Classic Southern Chess Pie Delight
Experience the rich and creamy flavors of this Classic Southern Chess Pie Delight, a traditional dessert that embodies the heart and soul of Southern cooking. This pie features a silky, custard-like filling made with a perfect blend of butter, sugar, and eggs, balanced with a hint of lemon for brightness. Nestled in a flaky crust, it creates a delightful contrast in textures that will transport your taste buds straight to the South. Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a cozy night in, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Make and share this beloved recipe with friends and family, and watch them come back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
365
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
1 tablespoon (for pie filling)
Cornmeal
1 tablespoon (rounded)
Butter
1/2 cup (softened)
Egg Yolks
6 (beaten)
Sugar
2 cups (for pie filling)
Milk
1 cup (for pie filling)
Lemon
1/2 (juice of)
Pie Crusts
2 (10 inch) (uncooked)
Flour
1 teaspoon (for crust preparation)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (for crust preparation)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2
Prepare the pie shells by pricking holes in the bottoms with a fork to help steam escape during baking.
3
In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of flour and 1 teaspoon of sugar, then rub this mixture gently into the holes of the pie shells to prevent them from becoming soggy.
4
Place the pie shells in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. This initial bake helps to set the crust.
5
While the pie shells are baking, increase the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
6
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of flour and 1 tablespoon of cornmeal until well combined.
7
Add the softened butter, beaten egg yolks, and sugar to the bowl, mixing until smooth and creamy.
8
Slowly pour in the milk, followed by the lemon juice, and continue mixing until everything is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
9
Remove the partially baked pie shells from the oven.
10
Pour the filling mixture evenly into the two pie shells.
11
Return the pies to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until the filling is set and lightly golden on top.
12
Once done, remove the pies from the oven and let them cool before slicing. Enjoy your Classic Southern Chess Pie Delight!
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
52g
Carbs
5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Classic Southern Chess Pie Delight?
Classic Southern Chess Pie Delight is a traditional Southern dessert featuring a silky, custard-like filling made with butter, sugar, and eggs, balanced with a hint of lemon and a flaky crust.
What are the primary ingredients in the filling?
The filling consists of flour, cornmeal, softened butter, beaten egg yolks, sugar, milk, and lemon juice.
How many calories are in a serving of this pie?
Each serving contains approximately 365 calories.
What is the secret to preventing a soggy pie crust in this recipe?
To prevent a soggy crust, prick holes in the bottom, then rub a mixture of 1 teaspoon flour and 1 teaspoon sugar into the holes before pre-baking.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Initially, preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C) for the crust preparation, then increase it to 350°F (175°C) for the main baking.
How long do the pie shells need to pre-bake?
The pie shells should be pre-baked for 10 minutes at 300°F to help set the crust.
Why is cornmeal used in this pie?
Cornmeal is a traditional ingredient in Southern chess pies that helps stabilize the custard and adds a distinct texture.
How many egg yolks are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 beaten egg yolks.
What size pie crusts should I use?
The recipe calls for two 10-inch uncooked pie crusts.
How much sugar is used in the pie filling?
The filling requires 2 cups of sugar, plus an additional teaspoon used for preparing the crust.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 18g of fat in each serving.
How much protein does one serving provide?
Each serving provides 5g of protein.
What are the carbohydrate levels for this dessert?
Each serving contains 52g of carbohydrates.
How long does the filled pie need to bake?
The filled pies should bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
How do I know when the Chess Pie is finished baking?
The pie is done when the filling is set and the top is lightly golden.
Should the butter be melted or softened?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 cup of softened butter.
Can I substitute the lemon juice?
The juice of half a lemon is used to provide brightness and balance the sweetness of the custard.
Does this recipe make one or two pies?
This recipe is designed to fill two pie shells.
Is milk or cream used in this custard?
This recipe uses 1 cup of milk for the pie filling.
What texture should I expect from the filling?
You can expect a rich, creamy, and silky custard-like filling.
Should the pie be served hot?
The instructions recommend letting the pies cool before slicing to allow the custard to set properly.
What is the purpose of pricking the pie shells?
Pricking the shells with a fork allows steam to escape during the initial baking process.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and is a beloved traditional Southern dessert.
How much flour is needed for the filling?
You need 1 tablespoon of flour for the filling mixture.
How much cornmeal is required?
The recipe calls for 1 rounded tablespoon of cornmeal.
What kind of crust is best for this pie?
A flaky crust provides the best contrast to the creamy filling.
Can I use this recipe for holiday gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for gatherings, holidays, or cozy nights in.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include southern, pie, chess pie, traditional, dessert, comfort food, and custard pie.
Is the lemon flavor very strong?
The lemon is used as a hint to provide brightness and balance the rich flavors.
What should I do after removing the pies from the oven?
Let them cool completely before slicing to ensure the filling has the correct consistency.