Name: Chocolate Chess Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 9-inch prepared pie shell (store-bought or homemade); 1 stick unsalted butter (cubed or sliced); 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped); 1½ cups granulated sugar; 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted); 1 tbsp all-purpose flour; ½ tsp instant espresso or coffee granules (optional); ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 3 large eggs (room temperature)

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November is the month for pie. While you always think of the classic three pies for Thanksgiving, sometimes it’s fun to think outside of the box (especially this year.) This Chocolate Chess Pie is chocolatey, fudgy, and oh-so good!

What is Chocolate Chess Pie?

Chess pie is a historically old pie made primarily from eggs, sugar, flour, butter, and flavorings. It was created due to its simple staple ingredients. Supposedly the name came from a woman describing the pie as: “Oh it’s jes’ pie.” While there are many variations, chocolate chess pie has the addition of chocolate, either in the form of semi-sweet chocolate pieces or cocoa powder. In the case of this recipe, there is both.

What’s in Chocolate Chess Pie?

Pie Crust: This pie starts with a classic pie crust. You can use store-bought or homemade. This is my go-to pie crust recipe if making it at home (which is my favorite choice.) The crust is blind baked (partially cooked) before the chocolate filling is added.
Sugar: The body of this chocolate chess pie is primarily made from a large quantity of sugar. The sugar and the eggs are king here, while the chocolate components make this a chocolate pie.
Unsalted Butter: The butter is cut into smaller pieces and melted alongside the chopped semi-sweet chocolate in the microwave.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Just two tablespoons of cocoa powder are added alongside the dry ingredients. It intensifies the chocolate flavor further.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate: The semi-sweet chocolate is melted alongside the butter, as stated above.
Instant Espresso (or coffee): This ingredient is optional. It is not absolutely necessary to make this pie. It does, however, intensify the chocolate flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: There is only 1 tablespoon of flour in the batter.
Salt
Vanilla Extract

How to make it:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place prepared pie shell onto a sheet tray. If you like your crust more golden, see step 2. If not, skip to step 3.
Prebake Crust: Place a square of parchment paper into the center of your prepared pie shell. Top the parchment with pie weights or dried beans, making sure to cover the entire interior surface. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from oven. Carefully lift out the parhment and weights. Prick little holes into the bottom of the pie dough with a fork. Place back into the oven to bake for about 5 minutes. Set aside.
For the Chocolate Filling: Melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate together in a microwave safe bowl. Whisk to completely combine and emulsify. Transfer chocolate butter mixture to a large bowl, or the bowl of a standing mixer. *If using a standing mixer, be sure to use the whisk attachment.
In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, instant espresso, and salt. Pour dry ingredients into the chocolate butter mixture and whisk until combined. Add the vanilla, stir to combine. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing until smooth and combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pie shell.
Bake the pie until the filling is puffed and set in the center, about 30 to 35 minutes. Filling should still be slightly jiggly, be careful not to over-bake. Allow pie to cool and completely set before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature, with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. *The picture above was sliced while the pie was still warm, so it was gooey gooey.
This chocolate chess pie can be kept at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 days. Or stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.

How long will Chocolate Chess Pie stay good for?

Well the answer to this question depends upon how you store it. See below.

Does it need to be refrigerated?

While this pie does not need to be refrigerated, its shelf life will be extended if chilled. If stored in the refrigerator, this chocolate chess pie should stay good for up to 5 days. Keep in mind, however, that this pie is best at room temperature. If storing at room temperature, wrap tightly with foil or place under a glass dome like this one. There are also pie plates that come with lids, like this one. Once covered, store it in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days.

Can it be frozen?

This chocolate pie can be frozen after baking. Bake the pie and allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, place it into the freezer, uncovered. Once the chocolate pie has frozen completely, tightly wrap in plastic film and then foil. Don’t forget to label it with the name and date. You can also place it in a freezer safe bag for good measure.

As long as it is properly wrapped, the pie can be frozen for 4 to 6 months.