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Classic Kentucky Derby Chocolate Walnut Pie

Kentucky Derby Chocolate Walnut Pie - featured image
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A rich and gooey chocolate walnut pie with a flaky homemade crust, perfect for Kentucky Derby parties and Southern-themed gatherings. This easy homemade recipe balances sweet chocolate filling with crunchy toasted walnuts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (150g), sifted
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115g), cold and cubed
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water (45–60 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (120g), toasted
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (180g)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (110g)
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (55g), melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (60 ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine flour and salt. Add cold, cubed butter and cut into flour using a pastry blender or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
  2. Add ice water: Sprinkle 3 tablespoons ice water over mixture, stirring gently with a fork to combine. Add extra tablespoon if needed. Form dough into ball, flatten into disk, wrap in plastic, and chill at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Roll out crust: Lightly flour surface and rolling pin. Roll dough into 12-inch circle. Transfer to 9-inch pie dish, press into place, trim and crimp edges. Poke holes with fork to prevent bubbling.
  5. Toast walnuts: Spread walnuts on baking sheet and toast in oven for 8-10 minutes until fragrant and golden. Stir halfway through. Let cool.
  6. Prepare filling: In large bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in melted butter, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until smooth.
  7. Add chocolate and nuts: Fold in chocolate chips and toasted walnuts gently to combine.
  8. Fill crust: Pour filling into prepared crust and smooth top with spatula.
  9. Bake: Place pie on baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly soft but not liquid. Watch closely after 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
  10. Cool: Let pie cool completely on wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

Keep butter cold for flaky crust. Don’t overmix filling to avoid cracks. Toast walnuts to enhance flavor. Use room temperature eggs and cream for smooth filling. Shield crust edges with foil if browning too fast. Filling should jiggle slightly when done. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and dairy-free substitutes. For a mocha twist, add espresso powder. For fall variation, swap walnuts for pecans and add cinnamon and nutmeg.

Nutrition

Keywords: Kentucky Derby pie, chocolate walnut pie, homemade pie, Southern dessert, chocolate pie, walnut pie, easy pie recipe

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/classic-kentucky-derby-chocolate-walnut-pie-recipe-easy-homemade-from-scratch/