Chocolate Chess Pie is rich and fudgy with a signature crackly top that’s seriously delicious! This simple recipe, made in just one bowl, is a classic Southern treat that’s every chocolate lover’s dream.
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Give me pie any day of the week! Whether it’s Classic Sweet Potato Pie, Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie, or Strawberry Jello Pie, I’m all in.
And, when it comes to one of the easiest, most over-the-top pies to make, look no further than Chocolate Chess Pie. This classic Southern dessert is so chocolaty and has a brownie-like texture. It has a slightly crunchy topping that forms while baking, making it totally irresistible.
Chocolate Chess Pie is so simple to make, too. By using a pre-made pie crust, this pie comes together in just a matter of minutes. I’ve also added in chopped pecans for an added bit of texture and flavor.
Ingredients For Chocolate Chess Pie
- Pre-made Pie Crust
- Granulated Sugar
- Powered Cocoa
- Butter
- Evaporated Milk
- Eggs
- Vanilla
- Chopped Pecans
How To Make This Recipe
This pie is so easy to make that you’ll be wondering where the recipe has been all your life! As a bonus, you can use a store-bought shortcut with a pre-made pie crust. Here’s how this recipe comes together:
- Grab a bowl and mix all the ingredients.
- Pour everything into the prepared crust.
- Bake then chill to set.
- Slice and serve!
Success Tip #1: Check the pie shell after the first 10 minutes and if it’s getting too brown, cover with a pie crust shield. If you don’t have one, just make your own out of tin foil. This will keep the pie crust from burning.
Can I Leave Out The Nuts In This Recipe?
Yes, you sure can. The recipe will turn out great if you don’t want to add the pecans. Just follow the recipe instructions, omitting the nuts.
Success Tip #2: chill the pie for 2-3 hours or overnight to allow the filling to set.
How Long Will Chocolate Chess Pie Keep?
This pie will last about 2 days kept on the counter and up to 5 days stored, covered, in the refrigerator.
Ways To Serve This Pie
My favorite way to enjoy Chocolate Chess Pie is room temperature just the way it is. You can also serve it chilled, too. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- With slightly sweetened homemade whipped cream.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Fresh fruit.
More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love!
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Dip
- Southern Pound Cake
- Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie
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
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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.