Name: Dark Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought); 1½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; ½ cup evaporated milk; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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If you’re ready to discover your next favorite dessert, then let me introduce you to Dark Chocolate Chess Pie. This iconic Southern treat brings a fudgy, brownie-like filling to a tender, flaky crust, creating a harmony of rich chocolate flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. A glossy, crackled top gives way to a custardy, luscious center that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated. Whether you’re a die-hard chocoholic or simply looking to impress at your next potluck, Dark Chocolate Chess Pie always hits the spot.

Dark Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this pie is how a handful of pantry staples come together to create something show-stopping. Each ingredient plays its unique part in building the irresistible taste, texture, and color that sets Dark Chocolate Chess Pie apart from the rest.

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The flaky, buttery base cradles the silky chocolate filling and adds a perfect crunch to each bite.
1½ cups granulated sugar: Lends essential sweetness while ensuring an indulgently creamy finish.
½ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder: Provides deep, intense chocolate flavor and the signature nearly-black color.
¼ teaspoon salt: Heightens all the chocolate notes and keeps the pie from tasting too sweet.
½ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled): Adds moisture and richness, creating that fudgy interior you’ll crave.
½ cup evaporated milk: The secret to a smooth, dreamy texture—more decadent than regular milk.
2 large eggs: These set the custard as the pie bakes and deliver that classic chess pie structure.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate with a warm, fragrant aroma, making each bite extra special.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Chess Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Starting with a hot oven ensures the filling sets properly and gives the pie its signature crackly top.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, dark cocoa powder, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the cocoa’s deep flavor and prevents any dry lumps, so you’ll get nothing but silky smooth chocolate later on.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the melted (and slightly cooled) butter, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until the mixture is lush and glossy. The key here is to blend well so no streaks of egg or cocoa remain—this is what gives Dark Chocolate Chess Pie its decadent texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, gently crimping the edges for a homemade touch if you like. Carefully pour the chocolatey filling into the shell and smooth the top with a spatula. The batter will be fluid at this stage, so don’t worry—it will set beautifully as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know your Dark Chocolate Chess Pie is ready when the center is puffed yet still has the tiniest jiggle. The surface will appear glossy and delicately crackled.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. Patience here is crucial since the filling continues to set as it cools. Once at room temperature, slice and marvel at that custardy, fudge-like interior!

How to Serve Dark Chocolate Chess Pie

Garnishes

Classic whipped cream is always a winner, its airy lightness contrasting fabulously with the pie’s richness. For a more dramatic finish, sprinkle shaved dark chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder over each slice. Fresh berries add a pop of color and a welcome tartness that pairs surprisingly well with deep chocolate.

Side Dishes

Dark Chocolate Chess Pie loves to share the plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or honey-sweetened Greek yogurt. For a Southern-inspired feast, consider serving with fresh fruit salad or a side of candied pecans for crunch and contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the pie into elegant slivers and stacking them with layers of whipped cream for a rustic trifle. Serve mini slices with coffee or espresso shots for a sophisticated dessert bar, or offer bite-sized squares on a platter for easy sharing at gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the pie tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. This helps maintain the velvety texture and keeps every slice tasting freshly baked.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap individual slices (or the whole pie) well in plastic wrap and then foil. Frozen Dark Chocolate Chess Pie keeps beautifully for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.

Reheating

Though delicious chilled, you can gently warm slices in the microwave for 10 to 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back that melty, just-baked fudginess that makes each bite irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of dark cocoa powder?

Absolutely! While dark cocoa powder amplifies the chocolate intensity, regular unsweetened cocoa powder will still make a delicious chess pie—just expect a lighter color and milder flavor.

What makes it a “chess pie”?

Chess pies are classic Southern desserts known for their simple custard base of sugar, eggs, and butter. The magic of Dark Chocolate Chess Pie is in the addition of cocoa, transforming the traditional formula into a chocolate lover’s dream.

Can I add espresso or coffee?

Yes! Adding a tablespoon of brewed coffee or espresso to your filling deepens the chocolate flavor and adds complexity without overwhelming the sweetness. Try it if you want to enhance the richness even further.

My pie filling cracked—what happened?

A little cracking on top is totally normal (and part of this pie’s charm!), but big cracks can happen if the pie is overbaked. Be sure to pull it from the oven when the center is just set with a slight jiggle for the silkiest texture.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pie crust, since the filling itself is naturally gluten-free. You won’t lose any of the deep, chocolatey deliciousness that defines a perfect Dark Chocolate Chess Pie.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that always delights, Dark Chocolate Chess Pie is about to become your new go-to. There’s just something magical about how these simple ingredients create flavors and textures far beyond the sum of their parts. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it for every chocolate craving and special occasion!

Dark Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Dark Chocolate Chess Pie. A Southern classic, this pie features a velvety smooth filling with a deep chocolate taste that will satisfy any sweet tooth. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Filling:

1½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
½ cup evaporated milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, and salt.
Add wet ingredients: Add melted butter, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
Fill pie crust: Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust and smooth the top.
Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until set. A slight jiggle in the center is okay.
Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before slicing. Serve plain or with whipped cream.