This unapologetically rich chocolate pie is a chess pie and fudge brownie hybrid. It rises like chocolate soufflรฉ in the oven, then falls as it cools which creates a crackly meringue-like top. Youโll love this pie in homemade buttery pie crust and served with fresh whipped cream on top.
Diets beware.
This is A Brownie Pie & Chocolate Chess Pie Hybrid
Youโre looking at part brownie/part chocolate chess pie. Chess pie is a custard pie and typically combines eggs, sugar, butter, flour, sometimes a little cornmeal, buttermilk, vinegar, and/or flavorings such as vanilla, lemon, or chocolate. I am, by no means, an expert on this Southern specialty but one of the best recipes Iโve tried (and a wonderful description of its origins) is over on The Kitchn. Using some of chess pieโs staple ingredients, I made a chocolate variation.
Though itโs totally cooked, the center tastes like brownie batter.
*Itโs magical.*
Tell Me About this Chocolate Pie:
- Thickness: Thin, but very rich. Any thicker and it would almost be too rich to eat.
- Texture: Fudge brownie filling that rises like a chocolate soufflรฉ, then falls as the pie cools. The fallen top tastes like crinkly chocolate meringue. Itโs utterly irresistible. Itโs a bit different than the soft and chewy filling of this brownie pie and caramel turtle brownie pie.
- Ease: Iโd say intermediate. You need to partially blind bake the pie crust, but mixing the ingredients together is pretty simple.
- Baking: Blind bake the crust at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC), then lower to 325ยฐF (163ยฐC) for the filling. A slightly lower oven temperature ensures the thin filling cooks evenly.
- Time: Homemade pie crust always requires extra effort and time, but you can use store-bought if youโre in a time crunch. The filling comes together quickly, but the pie needs to cool for a couple hours before slicing.
9 Ingredients You Need
- Chocolate: For deep chocolate flavor, I use both real chocolate and cocoa powder in this filling. Note that you only need 2 ounces of chocolate. Most baking chocolate is sold in 4 ounce bars, so youโll only use half. I prefer Bakerโs or Ghirardelli brands.
- Butter: Melt butter with the chocolate before adding to the other filling ingredients. This is how I start my chewy fudgy frosted brownies recipe, too.
- Sugar, Salt, & Vanilla: All add flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: Chess pie is often thickened with flour and/or cornmeal. Here weโll use unsweetened cocoa powder because it adds flavor too. Remember this post on dutch-process vs. natural cocoa powder? Since thereโs no chemical leavening occurring, you can use either in this recipe.
- Espresso Powder: Add espresso powder if you want to kick up the chocolate flavor like we do in marble loaf cake and chocolate zucchini bread. The pie tastes good without it, but better with it. You can find it in the coffee aisle at the grocery store or online.
- Heavy Cream: A lot of chess pie recipes call for evaporated milk, but I use heavy cream here. Heavy cream is convenient because you can top this pie with whipped cream. That being said, if you have a can of evaporated milk, use it instead.
- Eggs: The workhorse in this recipe, eggs add structure, stability, and texture. You need 3 eggs total. 2 whole eggs + 1 egg yolk for the filling, then save that last egg white for an egg wash. Brush the egg wash on the pie crust before blind baking. A quick egg wash promises a golden brown and shiny pie crust.
Pie Crust
You also need a pie crust shell. If youโre in a pinch, use store-bought. If you have a little more time on your hands, go for homemade. Nothing ever compares to flaky buttery pie crust and you can make it ahead of time. My pie crust recipe yields enough for 2 pies, which is convenient if you also want to make pumpkin pie this holiday season.
- Partially Blind Bake: Whether you use store-bought or homemade, you need to pre-bake the pie crust. The crust takes longer to bake than the filling, so it needs extra time in the oven. If you skip pre-baking, also known as blind baking, the crust tastes soggy. Roll out your cold pie dough, then fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp or flute the pie crust around the edges. To prevent the pie dough from shrinking, chill for at least 30 minutes in the pie dish. Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights (note: 2 packs of these pie weights is needed). Bake until the edges are lightly brown, about 15 minutes. Remove parchment/pie weights, then prick the crust with a fork. Bake crust for 8 more minutes. Fill with chocolate filling, then return to the oven to bake the whole pie.
We do this exact same process when we make quiche. If itโs helpful, I have an in-depth guide and video for How to Blind Bake Pie Crust and How to Crimp and Flute Pie Crust.
Step by Step Photos Below The Recipe!
Looking for something gluten free, but just as rich and fudgy? Try my flourless chocolate cake instead.
This recipe is part of Sallyโs Pie Week, an annual tradition where I share a handful of new recipes that fit into the pie/crisp/tart category. Join the community below!
