Derby Pie Recipe

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about Derby Pie—a dessert that instantly takes you back to cozy family gatherings, Kentucky Derby watch parties, and the smell of toasted pecans and gooey chocolate wafting through a warm kitchen. This pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a cherished Southern tradition wrapped in a flaky crust and baked to perfection.

I first made Derby Pie for a springtime potluck after watching the Kentucky Derby with friends. What I expected to be just another dessert turned out to be the star of the evening. Everyone kept asking for seconds—and the recipe. That’s when I realized: this pie holds magic.

Whether you’ve grown up with this pie or you’re tasting it for the first time, there’s a reason why Derby Pie has stood the test of time. Keep reading, because you’ll want to bake this beauty again and again.

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s nothing quite like slicing into a Derby Pie and seeing the molten chocolate and buttery filling spill slightly from the crust—it’s a rich, sweet reward that feels utterly indulgent. But the real hook? It’s outrageously simple to make, even for novice bakers.

This pie brings together a few humble pantry staples to create a masterpiece of texture and flavor. The crisp, flaky crust gives way to a soft, nutty center laced with chocolate chips. Every bite is a balance between sweet and savory, crunchy and gooey. And thanks to its crowd-pleasing flavors, it’s a go-to dessert for holidays, parties, or just a cozy weekend at home.

What sets Derby Pie apart is its versatility. It feels luxurious yet homey, impressive yet effortless. No matter how many other desserts are on the table, this one always disappears first. That’s the kind of magic I want to keep sharing.

Ingredients for Derby Pie

Before you even preheat the oven, gather these key ingredients. The secret to Derby Pie’s rich texture and depth of flavor is in the quality and combination of these staples.

Start with a flaky pie crust—homemade or store-bought, your call. Then you’ll need eggs, butter, sugar, a splash of vanilla, flour to hold it all together, and, of course, the stars of the show: chocolate chips and chopped pecans or walnuts.

Here’s a deeper dive into what you’ll need:

• Pie crust: One 9-inch unbaked pie shell. You can make your own for a more rustic flavor or use a high-quality store-bought version for convenience.
• Butter: Unsalted is best to control the saltiness. Melted and cooled slightly—it blends beautifully into the filling.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar brings classic sweetness. Some bakers like to add a touch of brown sugar for extra depth—go ahead if you want a subtle caramel note.
• Eggs: These create structure and richness in the filling.
• All-purpose flour: Just a small amount to bind everything together.
• Vanilla extract: The aroma adds warmth and depth.
• Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet works perfectly—melts just enough while keeping some bite.
• Nuts: Traditionally pecans, but walnuts are a close second. Chop them, but don’t grind—they should hold their texture.

Everything is easy to find and likely already in your kitchen, which is part of what makes this pie such a go-to classic.

How Much Time Will You Need

Derby Pie is surprisingly quick to throw together. From start to finish, you’re looking at just over an hour:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 45–50 minutes
• Cooling Time: At least 1 hour before serving

That’s just over an hour of effort for a show-stopping dessert.

How to Make This Derby Pie

Here’s your detailed, step-by-step walkthrough to make the perfect Derby Pie—rich, golden, and decadently delicious.

Step – 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a rack in the center so your pie bakes evenly.

Step – 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

If using a store-bought crust, fit it into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges. Place it in the fridge while you prepare the filling so the crust stays chilled. This helps prevent a soggy bottom.

If you’re making your own, roll out the dough and place it in the pan, then pop it in the fridge just the same.

Step – 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the eggs until foamy. This introduces air and gives your filling a slightly lighter texture.

Add in the melted butter and mix well until fully combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step – 4: Add Sugar and Flour

Gradually whisk in the sugar, followed by the flour. Mix until everything is smooth and well incorporated.

You’re aiming for a thick, creamy batter at this stage.

Step – 5: Fold in the Chocolate and Nuts

Using a spatula, gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts. Be generous, but make sure they’re evenly distributed so every bite is balanced.

Step – 6: Fill the Pie Crust

Pour the filling into your chilled pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly.

If you like a little extra flair, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips or nuts over the top.

Step – 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and set. The center should jiggle just slightly when shaken.

If the crust is browning too fast, cover the edges with foil partway through baking.

Step – 8: Cool Before Serving

Let the pie cool for at least an hour at room temperature. This helps it set completely and makes slicing easier.

Serve it warm, at room temperature, or chilled—it’s delicious no matter how you slice it.

Substitutions

Let’s say you don’t have every single ingredient on hand. No problem—Derby Pie is flexible, and a few smart substitutions can actually enhance the flavor or meet dietary needs.

