Introduction: Step into the world of Southern comfort desserts with this timeless recipe for Chess Pie. Originating from the American South, Chess Pie is known for its simple yet irresistible combination of ingredients, resulting in a rich, custard-like filling encased in a flaky crust. Whether served at a holiday gathering or a casual weekend brunch, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Let’s dive into making this classic dessert!
Ingredients: For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 2-4 tablespoons ice water
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 white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Add the chilled butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough starts to come together.
- Gather the dough into a ball, flatten it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the Pie Crust:
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled pie dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
- Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges and crimp the edges decoratively. Place the pie dish in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Chess Pie Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, cornmeal, white vinegar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the eggs to the sugar mixture, one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the filling is smooth.
- Bake the Pie:
- Pour the prepared filling into the chilled pie crust.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. The center may still jiggle slightly, but it will firm up as it cools.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the Chess Pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
- Serve slices of the pie at room temperature or slightly warmed, with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.
- Storage:
- Store any leftover Chess Pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature or reheat gently in the oven before serving.
Enjoy the classic flavors and comforting texture of this homemade Chess Pie. It’s a taste of Southern hospitality that’s perfect for any occasion!