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Magical Chocolate Pie (Chess Pie)
- Prep Time: 3 hours (includes pie crust)
- Cook Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes (includes blind bake)
- Total Time: 7 hours (includes cooling)
- Yield: one 9-inch pie
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich chocolate pie tastes like fudge brownies with a crackly meringue-like topping. To avoid a soggy crust, partially blind bake the dough as directed in the recipe below.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 unbaked Buttery Flaky Pie Crust (what I used) or All Butter Pie Crust*
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg white, lightly beaten
Filling
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter
- 2 ounces (56g) semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons (16g) unsweetened natural or dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs + 1 large egg yolk
- optional for serving: whipped cream
Instructions
- Pie crust: I like to make sure my pie dough is prepared before I begin making this chocolate pie. Make pie dough the night before because it needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before rolling out and blind baking (next step).
- Roll out the chilled pie dough: On a floured work surface, roll out one of the disks of chilled dough (use the 2nd pie crust for another recipe!). Turn the dough about a quarter turn after every few rolls until you have a circle 12 inches in diameter. Carefully place the dough into a 9-inch pie dish. Tuck it in with your fingers, making sure it is completely smooth. To make a lovely thick edge, I do not trim excess dough around the edges. Instead, fold the excess dough back over the edge and use your hands to mold the edge into a nice thick rim around the pie. Crimp the edges with a fork or use your fingers to flute the edges. Review my how to crimp and flute pie crust tutorial if you need extra help with this step.) Brush edges with egg wash/egg white. Carefully line the inside of the pie with two pieces of parchment paper, as shown in the photo below, then pour in the pie weights. Make sure the weights are evenly distributed around the pie dish. If itโs helpful, you can watch me do this exact step in my pecan praline pumpkin pie video tutorial. Chill the dough in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 30 minutesโthis helps prevent the crust from shrinking. You can actually fill with pie weights before or after chilling, it doesnโt make a difference.
- Preheat oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Partially blind bake the crust: Bake the cold pie crust (with weights) for 15 minutes. Remove pie from the oven and carefully lift the parchment paper (with the weights) out of the pie. Prick holes all around the bottom crust with a fork. Return the pie crust to the oven and bake for 8 minutes to help set the bottom. Remove from the oven and set aside until step 7. You can pre-bake the crust up to 3 days ahead of time. Cover and store in the refrigerator (without weights) until ready to use.
- Reduce oven to 325ยฐF (163ยฐC).
- For the filling: Cut the butter into pieces so it melts evenly. Place in a large heat-proof bowl or double boiler. Add chopped chocolate. Melt in 20 second increments in the microwave, stirring after each increment until completely melted and smooth. Set aside and let cool for 2-3 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt together until combined. Whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla, 2 eggs, and 1 egg yolk. Finally, whisk in the cooled butter/chocolate.
- Bake: Pour filling into pre-baked pie crust (crust can still be warm). Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the center is no longer jiggly. It can still be a little sticky in the very center on top, just as long as it no longer jiggles when you lightly tap the pan. During bake time, if you find the edges of the pie crust are browning too quickly, apply a pie crust shield or a ring of aluminum foil to protect it.
- Remove finished pie from the oven. Place on a wire rack to cool completely or for at least 2 hours. The pie filling will sink and set as it cools.
- Garnish with whipped cream, if desired. (I used Wilton 8B piping tip in these photos.) Slice and serve.
- Cover and store leftover pie at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: The pie dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can pre-bake the pie crust 3 days ahead of time (see step 4). You can prepare the filling 1 day ahead of time. Cover and store in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before pouring into pie crust and baking. You can also bake the pie 1-2 days before serving, though itโs best served the day of. If making ahead, store covered at room temperature for 1 day or in the refrigerator for 2 days. You can also freeze the baked and cooled pie for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. To reheat the whole pie, warm it in a 300ยฐF (149ยฐC) oven, covered, for 15-20 minutes.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): Rolling Pin | 9-inch Pie Dish | Parchment Paper | Pie Weights | Pastry Brush | Double Boiler (optional) | Glass Mixing Bowls | Whisk | Pie Crust Shield | Cooling Rack | Piping Bag (Reusable or Disposable) | Wilton 8B Piping Tip
- Pie Crust: Both linked pie crust recipes make 2 crusts. You only need 1 crust for this pie, so freeze the 2nd half for another use. If using store-bought pie dough, you still need to partially blind-bake it (steps 2, 3, and 4). If needed, you can use a graham cracker crust or Oreo cookie crust instead of traditional pie crust. Pre-bake the cookie crust at 350ยฐF (177ยฐC) for 10 minutes. No need for pie weights if using a cookie crust.
- Chocolate: Use pure chocolate baking bars. You can find them right next to the chocolate chips in the baking aisle. They are sold in 4 ounce bars, so youโll only need half. I like Bakers or Ghirardelli brands. I use and recommend semi-sweet chocolate, but you can use bittersweet or unsweetened chocolate for a darker flavor.
- Espresso Powder: Espresso powder deepens the chocolate flavor. You can find it in the coffee aisle at the grocery store or online. You can skip it or use 2 teaspoons of instant coffee powder instead.
