Name: Dark Chocolate Chess Pie
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp cornmeal

Why You’ll Love Dark Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe

You’ll love this pie because it’s decadently chocolatey without being overly sweet, with a smooth, fudgy filling baked right in a buttery pie shell. Unlike heavy layered desserts, this pie is simple to make yet impressive to serve. With pantry‑friendly ingredients and a timeless appeal, it’s a perfect dessert for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy nights at home.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pie crust

Filling
unsalted butter, cubed
dark chocolate (around 70% cacao), chopped
dark brown sugar
granulated sugar
eggs
vanilla extract
sea salt
heavy cream
water

Directions

Prepare the pie crust: Fit your prepared pie crust into a 9‑inch pie pan, crimp the edges, and chill while you make the filling.
Make the filling: In a heatproof bowl, combine cubed unsalted butter and chopped dark chocolate. Melt them together gently, either in a double boiler or by microwaving in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dark brown sugar, granulated sugar, and sea salt.
Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the melted chocolate and butter into the egg mixture, then add the heavy cream and water. Whisk until fully combined.
Fill and bake: Pour the filling into the chilled pie crust. Bake according to your pie crust’s instructions or until the filling is set around the edges and slightly wobbly in the center.
Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely on a rack before slicing so the filling sets properly.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 8 servings and takes roughly 2 hours and 55 minutes from start to finish, including baking and cooling.

Variations

Classic Chocolate Chess Pie: Use unsweetened cocoa powder and evaporated milk for a smoother, custard-style filling.
Nut Twist: Fold toasted pecans or walnuts into the filling for added texture.
Espresso Infusion: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Graham Cracker Crust: Substitute a graham cracker crust for a slightly sweeter base.

Storage/Reheating

Room temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.
Reheating: Warm individual slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes if desired.

FAQs

What is chocolate chess pie?

Chocolate chess pie is a Southern-style dessert pie with a rich chocolate custard filling baked in a pastry crust. It’s known for its simple ingredients and deeply satisfying texture.

Do I need to blind bake the crust?

You don’t always need to blind bake the crust for chess pies, but partially baking it can help prevent a soggy bottom, especially with wetter fillings.

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, a store-bought crust works perfectly and saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can make a dairy-free version by using plant-based butter and substituting coconut or oat cream for heavy cream. The result will be slightly different in taste and texture but still delicious.

What’s the difference between chess pie and chocolate chess pie?

Traditional chess pie is a custard pie made with sugar, eggs, butter, and sometimes cornmeal. Chocolate chess pie adds melted chocolate or cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey twist.

Why does the pie crack on top?

A slightly cracked top is normal and characteristic of chess pie. It forms naturally as the custard bakes and sets, adding texture and charm.

Should chocolate chess pie be refrigerated?

While the pie can be kept at room temperature for a couple of days, refrigerating it extends its freshness and keeps the texture firm.

Can I freeze chocolate chess pie?

Yes, wrap the pie or individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The edges will be set and the center slightly jiggly. It will continue to firm up as it cools, so don’t overbake.

What should I serve it with?

This pie pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which balances the richness of the chocolate.

Conclusion

Whether you’re preparing for a special celebration or simply indulging a chocolate craving, Dark Chocolate Chess Pie is a dessert that always delivers. Its velvety texture, intense flavor, and comforting simplicity make it a timeless classic worthy of any occasion. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back to this rich, Southern favorite.