that everyone loves.
How to Serve Derby Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a generous spoonful of whipped cream or melting a scoop of vanilla ice cream over a warm slice creates a delightful contrast to the rich filling—making every bite feel like a cozy celebration.
Side Dishes
Pair your slice of Derby Pie with a fresh cup of coffee or hot tea to balance the sweetness. For a festive touch, serve alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to add a pop of freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, consider serving individual mini Derby Pies in ramekins, or presenting it with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce. Sprinkling a few toasted pecans on top adds both charm and texture that impresses guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Derby Pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 4 days without losing its signature gooey texture.
Freezing
You can freeze Derby Pie by wrapping it snugly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or serving cold.
Reheating
Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes. This revives that fresh-baked feeling and makes the chocolate nice and melty again.
FAQs
What makes a Derby Pie Recipe different from a regular pecan pie?
Derby Pie Recipe features a delicious twist with chocolate chips mixed in, giving it a gooier, chocolate-rich filling compared to traditional pecan pie, which is generally just pecans and syrupy custard.
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust can add an extra layer of buttery flavor and flakiness, making your Derby Pie Recipe taste even more special and fresh.
Is it necessary to use semi-sweet chocolate chips?
Semi-sweet chocolate provides the perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter notes. However, you can experiment with dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your personal preference.
How do I know when the Derby Pie is done baking?
Look for the filling to be mostly set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Overbaking can cause a dry texture, so it’s best to remove it when it still has a gentle wobble.
Can I make this pie vegan or gluten-free?
With some ingredient substitutions like using a vegan pie crust, flax eggs, dairy-free butter, and gluten-free flour, you can certainly adapt the Derby Pie Recipe to meet dietary needs while still enjoying its iconic flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Derby Pie Recipe is nothing short of a treasure from the South that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because life calls for something sweet and comforting, it’s guaranteed to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch how quickly this delicious pie disappears from the table!
Print
Derby Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Derby Pie is a classic American dessert featuring a rich, gooey filling of chocolate chips and toasted pecans nestled in a flaky pie crust. This indulgent treat combines the sweetness of brown sugar with the buttery depth of vanilla and melted butter, baked to perfection for a warm, comforting dessert perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, packed brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the all-purpose flour to the wet mixture, mixing thoroughly to incorporate.
- Add Chocolate and Pecans: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans to evenly distribute them within the filling.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the prepared filling mixture into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The filling should be set but maintain a slight jiggle in the center, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps the filling to set properly.
- Serve: Serve slices plain or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent finish.
Notes
- Ensure the pie is fully cooled before slicing for cleaner pieces and better texture.
- Use fresh pecans for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
- Storing leftover pie in the refrigerator is recommended to maintain freshness.
