Home » Recipes » Desserts » Chocolate Chess Pie

Chocolate Chess Pie

Chocolate Chess Pie is such a simple pie to make with so much chocolate flavor that requires minimal effort. One bowl and a few minutes of time are all you need to prepare this pie. Serve with fresh whipped cream and you have an amazing southern dessert.

Slice of Chocolate Chess Pie on a plate.

A Classic Southern Recipe

Pies are one of my absolute favorite things to eat and I especially like simple, old-fashioned pies like this Chocolate Chess Pie. Chess pies are so quick and easy to make and only require a few basic ingredients. Typically chess pies contain flour, sugar, butter and eggs.

This Chocolate Chess Pie is wonderfully sweet and full of chocolate flavor. It has a custard filling that is rich, but not too heavy and I like to serve it either at room temperature or chilled.

Chess Pie cut into slices.

Bake in Advance

For best results, bake a day in advance and chill overnight. If you try and slice it right after baking, the filling will be runny. I love to refrigerate Chess Pie, but it will be fine left on the counter at room temperature for a few days.

Quick and Easy Pie Recipe

This Chocolate Chess Pie is such an easy pie to make  and only a few ingredients are needed. It’s super sweet, creamy, and delicious with plenty of chocolate flavor. I usually use a store bought pie crust and then it only takes a few minutes to prep this pie. Forty-Five minutes later you have a wonderful homemade dessert to serve with supper. I like to serve it with whipped cream that’s barely been sweetened to cut the sweetness of the pie some.

Chocolate Chess Pie in metal pie tin.

Next to Chocolate Meringue Pie, this is probably my favorite chocolate pie to make. The top develops a thin, crackly layer and the filling underneath is so smooth and creamy. It’s truly a decadent treat that will transport you back in time to your grandmother’s kitchen. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make a homemade pie crust for this recipe.

Why Do They Call It Chess Pie?

The origin of the name is debated. One theory is that it comes from the term “cheese pie” since the filling of the pie resembles the texture and color of a creamy cheese (not the chocolate version when it comes to color of course). Another theory is the name evolved from “chess pie” which was a term used for pies stored in a pie chest.

If you’d like to make a homemade pie crust for this recipe watch the video below. Linda Carman, the head of the test kitchen at Martha White, shows me how to make an easy, flaky pie crust.

Have a wonderful week full of pie!

More Chess Pie Recipe To Try

Pie cut into slices.

Watch the short video below to see how easy this recipe is to make:


Chocolate Chess Pie slice topped with whipped cream.

Chocolate Chess Pie

This Chocolate Chess Pie will make you feel like you are sitting in your grandmother's kitchen. It is rich creamy and so sweet and full of chocolate flavor! It's a classic southern dessert that has stood the test of time.
PREP: 10 minutes
COOK: 45 minutes
SERVINGS: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch of salt
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 (9-inch) uncooked pie crust, store-bought or homemade
  • whipped cream for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degree.


  •  In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar and  cocoa powder until blended.

  • Add eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, salt, and butter. Mix well and pour into prepared pie crust.
  • Bake for about 45 minutes. There will still be a little jiggle in the middle when you shake it. Cool completely before slicing. I like to chill it in the refrigerator before serving.

  • Serve with whipped cream.

Notes

Store pie in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutritional info is an estimate only and will vary based on brands of products used.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 185mg | Potassium: 147mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 285IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Southern
Keyword: chocolate pie

Want to Save This Recipe?

Chocolate Chess Pie

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




I accept the Privacy Policy

62 thoughts on “Chocolate Chess Pie”

  1. Rodney Scruggs

    My niece requested a chocolate chess pie for Thanksgiving. I made this pie and it was a hit. I served it topped with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup to cut the sweetness. Lol 🤣 Thank you this recipe was a big success.

  2. delightful! I’ve been makin these recipe-less for awhile, but I used this recipe to teach my niece. Came out well. Thin, crackly crust, delightfully creamy inside.

    Pamela, cooking unevenly can be fixed by adding the butter first and stirring extra well, or by covering the pie in reynolds wrap to break.

  3. Pamela Wilson

    Pie tasted really good.However made it twice in the same day.Both pie didn’t cook even.Bubbling up, thibk because of the butter.I will put less butter if I make again.Need to cook it aliittle more myself.

Scroll to Top