If you’re searching for the richest, most indulgent Southern dessert you can imagine, look no further than this Dark Chocolate Chess Pie. With its irresistibly crackly top, silky-smooth center, and a depth of chocolate that delivers both comfort and decadence in every bite, it’s a pie that always leaves guests swooning. The secret is the perfect balance of simple pantry staples and good-quality dark chocolate—making it the dessert you’ll want to bake for holidays, potlucks, or any time you’re craving a truly memorable treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Dark Chocolate Chess Pie may taste complex, but its magic comes from straightforward ingredients working together in perfect harmony. Every element has a purpose, building both the classic chess pie texture and that deep, fudgy chocolate flavor.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The buttery foundation for your pie, whether homemade or store-bought; it crisps up beautifully to cradle the rich filling.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Provides classic Southern sweetness and contributes to the signature crackly topping.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Intensifies the chocolate profile and adds a subtle bitterness to balance the sugar.
- Dark chocolate, melted (4 oz): Choose a 70% or higher bar for a deeper, more robust chocolate experience.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup): Adds richness and helps carry all those luscious flavors throughout the custard filling.
- Eggs (3 large): These bind everything together, creating that silky, set-yet-soft interior.
- Evaporated milk (1/3 cup): Enhances the creamy texture and softens the richness just enough.
- Cornmeal (1 tbsp): The classic chess pie secret ingredient—it gives the pie its signature slightly gritty, intriguing texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings warmth, roundness, and another layer of flavor nuance to the chocolate.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Don’t skip it; it sharpens all the sweet and chocolatey notes.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Chess Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Gently lay your unbaked pie crust into your pie dish and crimp the edges—this extra minute of care makes for a lovely presentation later. Set your crust aside and let it relax while you mix the magical filling.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornmeal, and salt. Whisk together until everything is evenly blended. This step is key; combining the dry ingredients first ensures you won’t end up with pockets of cocoa or lumps of cornmeal in your finished pie.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour in the melted butter and melted dark chocolate, followed by the eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Grab your whisk again and blend until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Take a moment to enjoy the glossy chocolate—this is when the anticipation builds!
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour your luxurious filling into the prepared pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula, if necessary. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’re looking for a pie with a set center that still jiggles slightly, and a top that’s beautifully crackly—this is the signature look of a Dark Chocolate Chess Pie.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. This step is essential, as the filling will continue to set as it cools. Slice when completely cooled and serve at room temperature or chilled. Top with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for a gorgeous finish.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Chess Pie
Garnishes
Nothing adds that “wow” factor quite like a cloud of fresh whipped cream atop each slice, or a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar drifting over the chocolatey surface. For a more decadent touch, try shaving some extra dark chocolate or scattering fresh berries alongside—it’s a simple touch that makes each piece feel special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Dark Chocolate Chess Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a spoonful of macerated berries, or even a little drizzle of raspberry or salted caramel sauce. The creamy and fruity accompaniments bring balance to the pie’s chocolaty richness, ensuring each bite is perfectly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the cooled pie into small squares and serve as elegant “chocolate chess pie bars.” Or make mini pies in tartlet pans for individual desserts that dazzle at parties. You can even layer slices with whipped cream and berries in a trifle dish for a show-stopping Southern parfait.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Dark Chocolate Chess Pie as delicious as the day it was baked, simply wrap any leftover slices or the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to four days. The flavor deepens over time, making tomorrow’s slice even better!
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, this pie freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap the whole pie or individual slices snugly in both plastic wrap and foil. Pop it into the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. If you prefer a gently warmed whole pie, cover with foil and place in a 300°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Either way, serve with something cool and creamy for a delightfully balanced bite.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate in this Dark Chocolate Chess Pie?
You can, but your pie will be sweeter and lack that deep, complex flavor that dark chocolate brings. For best results, stick to a good-quality dark chocolate for richness and balance.
Why do I need to add cornmeal to chess pie?
Cornmeal is the unsung hero of classic chess pie—it lends a slightly gritty, characteristic texture and helps thicken the filling without overpowering the chocolate flavors.
How will I know when the pie is done baking?
Your Dark Chocolate Chess Pie is ready when the top is crackly and the center jiggles just a little when you nudge the pan. Don’t worry if it looks slightly underdone—the filling will firm up as it cools.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pie crust, and check that your cornmeal, cocoa, and chocolate are all certified gluten-free. The filling itself contains no flour, making this an easy adaptation.
What’s the difference between chess pie and a chocolate custard pie?
The main difference is the cornmeal and sometimes a splash of vinegar in chess pies, which aren’t found in traditional custard pies. Chess pie has a slightly denser, more textured filling than classic custards, making a Dark Chocolate Chess Pie extra special.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a dessert that will win over everyone at the table, you simply have to try this Dark Chocolate Chess Pie. There’s something irresistibly comforting and celebratory in every bite—perfect for anyone who loves the charm of Southern baking and the allure of really, truly good chocolate pie.
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Dark Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of Dark Chocolate Chess Pie. This Southern classic dessert features a fudgy, chocolate filling in a flaky pie crust, perfect for any special occasion or sweet craving.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 oz dark chocolate (melted and slightly cooled)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1 tbsp cornmeal
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges as desired. Set aside.
- Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornmeal, and salt. Add the melted butter, melted dark chocolate, eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
- Bake: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top has a slight crackle. The center may still jiggle slightly but will firm up as it cools.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. Serve at room temperature or chilled, with whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, use 70% or higher dark chocolate.
- The cornmeal helps give the pie its signature slightly gritty texture—don’t skip it!
- This pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
