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Old-Fashioned Chocolate Chess Pie with a Flaky Butter Crust

A close-up slice of rich, dark chocolate chess pie sprinkled with flaky sea salt on a white plate.
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Make this classic Southern Chocolate Chess Pie for a rich, fudgy center and a crackly top. This recipe uses pantry staples and results in a decadent dessert perfect for holidays or any night you need comfort food.

Ingredients

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  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (use your favorite buttery pie crust recipe)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and salt. Add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and whisk until the batter is smooth and uniform in color. Do not overmix.
  4. If using nuts, gently stir them into the chocolate filling.
  5. Pour the filling carefully into the unbaked pie crust.
  6. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set and slightly puffed, and the center has a slight jiggle (it will set completely as it cools). The top should develop a characteristic crackly surface.
  7. Cool the pie completely on a wire rack for at least 3 hours before slicing. This allows the rich chocolate custard to set properly.
  8. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Notes

  • For a darker, more intense flavor, substitute 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar with 1/4 cup of packed light brown sugar.
  • If you prefer a very gooey center, reduce the baking time by 5 minutes.
  • This pie tastes best when served the day it is made, but you can store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheffinity.com/chocolate-chess-pie-recipe-gooey-fudgy/