- Heavy Cream: Use heavy cream or heavy whipping cream. If desired, you can use 1/4 cup of evaporated milk instead. I donโt recommend any other substitutes.
To make the filling, the first step is to melt butter and chocolate together. I use the microwave, but you can use a double boiler instead.
As instructed in step 6, whisk the other filling ingredients together, then whisk in the melted chocolate/butter mixture.
This recipe requires a partially blind baked pie crust shell. Follow my detailed instructions above. My How to Blind Bake Pie Crust video and guide is helpful too. I use and recommend (affiliate link) these pie weights. You need 2 packs to fill a pie shell.
After partially blind baking, pour in the chocolate filling and bake.
Reader Comments and Reviews
Can i use all butter shortcrust pastry?
Hi Charlotte, absolutely!
Has anyone tried doubling this recipe? Sally, any pro-tips for doing so?
Hi Taryn! For best results we recommend making two batches.
The taste of this pie is great, but I was disappointed when I found out it was undercooked in the center, even though the correct oven temperature and baking time was used and the center was not jiggly when I pulled it out of the oven. I wish there was a better way to tell when itโs done!
This pie really surprised me. I used my own pie crust but was looking forward to this center. I made it the night before Thanksgiving and was sure it was a bust. The top cracked and it deflated way below the crust. When I tapped on the top it felt hard with no give. I tried to stay hopeful and made the whip cream.
When I cut into it I was flummoxed to see it fudged and creamy. Tasted so rich, our guests loved it. Lesson learned. Trust the process and have a little faith. Thanks for the great dessert recipe. I will need to adjust my pie plate for the next time so that the crust to center ratio is more even, but the recipe is perfect.
I am so excited to make this! Which cocoa powder did you use? Unsweetened natural or Dutch-process? Thank you!
You can use either here! We always have natural cocoa powder on hand, so usually use that.
Hi,
I only have bittersweet chocolate, should I add extra sugar ?
Hi Amber, itโs only 2 ounces, so it wonโt make a difference. No need to add extra sugar.
Iโve been making this for Thanksgiving for three years now, such a good recipe. Thanks, and see you again next year (or sooner)!!!
Do you think this would be too sweet if using a graham cracker crust?
It would be sweeter, but still delicious!
Thank you, I have been cooking the same old recipes every year!! Ugggg. This is exactly what I have been looking for to take to my sisterโs house for Thanksgiving dinner. I have hosted most all of our family holidays for the past 30 years and this is the first year I am not responsible for every aspect of a large family gathering hosted in my home and I can try different recipes. I love your recipes (Glazed Orange Cranberry Scones-Rolled Sugar Cookies). I also love your YouTube videos. Thanks for your hard work.
Hope this pie is a hit, Katharine โ happy baking!
I am so excited about your mini pumpkin and mini pecan pies and wondered if you think this chocolate chess pie could be adapted for mini pies? (Iโm also hoping to figure out how to make mini apple pies, if you have any suggestions for that, too.)
Thank you!
Hi Kelly, weโre sure that it could work as mini pies but we havenโt tested it so weโre unsure of the bake time needed. The crusts will be small enough that they shouldnโt need to be pre-baked but you can definitely pre-bake them if youโd like them a bit crispier. Weโd say about 5-10 minutes at 375ยฐF (191ยฐC) and then continue with the filling. Let us know if you try it!
I am planning to use a frozen pre-made crust- do i need to blind bake still? Instructions on the crust say not to, so Iโm not sure. Thanks! Love your recipes so much!
Hi Megan, Whether you use store-bought or homemade, you need to pre-bake the pie crust. The crust takes longer to bake than the filling, so it needs extra time in the oven.
This is such a unique pie! The fragile crust has such a delicate snap when you bite into it, which is such a satisfying texture when contrasted with the fudgy brownie interior. I think the crust adds a nice element to make everything a little less sweet while taking the edge off the chocolate overload ๐ The whipped cream really rounded it out perfectly!
My husband and I loved this pie! I used my own pie crust recipe and followed the filling recipe amounts exactly. My husband cannot have dairy so I used all dairy free ingredients and the filling set up perfect. Highly recommend this recipe.
I canโt wait to make this for Motherโs Day! If Iโm making it ahead, is there a way to keep fresh whipped cream from deflating and make that ahead too? I need to make this the day before and wonโt get to make the whipped cream the day of so Iโm thinking of some options.
Hi Wendy, you can make the whipped cream up to 24 hours in advance and store in the refrigerator. Wait to pipe until youโre ready to serve the pie. Hope itโs a hit!
When I tell u I have made this pie THREE times in the past 2 weeksโฆ & Iโm making 2 more tonight!! This is the 1st review I have EVER done โ YES ITโS THAT GOOD!! only change is I use Graham cracker crust pre-made since I donโt have a pie pan Lol MAKE THIS!!!!
There seem to be two versions of โSouthern chocolate pie.โ My mother, from Georgia and Tennesee, made a version with a filling cooked on the stove. Iโve never had this version. I think Iโll give it a try!