If you don’t eat pecans, swap them with walnuts or even chopped almonds. Each brings a unique flavor and crunch.

No semi-sweet chocolate chips? Try dark chocolate for a more intense, bittersweet bite—or milk chocolate for a softer, sweeter note.

Gluten-free? Use a gluten-free pie crust and swap the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The pie still holds together beautifully.

If you want to cut down on sugar, reduce the granulated sugar by ¼ cup and use mini chocolate chips—they distribute more evenly and give that chocolatey punch with less sweetness overall.

You can even experiment with flavorings: a splash of bourbon or a pinch of cinnamon gives the pie a sophisticated twist.

Best Side Dish of Derby Pie

To turn Derby Pie into a memorable dessert course, pair it with something that balances its rich, gooey sweetness. Here are three excellent companions:

Whipped Cream
Light, fluffy, and slightly sweetened—whipped cream cuts through the richness of the pie and adds a delicate contrast.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
There’s a reason this is a classic pairing. Cold, creamy ice cream melting into a warm slice of Derby Pie? Pure bliss.

Fresh Berries
Raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries bring a refreshing tartness and brighten every bite. Plus, they add beautiful color to your dessert plate.

Serving and Presentation Tips

There’s something truly special about serving a dessert that looks just as good as it tastes. Derby Pie may be rustic at heart, but with just a few thoughtful touches, you can turn this humble Southern classic into an elegant showstopper.

The best way to serve Derby Pie is slightly warm or at room temperature. This allows the filling to soften just enough for that gooey, irresistible texture.

Plate each slice on a simple white dessert plate to let the pie’s rich color shine. Dust the plate lightly with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a bakery-style look. A small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side instantly elevates it—and melts beautifully against the warm slice.

For an extra decorative touch, garnish the plate with a sprig of fresh mint or a few seasonal berries. A drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce around the slice adds that glossy, luxurious finish that makes your guests feel like they’re dining in a high-end restaurant.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

If you really want to take your Derby Pie from good to unforgettable, these tips will help you nail it every time.

Use high-quality chocolate chips or chunks. The better the chocolate, the more indulgent and rich your pie will taste.

Toast your nuts before adding them to the batter. This enhances their flavor and gives the pie a deeper, nuttier profile.

Let the butter cool slightly after melting before mixing it into the eggs. Hot butter can cook the eggs and affect the texture of the filling.

Chill the pie crust before filling it. This step helps keep the crust flaky and prevents it from shrinking or becoming soggy.

Want a crispier crust bottom? Try partially blind baking it for 8–10 minutes before adding the filling. Just make sure to cool it before pouring in the batter.

Add a splash of bourbon to the batter for a grown-up twist. It adds warmth, complexity, and a touch of Kentucky charm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though Derby Pie is simple to make, a few small missteps can affect the final result. Here’s what to watch out for:

Overbaking the pie – If you bake until the filling is completely firm, you’ll lose that gooey center. Stop baking when the top is set but the center still jiggles just slightly.

Using cold butter – The butter must be fully melted to blend evenly with the other ingredients. Cold butter will clump and lead to an uneven filling.

Skipping the cooling time – Letting the pie cool is essential. If you cut it too early, the filling may ooze out and won’t hold its shape.

Overmixing the batter – Stir until just combined. Overmixing can create too much air in the batter, affecting the texture.

Adding raw nuts – Toasted nuts give more flavor and crunch. Raw ones can taste bland and rubbery after baking.

How to Store It

Derby Pie stores wonderfully, making it ideal for preparing ahead or enjoying leftovers.

Once cooled, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can store it at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. If chilled, let it sit out for 30 minutes before serving so the filling softens slightly.

To freeze: Wrap the whole pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes to revive that fresh-baked flavor and texture.

FAQ

Can I make Derby Pie ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better the next day. Bake it the day before, cool completely, and cover tightly. Warm slightly before serving for the best texture.

Can I leave out the nuts?
Yes, but the pie won’t have the same crunch or traditional flavor. If allergies are a concern, you can use seeds like sunflower or skip them altogether.

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely. A quality store-bought crust works perfectly and saves time. Just make sure it’s not pre-baked unless you’re planning to blind bake it.

How do I know when the pie is done?
Look for a golden-brown top and a center that jiggles just slightly. Don’t overbake—it firms up as it cools.

Is Derby Pie the same as chocolate pecan pie?
They’re very similar, but Derby Pie traditionally includes chocolate chips and may have a more custard-like filling. Some versions are also made with walnuts instead of pecans.

Print