Name: Chocolate Chess Pie
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pie crust for a 9" pie pan; 1 1/2 cups regular sugar; 3 1/2 tablespoons good powered cocoa; 1/2 cup melted butter - 1 stick; 5 oz evaporated milk; 2 eggs (, beaten); 1 teaspoon good vanilla; 3/4 cup chopped pecans ((optional))

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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.

Chocolate Chess Pie whole on a cooling rack.

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.

Sliced Chocolate Chess Pie in a cooling rack

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.

Chocolate Chess Pie on a cooling rack with a silver pie server.

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.

Slice of Chocolate Chess Pie with pecans on a white plate with a fork.

More Dessert Recipes You’ll Love!

If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and a rating. I always love hearing from you! Also, don’t forget to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram.