Dessert: United States – Kentucky – Chess Pie

Serving Size: 8

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 55 min

Additional 2 hrs

Total 3 hrs 10 min

Ingredients

- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie shell (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (15 g) fine yellow cornmeal
- 6 tbsp (85 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs, approx. 200 g total
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp (0.75 g) fine salt
- 1 tsp (5 ml) white vinegar or 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice (optional, for tang)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

Short Description:
A classic Kentucky Chess Pie with a simple, buttery sugar custard thickened with a touch of cornmeal, baked in a single 9-inch pie shell until just set and slightly cracked on top.

Regional Notes:
This Kentucky variation uses cornmeal in the filling for a faint grainy texture and body, and often includes a small amount of vinegar or lemon juice for bright tang — distinctions that separate it from other Southern or Northern custard pies. The filling is intentionally simple: sugar, butter, eggs, and cornmeal, producing a rich, old-fashioned dessert.

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked 9-inch pie shell on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cornmeal until evenly combined.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Stir in the melted butter, whole milk, and vanilla extract until blended.
4. Add the egg mixture to the sugar-cornmeal mixture and whisk until smooth. Stir in the salt and the white vinegar or lemon juice, if using.
5. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie shell and smooth the top. Tap the pie gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
6. Bake on the center rack for 40–55 minutes, or until the edges are set and golden and the center is just slightly jiggly when the pan is gently nudged; a thin knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
7. Remove the pie from the oven and set on a wire rack to cool completely, at least 2 hours, to allow the custard to firm up. The top may crack slightly; this is traditional.
8. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, slice, and serve at room temperature or chilled. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.