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Dark Chocolate Chess Pie – A Rich, Decadent Southern Classic

Few desserts capture the heart of Southern baking quite like a classic chess pie — and this Dark Chocolate Chess Pie takes that timeless favorite to an entirely new level of indulgence. Imagine a silky, fudgy chocolate filling with a crisp, sugary crust, nestled in a buttery, flaky pie shell. Each bite is like a cross between a brownie and a chocolate truffle — sweet, rich, and irresistibly smooth. This dessert is Southern comfort with a touch of sophistication. It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for something special. With the deep flavor of bittersweet chocolate, Dutch-process cocoa, and a hint of espresso, this pie strikes the perfect balance between decadence and down-home simplicity. If you love old-fashioned pies but crave that bold chocolate kick, this Dark Chocolate Chess Pie will steal your heart (and everyone’s fork). 🍫🥧
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
chill time 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Here’s everything you’ll need to make the perfect Dark Chocolate Chess Pie:
🥚 Fresh Ingredients
  • 4 large eggs
🍫 Baking Aids & Spices
  • 200 g all-purpose flour
  • 56 g bittersweet chocolate chopped
  • 21 g Dutch-process cocoa powder
  • 25 g fine yellow cornmeal
  • 200 g granulated sugar
  • 106 g dark brown sugar packed
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon regular salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon espresso powder
☕ Beverages (Non-Alcoholic Substitution)
  • 1 cup ice water
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar replacement for vodka
🧈 Dairy
  • 253 g unsalted butter cold (for crust and filling)
  • 113 g whole milk
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Equipment

  • To make this dreamy pie, you’ll need:
  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan
  • Rolling Pin
  • Pastry cutter or fork (for the crust)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Fine-mesh sieve (optional, for cocoa powder)

Method
 

  1. Follow these simple steps to make a pie that’s as elegant as it is indulgent.
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
  1. This tender, flaky crust will hold that luscious chocolate filling beautifully.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 200 g flour and ½ teaspoon salt.
  3. Cut 113 g (½ cup) of the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture.
  4. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until pea-sized crumbs form.
  5. Add 1 teaspoon white vinegar and about 6 tablespoons ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
  6. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Roll and Shape the Crust
  1. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle.
  2. Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming and crimping the edges.
  3. Chill for 15 minutes to help prevent shrinkage while baking.
Step 3: Prebake the Crust
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
  3. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake another 5 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Filling
  1. In a small saucepan, melt 56 g bittersweet chocolate and 140 g (10 tablespoons) of butter over low heat, stirring until smooth.
  2. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together:
  4. Granulated sugar
  5. Brown sugar
  6. Cocoa powder
  7. Cornmeal
  8. Espresso powder
  9. Kosher salt
  10. Add the melted chocolate mixture and stir to combine.
  11. Whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by milk and vanilla extract.
  12. Mix until smooth and glossy.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
  1. Pour the filling into the prebaked crust.
  2. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  3. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is just set but slightly wobbly.
  4. Let cool completely at room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate chocolate indulgence. 🍫✨

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
To Store:
Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
Wrap slices individually in plastic and foil; freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
To Reheat:
Enjoy cold or gently warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
🥄 Variations
Make this pie your own with these delicious variations:
Salted Chocolate Chess Pie: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top right after baking for a sweet-salty finish.
Mocha Chess Pie: Add an extra teaspoon of espresso powder for a bold coffee-chocolate flavor.
Nutty Chocolate Pie: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
Double Chocolate: Top with chocolate ganache once cooled for an ultra-rich version.
Mini Pies: Use a muffin tin to create adorable individual chocolate chess pies.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based butter and milk for a creamy non-dairy dessert.
Coconut Twist: Add 2 tablespoons shredded coconut into the filling for tropical flair.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. What is chess pie?
A traditional Southern pie made with simple pantry ingredients — sugar, eggs, butter, and cornmeal — creating a rich custard filling.
2. Why add cornmeal?
It gives chess pie its classic slightly grainy, caramelized texture and prevents it from being too sweet.
3. Can I make this without espresso powder?
Yes! It enhances the chocolate flavor but isn’t essential.
4. What type of chocolate works best?
Use quality bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate with around 60–70% cocoa for balance.
5. Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! It saves time, and the filling will still shine.
6. Why do I need to prebake the crust?
Prebaking prevents a soggy bottom and ensures the crust stays crisp.
7. How do I know when the pie is done?
The center should jiggle slightly — it will set as it cools.
8. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day after chilling overnight.
9. What can I serve with this pie?
Whipped cream, ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar are all great pairings.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use a 10-inch deep-dish pie pan or make two 9-inch pies.
🏁 Conclusion
This Dark Chocolate Chess Pie is the ultimate blend of old-fashioned charm and modern indulgence. With its buttery crust, smooth fudgy filling, and deep cocoa flavor, it’s a dessert that satisfies both nostalgia and chocolate cravings.
It’s simple enough for a family dinner yet decadent enough for special occasions — a true Southern gem with a rich, chocolate twist. Every forkful melts in your mouth, leaving behind notes of espresso, vanilla, and that irresistible balance of sweet and dark.
If you love chocolate desserts that feel like home but taste like luxury, this Dark Chocolate Chess Pie is your next baking triumph. Serve it chilled, share it warm, and savor every bite — because some classics just deserve to be made again and again.