Homemade Derby Pie

I’ve lived in Kentucky for over a decade and this Homemade Derby Pie has been one of my favorite desserts since first bite. A slice of southern tradition, this pie is served and found in grocery stores and bakeries in April and May as the Kentucky Derby gets underway. Imagine a flaky, buttery crust filled with a luscious blend of pecans, chocolate, and bourbon (optional). The original Derby Pie was made with walnuts, but I love pecans in this recipe, so I changed it up. You’re going to love this derby pie for dessert any night of the week – not just the first weekend in May.

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Why You’ll Love Homemade Derby Pie

Flavor and Texture: This pie has such great flavor – like a chocolate chip cookie but with some pecans thrown in. The texture and flavor when paired with some whipped cream is comforting and delicious, just like my traditional sourdough pecan pie (but with chocolate!).

Flaky Pie Crust: I love making this pie with a regular sourdough crust and a chocolate sourdough crust. Both are so easy to make with some sourdough discard and taste buttery, flaky and delicious.

So EASY: The filling for this pie takes about 2 minutes to whip up. Seriously. It is such a big payoff for little time. This is my go-to pie when I need something quick and easy. I know you’re going to love it too!

Ingredients in My Version of Homemade Derby Pie

• Butter: I always use unsalted butter. I can regulate how much salt my recipe needs instead of not knowing how salty salted butter will make the filling.
• Eggs: Eggs help this Derby Day Pie set up. They can’t easily be replaced in this pie.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a sweet and caramely flavor to the pie.
• Flour: Flour helps thicken the filling. Not too much, not too little.
• Pecans: I love using chopped pecans in this pie. Traditionally Derby style pies also use walnuts. If you prefer walnuts, you can substitute them in the for the pecans.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is the way to go. You want that rich chocolately flavor in every bite. I buy my chocolate chips at Costco.
• Pie Crust: This pie is delicious with my homemade sourdough pie crust, or my chocolate sourdough pie crust or really any other pie crust works great. You can also use a store bought crust if you don’t want to make one.

How to Make Homemade Derby Pie

Prepare the Pie Crust

Begin by preparing the crust, rolling it out and fitting it in your pie pan. This pie works best in a 9 inch pie pan – metal is my favorite, but glass will work well too. Preheat the oven to 350ºF while you roll out your pie crust. This is a chocolate sourdough version, but you can use any favorite pie crust. Crimp the edges so the pie crust is all ready for the filling.

Make the Filling

Mix together the filling in a small bowl. Use a spoon to mix the melted butter, brown sugar, eggs and vanilla extract together. Then add the flour and salt and mix. Finish by adding in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips. This will be a thick filling. Spread it into the pie in an even layer.

Bake the Pie

Bake the pie at 350ºF for about 50-55 minutes until the whole pie is baked through. The center may still be a little jiggly, but the edges and most of the pie will be set up. Let the pie cool completely before serving. The filling keeps cooking while the pie cools and sets up. If you cut into it while it’s still warm, it may be a bit goopy. Let the pie cool completely and then warm up individual slices if you want to enjoy it warm. Top with ice cream or freshly whipped cream and enjoy!

Substitutions

• Butter: I use unsalted butter in this recipe. If you use salted butter, decrease the salt a little bit in the filling.
• Pie Crust: Use a store bought crust instead of homemade if it’s more convenient. You can also skip the pie crust completely and make these Derby Day Bars instead!
• Nuts: If you have a nut allergy or just don’t like nuts, you can leave the pecans out. Pecans can also be substituted for walnuts or any other favorite nut.

How to Store Leftovers

Leftover pie can be stored at room temperature for about 24-48 hours. After that I like to freeze slices of pie in an airtight container. Warm up when you want to enjoy a slice.

If you liked this recipe, you’ll also love…

• Derby Day Bars
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
• Chocolate Chip Scones
• Chocolate Cobbler with Sourdough Discard
• Best Sourdough Thanksgiving Recipes

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