Chess Pie

This classic Southern Chess Pie is a recipe you’ll come back to time and again. Sweet by design and made with simple pantry staples, it transforms everyday ingredients into an unforgettable dessert.

Origin of Chess Pie

What is Chess Pie and where did it originate? There are many stories surrounding the origin of the name of chess pie. It’s not written in stone that any of them are exact. There’s a common story noted by food historians that says, that someone was asked what was for dessert and they answered “jes pie”. The story goes, that it was supposedly misunderstood and translated to “chess pie”. 

While it is a rather whimsical story, in my own personal research it seems very likely that the original chess pie actually contained ground chestnut meal as a binder. Over the years, that binding ingredient has been changed to a variety of other more commonly known stabilizers. Ingredients such as cornmeal, all purpose flour or corn starch could be used depending on the preference of the baker, as you’ll see reflected in my own recipe. Chess may indeed be derived from using chestnuts, although no one knows for sure. Regardless of the origin, we can all agree that Chess Pie is a delicious dessert option and a cousin to buttermilk pie.

Ingredients to Make Chess Pie Recipe

Checkout this quick list of ingredients. Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.

• Pie Shell – One 9-inch deep dish pie shell. You can use a homemade crust or a frozen store-bought crust.
• Eggs – Large eggs gives chess pie its signature flavor and texture.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar for sweetness.
• Cornmeal – Yellow cornmeal and all purpose flour to bind and stabilize the egg custard.
• Butter – Melted butter for richness.
• Liquid – Whole milk thins the egg mixture.
• Flavoring – Vanilla extract adds creamy floral notes.
• Vinegar – White vinegar gives the pie a tangy taste.
• Garnish – Whipped cream and powdered sugar for serving.

How to Make the Best Chess Pie Recipe

• Heat Oven and Pre-Bake the Pie Crust – Fit pie crust into a 9-inch deep dish pie plate. Fold edges under and crimp using the finger pinching technique. Line pastry with aluminum foil or parchment. Fill with dried beans or pie weights and bake at 425 degrees f per the recipe until golden brown. Cool.
• Make the Pie Filling – Whisk together sugar, cornmeal, flour, salt, melted butter, milk, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until fully blended. Add eggs, mix well. Pour into pie shell.
• Oven – Bake per the recipe until the center is set when gently shaken. Cover edge of the crust with aluminum foil to prevent over browning, if needed.
• Cool completely on a wire rack then chill for at least 4 hours.
• Serve – Slice and serve dusted with powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Deep Dish Chess Pie

• One deep dish pie pan or pie dish.
• Medium bowl and a small bowl (microwave safe for melting the butter).
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Whisk for making the filling.
• Pie weights or beans for par-baking the crust.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Pie Shell – You can use a quality frozen pie shell for this recipe or a homemade crust. If you’d like to make your own checkout my Flaky Pie Crust recipe.
• Milk – This pie is typically made using whole milk. You could use buttermilk in place of whole milk. When doing so, omit the white vinegar.
• Vinegar – You can replace the vinegar with lemon juice for a lemon chess pie.
• Bring the Eggs to Room Temperature – Allow the eggs some counter time to warm to room temperature, prior to adding them to the filling for the pie.
• Garnishes – Chess Pie is delicious served simply with a dusting of powdered sugar and whipped cream. You can use Cool Whip or any store brand of whipped topping that you like or make your own fresh whipped cream.
• Chocolate – If chocolate is your weakness, you’ll love my recipe for Chocolate Chess Pie using cocoa powder to transform this classic.

Storage and Leftovers

• Storing Fresh Whipped Cream – Homemade sweetened whipped cream should be made the day you plan on serving it. It’s not as stable as frozen whipped toppings.
• Leftovers – Store leftover Chess Pie covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezer – You can freeze Chess Pie after baking, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and serve dusting with powdered sugar and whipped cream just before serving.

More Southern Pies to Make

• Chocolate Chess Pie will thrill the chocolate lovers in your life.
• Southern Pecan Pie is a must-make.
• Rich and fudgy German Chocolate Pie is a riff on the famous cake.
• Oatmeal Pie is surprisingly simple to make and features a toasted pecan-like flavor.
• My Sweet Potato Pie is topped with a crunchy streusel topping.
• Old Fashioned Butterscotch Pie is like a bite of nostalgia.
• Mile High Banana Cream Pie is proof no skimpy pies will ever be allowed in my kitchen.
• Rhubarb Pie from The Pioneer Woman.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Deep Dish Pie Pan
• Mixer
• Measuring Set
• Mixing Bowls