Chess Pie

Name: Chess Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade); 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 4 large eggs; 2 tbsp yellow cornmeal; 2 tbsp white vinegar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp salt

A classic Southern custard pie with a crackly top and a silky, buttery filling of eggs, sugar, butter, and a touch of cornmeal. Simple pantry ingredients create an irresistibly rich dessert.

70 minEasyServes 8410 cal/serving

Southern AmericanDessertOvenVegetarianNut-FreeLow-SodiumPork-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1.5 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
4 large eggs
2 tbsp yellow cornmeal
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Fit 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade) into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges. Refrigerate while you make the filling.
2

In a large bowl, whisk together 1.5 cups granulated sugar, 2 tbsp yellow cornmeal, 1 tbsp all-purpose flour, and 1/4 tsp salt.
3

Add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and 4 large eggs to the dry mixture and whisk until smooth.
4

Stir in 2 tbsp white vinegar and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
5

Pour the filling into the chilled pie crust. Place on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
6

Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is set with just a slight jiggle in the center. Tent with foil if the edges brown too quickly.
7

Cool on a wire rack at least 1 hour before slicing. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm.

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Questions

What is Chess Pie?

A classic Southern custard pie with a crackly top and a silky, buttery filling of eggs, sugar, butter, and a touch of cornmeal. Simple pantry ingredients create an irresistibly rich dessert. This reference files it under Southern American dessert: made in the oven, rated easy and about 70 minutes start to finish.

How much time should I plan for Chess Pie?

As written, 70 minutes: 20 of prep and 50 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 7 (1 hour): "Cool on a wire rack at least 1 hour before slicing."

What temperature do I cook Chess Pie at?

For Chess Pie, the oven is set to 350 F (about 175 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 50 minutes, in step 6.

Does Chess Pie contain eggs?

Yes: 4 large eggs. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Can I start Chess Pie the day before?

Yes. Step 6 is a built-in pause of 50 minutes: "Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is set with just a slight jiggle in the center." Do everything up to that point ahead of time and pick up at step 7 when you are ready to finish.

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