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Southern Chess Pie Recipe

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3.9 from 59 reviews

  • Author: Patricia
  • Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This authentic Southern Chess Pie is a classic custard dessert that transforms simple ingredients like eggs, butter, sugar, cornmeal, and milk into a smooth, silky pie with a characteristic slightly grainy texture. It highlights precise technique and temperature control to achieve perfect custard consistency and golden crust, making it a beloved traditional Southern dessert.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons fine-ground yellow cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Crust:

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare for Success: Preheat oven to 350°F. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to improve mixing. Pre-bake the pie crust with pie weights for 10-12 minutes to avoid a soggy bottom. Remove weights and bake for an additional 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
  2. Create the Custard Base: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly until well beaten. Gradually add the granulated sugar while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and the sugar begins to dissolve.
  3. Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, and salt. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the egg and sugar base, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  4. Incorporate Liquids: Slowly drizzle in the melted butter while whisking vigorously to prevent the eggs from cooking prematurely. Once smooth, add the milk and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
  5. Fill and Bake: Pour the custard filling into the pre-baked pie crust, filling it about ¾ full. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake the pie for 35-45 minutes until the center jiggles slightly but is mostly set. The internal temperature should reach 160°F. The top will be a golden brown with no wet spots visible.
  7. Cool and Set: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours to let the custard fully set and develop the ideal texture before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Temperature Science: Egg proteins coagulate starting at 140°F and fully set at 160°F; baking beyond 180°F risks curdling.
  • Ingredient Quality: Use room-temperature eggs and European-style butter (82-85% fat) for best flavor and texture.
  • Troubleshooting: If filling curdles, strain through a fine mesh sieve before baking. Cracked surfaces indicate overbaking—reduce temperature by 25°F and extend baking time.
  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days; best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal custard texture.
  • Pro Tips: Cornmeal provides the signature slight graininess that differentiates chess pie from other custards. Use a deep pie crust edge to prevent overflow during baking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Find it online: https://patriciarecipes.com/southern-chess-pie-recipe/