Kentucky Derby Pie is a classic Southern dessert featuring chocolate chips, walnuts, and bourbon baked into a rich, buttery filling.

A close-up of a slice of chocolate chip cookie pie inspired by a classic Kentucky Derby Pie recipe on a peach-colored plate, showing a thick, gooey filling with visible chocolate chips and a golden, crumbly crust. The rest of the pie is blurred in the background.

It’s famously associated with Kentucky’s annual Derby festivities but delicious enough to enjoy anytime.

A clear glass bowl with beaten eggs and sugar sits on a wooden surface as a creamy liquid is poured in, starting the steps for an irresistible Kentucky Derby Pie recipe.

Ingredients

½ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon
1 cup chopped walnuts
1¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1 ready-made pie crust (9-inch size)

A hand pours a liquid, likely vanilla extract, from a bottle into a red measuring spoon over a glass mixing bowl of creamy batter—perfect for starting a delicious Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe—on a wooden countertop.

Recipe Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and gather all ingredients.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour and sugar.
Add lightly beaten eggs and melted butter to the bowl, stirring until well blended.
Stir in Kentucky bourbon, chopped walnuts, chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing thoroughly until combined.
Pour the filling evenly into the prepared 9-inch pie crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes or until the filling has set.
Remove from the oven, place the pie on a wire rack, and allow it to cool completely before serving.

A close-up of an unbaked pie crust filled with a creamy mixture containing chopped mushrooms, set on a wooden surface—perfect for those seeking a savory twist inspired by the classic Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigeration: To prolong freshness, refrigerate the pie, covered, for up to 5 days. Allow slices to reach room temperature or gently warm before serving.
Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and serve at room temperature.

A close-up of a cookie pie inspired by a Kentucky Derby Pie recipe, with a golden-brown, cracked surface and visible chocolate chips, set on a striped white and gray cloth. Only the top half of the pie is visible.

What is a traditional Kentucky Derby pie?

Traditional Kentucky Derby Pie typically contains chocolate chips, walnuts or pecans, Kentucky bourbon, and a rich buttery filling baked in a pie crust. It is commonly associated with the Kentucky Derby horse race.

A close-up of a partially eaten pie in a metal pie tin, showing a golden crust with gooey chocolate and nut filling inside. Crumbs and bits of filling are scattered around the tin, perfectly capturing a classic Kentucky Derby Pie recipe.

What is Dolly Parton’s favorite pie?

Dolly Parton has famously mentioned that her favorite pie is walnut pie, which is similar to a pecan pie but made with walnuts.

What’s the difference between a Derby-Pie and a pecan pie?

The main difference is that a Derby Pie typically includes chocolate chips, walnuts, and bourbon, while a pecan pie features pecans in a sweet, syrupy filling without chocolate or bourbon.

What dessert is served at the Kentucky Derby?

Kentucky Derby Pie is the most famous dessert served during the Kentucky Derby festivities, often accompanied by other Southern favorites like mint juleps and bourbon-based treats.

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