Chess Pie

There’s something special about a dessert that’s stood the test of time. This classic chess pie is sweet, buttery, and rich, with a smooth filling that turns beautifully chewy around the edges. It’s simple, satisfying, and made with basic pantry ingredients—just like the best old-fashioned recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Chess Pie Recipe

• Time-tested flavor. Rich, sweet, and buttery with a hint of vanilla, just like the version Southern bakers have been making for generations.
• Simple ingredients. You probably have everything you need in your kitchen already.
• That texture! Smooth in the center, chewy around the edges, and nestled in a flaky crust.
• Easy to make. No complicated steps, no fancy equipment. Just mix, pour, and bake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is chess pie the same as custard pie?
They’re similar, but not quite the same. Chess pie includes cornmeal in the filling, which adds a bit of texture and helps it set more firmly than a traditional custard pie.

What does chess pie taste like?
It’s sweet, buttery, and rich, with a touch of vanilla and a caramelized top. The filling is smooth in the center and chewy at the edges, all wrapped in a flaky crust.

How should I serve chess pie?
You can serve it plain, but it’s also great with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a spoonful of whipped cream, or even a few candied nuts or fresh berries.

What You’ll Need

Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

• Pie crust – You’ll need a single 9-inch crust, homemade or store-bought. I’ve included a simple crust recipe with step-by-step photos if you’d like to make your own.
• Unsalted butter – Adds rich flavor and a smooth, creamy texture.
• Granulated sugar – Gives the filling its classic sweetness and helps it set.
• Milk – Whole milk works best for a silky texture.
• Eggs – Key to the custard-like consistency.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and adds a warm note.
• Cornmeal – Just a touch for texture and structure.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.

How to Make Chess Pie

You can get a head start on this recipe by making either the dough or the entire pie crust in advance. 

To make the crust:

Make the dough. Whisk the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Incorporate the butter with a pastry blender or fork, until the largest pieces of butter are the size of peas. Add the water a tablespoon at a time, and stir until a dough forms. 

Chill. Shape the dough into a ball, then flatten into a disk about 1-inch thick. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. 

Form the crust. Once it’s chilled, place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a 1/8-inch thick circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie pan, then trim and crimp the edges. 

Chill again. Place the pie crust in the refrigerator while you make the chess pie filling. 

To make the filling and assemble:

Prepare. Preheat your oven to 325°F. 

Make the filling mixture. Stir together the butter, sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Once the mixture is well-combined, stir in the cornmeal and salt. 

Bake. Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. Let the chess pie cool completely before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

This pie is delicious all on its own, but a simple topping can make it feel extra special. Try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a little crunch, candied pecans are a great match, and fresh fruit (especially berries) adds a bright contrast to the rich filling.

Chess pie is best served slightly warm or at room temperature, and it pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

How to Store

Refrigerator: Once your chess pie has cooled completely, cover it and store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices or place them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

To reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, just until heated through.

A Timeless Southern Classic

With its simple ingredients and unforgettable texture, chess pie is a true staple for any Southern baker or anyone who loves an old-fashioned dessert. Whether you’re making it for the holidays or just because, this easy pie is always a sweet success.