The short answer: Chess pie is a classic Southern custard pie made from melted butter, sugar, eggs, a little cornmeal, milk, vinegar and vanilla, baked in one crust at 350°F for 45 to 55 minutes. It uses only pantry staples, takes about 10 minutes to mix and gives you a gooey, buttery center under a crackly golden top.
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I love cooking recipes like this one that need nothing special from the store, and chess pie is a holiday dessert you can make with what's already in the pantry.
Chess pie ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| 9-inch unbaked pie crust | 1 |
| Butter, melted | ½ cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar | 1½ cups |
| Yellow cornmeal | 1 tablespoon |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Large eggs | 4 |
| Whole milk or buttermilk | ¼ cup |
| White vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
How to make chess pie
- Heat the oven to 350°F and fit the crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Chill it while you mix.
- Mix the dry ingredients. Stir the sugar, cornmeal, flour and salt together.
- Add butter. Pour in the melted butter and stir until smooth.
- Add eggs. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
- Finish the filling. Stir in the milk, vinegar and vanilla until just combined. Don't whip in air.
- Bake. Pour into the crust and bake 45 to 55 minutes. Cover the edges with foil if they brown too fast.
- Check for doneness. The top should be golden and the center should jiggle only slightly.
- Cool completely, at least 2 hours, before slicing.
New to crust? Our guide on how to make pie crust walks through it, and a store-bought crust works fine.
Chess pie variations
| Version | What to change |
|---|---|
| Chocolate chess pie | Add ¼ cup cocoa powder and an extra 2 tablespoons milk |
| Lemon chess pie | Swap the milk for ¼ cup lemon juice and add zest |
| Buttermilk chess pie | Use buttermilk instead of milk for more tang |
| Brown sugar chess pie | Use half light brown sugar for a caramel flavor |
| Coconut chess pie | Stir in 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut |
| Mini chess pies | Bake in tart shells for 20 to 25 minutes |
Chess pie vs. other Southern pies
| Pie | Main filling | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Chess pie | Butter, sugar, eggs, cornmeal | Gooey with a crackly top |
| Buttermilk pie | Buttermilk custard | Soft and tangy |
| Pecan pie | Syrup, eggs and pecans | Nutty and gooey |
| Sweet potato pie | Spiced sweet potato custard | Smooth and dense |
| Transparent pie | Butter, sugar, eggs, cream | Similar to chess, no cornmeal |
Tips for the best chess pie
- Use room-temperature eggs. They blend smoothly into the butter.
- Don't overmix. Too much air makes the top puff and crack.
- Bake on a low rack. It helps the bottom crust cook through.
- Trust the jiggle. A slight wobble in the center means it will set as it cools.
- Serve with something tart. Fresh berries or lightly sweetened whipped cream balance the sweetness.
Troubleshooting chess pie
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Runny center after cooling | Underbaked | Bake until only the very center wobbles |
| Big cracks on top | Overbaked or overmixed | Stir gently and pull it a few minutes sooner |
| Soggy bottom crust | Low oven heat under the pie | Bake on the lowest rack or on a preheated sheet pan |
| Grainy filling | Sugar not dissolved | Stir the warm butter and sugar well before adding eggs |
| Too sweet | Natural for this pie | Serve small slices with berries or tangy whipped cream |
Make-ahead and storage
Chess pie is a great make-ahead dessert because it slices cleanly once chilled. Bake it 1 to 2 days early, cool it and refrigerate it covered. Like other pies made with eggs, it belongs in the refrigerator once it has cooled, and University of Maine Extension's pie safety guide says egg pies keep there for up to 4 days. For egg handling basics, see the FDA's egg safety advice. Freeze a whole baked pie up to 2 months.
Planning a holiday pie lineup
A good rule is one pie for every 6 to 8 guests, with a mix of flavors. Chess pie is a smart addition because it costs little and can be baked first, freeing the oven for the turkey. Pair it with a fruit pie and a nut pie. For more ideas, browse our Thanksgiving desserts and Christmas desserts, and use the Thanksgiving menu template to map the whole meal.
The Family Recipe Binder includes recipe cards, a recipe index, kitchen conversions and a substitutions chart, so your holiday pie recipes stay together. Make your shopping list on the Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99), and see all our printables.
Frequently asked questions
What is chess pie? Chess pie is a Southern custard pie made from butter, sugar, eggs and a small amount of cornmeal, baked in a single crust. It has a sweet, gooey center and a thin, crackly top.
Why is it called chess pie? Nobody knows for sure why it is called chess pie, and several folk stories compete. The pie itself is a long-standing Southern tradition, especially at holidays.
What does chess pie taste like? Chess pie tastes like a rich, buttery vanilla custard with a light caramel note. The cornmeal gives the top a slightly crisp, sugary crust.
What is the difference between chess pie and buttermilk pie? Chess pie uses cornmeal and often a splash of vinegar, while buttermilk pie uses buttermilk for a tangier, softer custard. Many cooks blend the two by adding buttermilk to chess pie.
Why does chess pie have cornmeal? Cornmeal helps chess pie set and gives it a slightly grainy, crackly top. A tablespoon is enough, and flour can replace it if you don't have any.
Why does chess pie have vinegar? A tablespoon of vinegar balances the sweetness of chess pie and helps the custard set smoothly. You can't taste it in the finished pie.
How do I know when chess pie is done? Chess pie is done when the top is golden and the center jiggles only slightly. It finishes setting as it cools, so don't wait for a firm middle.
Does chess pie need to be refrigerated? Yes, chess pie is an egg custard pie, so refrigerate it once it has cooled. It keeps up to 4 days covered in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze chess pie? Yes, baked chess pie freezes for up to 2 months when wrapped tightly. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
Why did my chess pie crack? Chess pie usually cracks from overbaking or an oven that runs hot. Pull it while the center still jiggles a little.
Can I make chess pie ahead for Thanksgiving? Yes, chess pie is a great make-ahead Thanksgiving dessert that can be baked 1 to 2 days early. The Meal Planner & Grocery List: Thanksgiving Edition ($4.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. helps you schedule pie baking around the turkey.
Where should I save my chess pie recipe? The Family Recipe Binder ($6.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has recipe cards and a recipe index for holiday favorites like chess pie. It prints on US Letter or A4.
Sources
- University of Maine Extension: Keeping pies safe extension.umaine.edu
- FDA: What you need to know about egg safety fda.gov