5 Star Reader Comment
I’ve made 4 of these in the last 3 days for work and family gatherings and came home with an empty dish every time! Perfect flavor and consistency.
Anja
When in Doubt, Bake a Chocolate Pie
The first time I made this pie, I remember thinking how simple it was — just a few pantry staples and a whisk, and that was it. No fancy equipment or complicated steps, just honest, old-fashioned baking that reminds me why I love being in the kitchen.
I’ve served this Chocolate Chess Pie at holiday dinners, Sunday suppers, and even when I need a sweet treat. It’s one of those tried-and-true recipes that never lets me down — rich, comforting, and full of Southern goodness (it’s the pecans!) in every bite.
XO,
Donya’s Tips and Things To Know
- Use room-temperature eggs. They blend more smoothly and give the pie a creamier texture.
- Don’t overbake. The pie should have a gentle jiggle in the middle when it comes out — it will firm up as it cools.
- Make it ahead. This pie tastes even better the next day, so it’s great for holiday prep.
- Add a topping. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt takes it over the top.
Chocolate lovers, try my Southern Chocolate Cobbler and Crock-Pot Chocolate Pecan Candy next.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butter: Gives the pie its rich flavor and velvety texture.
- Cocoa powder: The key to that deep, chocolate taste — use a good unsweetened variety.
- Sugar: Sweetens and helps form that signature crackly top.
- Eggs: Provide structure and give the filling its custard-like consistency.
- Evaporated milk: Adds creaminess and smoothness.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor.
- Pie crust: Store-bought ( I love a good shortcut) or homemade — both work beautifully.
How To Make This Recipe
- Melt and mix: Whisk together melted butter, sugar, cocoa, and a pinch of salt until smooth and glossy.
- Add the good stuff: Stir in eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla until the filling is silky and well combined.
- Add my Southern Twist: fold in the chopped pecans.
- Fill and bake: Pour the mixture into an unbaked pie shell and bake until the center is just set and the top has that signature crackly finish.
How To Serve Fudgy Chocolate Pie
Let the pie cool before cutting — it sets as it cools, giving you that rich, fudgy texture everyone loves. Top each slice with a spoonful of whipped cream, a dollop of Cool Whip, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch.
More Southern Desserts You’ll Love
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust for a 9″ pie pan
- 1 ½ cups regular sugar
- 3 ½ tablespoons good powered cocoa
- ½ cup melted butter – 1 stick
- 5 oz evaporated milk
- 2 eggs , beaten
- 1 teaspoon good vanilla
- ¾ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Mix together sugar, cocoa and melted butter with a whisk.
- Add evaporated milk, eggs and vanilla.
- If using, add pecans.
- Pour into unbaked pie shell and bake for 10 minutes.
- Reduce heat to 325 degrees and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Remove pie from oven and let cool. Place in the refrigerator to chill for 2-3 hours or overnight to set. Slice and serve!
Nutrition
A Little History: Why It’s Called Chess Pie
Like most good Southern stories, no one can quite agree on how Chess Pie got its name — but the best I can gather is that there are a few tales that have stood the test of time. Some folks say it came from a cook who, when asked what kind of pie she’d made, simply replied, “It’s jes’ pie.” Over time, “jes’ pie” turned into “chess pie,” and the name stuck. Then others say it comes from the old-fashioned “pie chest,” where sweet pies like this one were kept cool before refrigerators came along.
I good to go with either one of these, and they make perfect sense to me!
People Often Ask
Yes — whole milk works in a pinch, but evaporated milk gives a richer, more traditional flavor.
Look for a firm edge and a center that’s slightly set but still soft. The top should have a thin, crisp layer — that’s the signature Chess Pie look.
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Serve chilled, at room temperature, or gently warmed in the oven.
What To Serve With Old Fashioned Chess Pie
The short answer is, serve it with just about anything! But one of my favorites is at a family dinner with crock pot beef roast, stuffed baked potatoes, and roasted broccoli. I love it at the holidays on a dessert buffet with banana pudding trifle, lemon pound cake, and ambrosia cookies.
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I look forward to making this. I don’t have a premade pie crust. Can I just use refrigerated one and still follow your steps?
Sure. Enjoy!
~Donya
Love this pie! About 4 yrs ago I went to my cousins for Thanksgiving dinner. My cousin always makes her grandson a chocolate chess pie (her version). I told her that I would make him a pie for the next year if she is running late. Well guess what, she was running late with her cooking so I made him this Chocolate Chess Pie. When it was dessert time, he gobbled it down. My cousin asked him if he like her pie or Aunt Jan’s. He said he didn’t want to hurt her feelings but he liked Aunt Jan’s pie! She’s not been happy over this pie ever sense. The other day her grandson was telling her what he would like to have for the dinner and he named off the usual turkey and dressing, etc and ended up with, ‘Aunt Jan’s pie’! Last year I made him 2 pies, one for Thanksgiving dinner and one to take home to College. I just love this story and hope you did too. This pie is GREAT!
Thank you so much! Love this comment and glad you sharing.
~Donya
I have made this pie and HANDS DOWN it is the most DELICIOUS pie I have eaten. And the Lemon Chess Pie is VERY REFRESHING for a dessert on a hot summer day or evening. These are just plain DELICIOUS and very little work is involved. Thank you for sharing these recipes. This is a 10 in ratings.
Hey there Patricia!
My goodness you’ve made my day, I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed this Pie recipe! I might be a little biased, but I have to agree it’s a favorite dessert of mine as well. If you liked this recipe, you need to check out my Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie, it’s just as well delicious and easy to make! Thank you so very much for your kind words and your support, if you ever have any questions about a recipe please don’t hesitate to reach out!
~Donya
I’ve made 4 of these in the last 3 days for work and family gatherings and came home with an empty dish every time! Perfect flavor and consistency.
Hey there Anja!
Wow! Thank you so much for your fantastic rating and your kind words! I am so happy to hear that you’ve enjoyed this recipe, it seems like your friends and family did as well, you really can’t beat a good Chocolate Chess Pie. If you liked this recipe, you should check out my Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie recipe, it’s always been a holiday classic. Thank you so much for your support, I really appreciate it! I hope you have a fantastic holiday season, and if you ever have any questions don’t hesitate to ask!
~Donya
I love Chocolate Chess Pie! But, my recipe doesn’t have pecans. I’m definitely going to try your recipe.
Thanks, Maribeth! I hope you like it.
XO,
~Donya
I'm absolutely positive that the addition of the pecans makes this dessert Over The Top delicious.