Introduction: Chess Pie is a beloved Southern dessert that has been delighting taste buds for generations. With its simple yet irresistible combination of buttery, sugary goodness, this pie is a true testament to the art of traditional baking. Whether served at holiday gatherings, potluck dinners, or family celebrations, Chess Pie never fails to impress with its rich flavor and comforting texture. So let’s embark on a journey to the heart of the South and discover how to create this timeless classic in your own kitchen.
Ingredients for the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 2-4 tablespoons ice water
Ingredients for the Chess Pie Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
Instructions:
- Start by making the pie crust. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork after each addition, until the dough comes together and forms a ball. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides of the dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges as desired. Place the pie dish in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, cornmeal, flour, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Add the eggs to the filling mixture, one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the filling is smooth and homogeneous.
- Pour the Chess Pie filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
- If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield halfway through baking to prevent burning.
- Once baked, remove the Chess Pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
- Serve slices of Chess Pie on their own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Conclusion: With its rich, buttery filling and flaky, golden crust, Chess Pie is a true Southern delicacy that never fails to delight. Whether enjoyed as a dessert after a hearty meal or as a sweet treat any time of day, this classic pie is sure to evoke feelings of warmth and nostalgia with every bite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a slice of timeless tradition with this irresistible Chess Pie recipe.