Ah, chess pie 🥧 — a classic Southern dessert that’s sweet, simple, and irresistibly custardy. It’s often called “Southern magic” because the ingredients are minimal, but the flavor is rich and buttery.
Here’s how to make it:
🥧 Classic Chess Pie Recipe
Ingredients
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1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
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1 ½ cups sugar
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp cornmeal (optional, for texture)
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¼ tsp salt
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4 large eggs
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½ cup (1 stick) butter, melted
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¼ cup milk
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 tsp vinegar or lemon juice (adds a subtle tang)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare filling: In a large bowl, whisk sugar, flour, cornmeal, and salt.
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Beat in eggs, then add melted butter, milk, vanilla, and vinegar/lemon juice until smooth.
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Pour into pie crust and smooth the top.
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Bake 45–50 minutes or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. The top should be golden.
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Cool completely before slicing — chess pie sets as it cools.
Tips for Perfection
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For a richer flavor, use half brown sugar and half white sugar.
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A touch of nutmeg or cinnamon on top adds warmth.
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Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you want, I can also give a “gooey, ultra-sweet Southern style” version that’s almost like a cross between chess pie and pecan pie (without nuts).