Description
A Traditional Southern Chess Pie is a traditional single-crust dessert pie defined by a smooth, baked custard filling made predominantly from butter, sugar, eggs, and an acid such as vinegar or lemon juice. Unlike standard custard or silk pies, a classic Traditional Southern Chess Pie incorporates a small amount of yellow cornmeal and all-purpose flour directly into the batter.
Ingredients
For the crust
– 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust, homemade or store-bought
For the filling
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1½ cups granulated sugar
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½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled slightly
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
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¼ cup whole milk or evaporated milk
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the oven and crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, crimp the edges, and set aside. If using a frozen crust, follow its package instructions for thawing.
2. Mix the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar together until well combined. Let the butter cool enough that it will not scramble the eggs.
3. Make the filling
Whisk in the eggs, one at a time. Add the milk, vinegar, and vanilla. Stir in the cornmeal, flour, and salt until the mixture is smooth. Avoid beating in too much air.
4. Fill the pie shell
Pour the filling into the unbaked crust. Carefully transfer the pie to the center rack of the preheated oven.
5. Bake until set
Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the edges are set. The center should retain a slight wobble, not look liquid. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges loosely with foil.
6. Cool completely
Place the pie on a wire rack and let it cool for at least 2–3 hours before slicing. The custard firms as it cools, giving you clean slices and that classic chess pie texture.
Notes
Southern Chess Pie is a timeless comfort dessert, cherished for generations for its simple ingredients and rich, buttery sweetness. With its golden, crackly top and smooth custard filling, every slice brings a little taste of old-fashioned Southern hospitality. Simple, nostalgic, and irresistibly delicious, this classic pie proves that the sweetest traditions are often made with the simplest ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pie)
- Calories: 430 kcal
Keywords: Old fashioned Southern chess pie, classic Southern chess pie, authentic Southern chess pie, homemade Southern chess pie