Chocolate Chess Pie is a Southern American classic dessert that marries the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate with the simple, custard-like comfort of chess pie. This delightful pie features a flaky, buttery pastry crust filled with a sweet, dense, and intensely chocolatey filling. It’s a dessert that’s cherished for its indulgent taste and the memories of Southern hospitality it evokes. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through making Chocolate Chess Pie while exploring its fascinating history.
The exact origin of Chess Pie is a subject of culinary lore and debate, with a few theories surrounding its creation. The name “chess pie” is believed to have evolved from the term “cheese pie,” which refers to an English custard pie with a similar texture. However, chess pie is distinctly American, and its precise history is somewhat elusive.
One theory suggests that Chess Pie originated in England and was brought to America by early colonists. Over time, it evolved and adapted to the ingredients available in the American South, such as eggs, sugar, and butter.
Another theory is that Chess Pie was created by Southern plantation cooks in the 19th century. It is said that these resourceful cooks needed to make do with simple pantry staples to create a sweet dessert. The result was Chess Pie, a pie that celebrated the humble yet comforting combination of eggs, sugar, butter, and a splash of vinegar.
The addition of chocolate to Chess Pie is a more recent innovation, likely stemming from the popularity of chocolate in American desserts in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Chess Pie, including Chocolate Chess Pie, became a staple in Southern cuisine and was often served at family gatherings, picnics, and church suppers. Its affordability and rich, sweet flavor made it a favorite in homes throughout the region.
Today, Chocolate Chess Pie remains a beloved Southern dessert, cherished for its timeless appeal and the comforting combination of chocolate and custard. It continues to be a delightful treat that brings a taste of Southern hospitality to dessert tables across the United States.
INGREDIENTS
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Chocolate Chess Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- A pinch of salt
INSTRUCTIONS
Preparing the Pie Crust:
- In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture in the food processor. Pulse several times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition until the dough begins to come together. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to clump.
- Turn the dough out onto a clean, floured surface and shape it into a disc. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Making the Chocolate Chess Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Add the eggs, melted and cooled unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract, white vinegar, and a pinch of salt to the sugar-cocoa mixture. Whisk until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the chilled pie crust on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Place the rolled-out dough in the pie pan, trimming any excess dough hanging over the edge.
- Pour the prepared Chocolate Chess filling into the pie crust.
- Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top has a slightly cracked appearance.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 1-2 hours before slicing.
NOTE:
- Chocolate Chess Pie is a delectable tribute to the Southern tradition of simple yet satisfying desserts. Each slice is a celebration of the sweet, rich history that has made this pie a beloved staple of Southern cuisine for generations. Enjoy it as a reminder of the comfort and hospitality of the American South.
