Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe: Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Walnut Pie
Indulge in this decadent kentucky derby pie recipe! This gooey, buttery chocolate pecan walnut pie with a flaky pie crust is perfect for a Kentucky Derby party.
Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe: Indulge in a Delicious Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Walnut Pie
Growing up in Louisville, I thought every pie was served with a dash of Kentucky bourbon until I left for college and discovered most folks had never tasted Kentucky Derby pie.
Each May, Mom would whisk together a gooey chocolate chip cookie-meets-pecan pie filling, slide it into her signature homemade pie crust, and let that sweet, boozy aroma drift through the house while we watched the horses load into the gate. The first warm slice – melty chocolate chips, toasted pecan and walnut crunch, and a subtle bourbon kick – still feels like a finish-line victory lap. Today I’m sharing that family-tested Kentucky Derby pie recipe so you can wow guests at your next Kentucky Derby party, summer picnic, or holiday dessert spread.
What Makes the Kentucky Derby Pie Special?
Origins of the Kentucky Derby Pie
Created at the Melrose Inn in Prospect by the Kern family, the original recipe (now under trademark) was filled with semisweet chocolate and chopped pecans-no one outside the inn knew exact ratios. My version stays true to that spirit while adding a splash of bourbon whiskey for extra Southern charm.
Unique Ingredients in a Kentucky Derby Pie
- Chopped pecans and walnut bits
- A mound of chocolate chips (yes, this pie also includes chocolate chips )
- Kentucky bourbon – use good sipping quality for depth
- Butter for that unmistakably buttery finish
Why Choose Bourbon Chocolate?
Bourbon’s vanilla-oak notes marry beautifully with dark chocolate. Together they turn an ordinary pecan pie into a decadent chocolate pecan pie worthy of race-day bragging rights.
🔥 Quick Tip: Toast pecans and walnuts in a 350 °F oven for 8 minutes until fragrant – it intensifies nutty flavor.
How to Make a Traditional Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe?
🥃 Essential Ingredients for a Kentucky Derby Pie
| INGREDIENT | AMOUNT | WHY IT MATTERS |
|---|---|---|
| Deep-dish pie crust | 1 (store-bought or homemade) | Room for gooey filling |
| Melted butter | ½ cup | Keeps crumb moist |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Classic sweetness |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | Rounds flavors |
| Eggs (at room temperature) | 3 large | Bind filling |
| Kentucky bourbon | 2 Tbsp | Signature kick |
| Chocolate chips | 1 cup | Rich chocolate layer |
| Pecan pieces | ¾ cup | Toasted crunch |
| Walnut pieces | ½ cup | Extra depth |
| Flour | ¼ cup | Thickens pecan pie filling |
| Pinch of salt | – | Balances sweet |
🍋 Pro Advice: Swap half the amount of chocolate with dark chocolate chunks if you love bolder cocoa.
🥧 Step-by-Step: Making the Pie
- ❄️ Thaw the pie dough in the refrigerator if frozen. Roll into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp edges.
- 🔥 Preheat oven to 350°F. Place crust on a baking sheet.
- 🧈 In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, scraping sides, then mix in vanilla extract and bourbon.
- 🥄 Whisk in flour mixture and salt.
- Fold in pecans, walnuts, and chocolate chips.
- 🥧 Pour filling into crust and spread evenly. Cover edges with foil to prevent over-browning.
- ⏲️ Bake for 50–55 minutes until the center is puffed but gooey.
- ❄️ Cool 1 hour before serving, or completely if slicing clean wedges.
🎯 Chef’s Tip: If the pie was still jiggly after 55 minutes, tent loosely with foil and bake 5-8 minutes more.
Whether you follow this pie recipe to the letter or tweak your cherished pecan pie recipe, you’ll turn out a crowd-pleasing homemade pie every time. Remember, the famed George Kern dessert-often dubbed the original Kentucky bourbon pie recipe – also includes chocolate chips, so when you make the pie be sure to make chocolate a headline flavor alongside toasted nuts. Pour the luscious sweet filling into a deep dish pie crust (yes, even a store bought shell will work), bake until the surface looks pie and smooth, then crown each slice with plenty of cream on top or another decadent topping. One bite and you’ll know this keeper belongs in your permanent dessert rotation!
Cooking Tips for the Perfect Kentucky Derby Pie
- Cover it with foil halfway to avoid excess browning.
- Let room temperature pie finish setting before cutting-warm filling may sink to the bottom of slices.
- Resting overnight in the refrigerator enhances flavors; simply return to room temperature before serving.
✅ Use fresh eggs
❌ Don’t skip toasting nuts
🍫 Make It Extra Decadent: Add a Chocolate Ganache
Want to take your Kentucky Bourbon Pie to the next level? Add a smooth, luscious ganache layer on top of the cooled pie! This upgrade gives your dessert a rich chocolate finish that perfectly complements the gooey, nutty filling.
👉 Here’s how to make it:
- 🍫 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 🥛 ½ cup heavy cream
- Heat the cream until hot (but not boiling), then pour over the chocolate chips.
- Let sit 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the ganache over your cooled pie and smooth it out with a spatula.
- ✨ For extra indulgence, sprinkle ¾ cup mini chocolate chips on top before the ganache sets!
🍫 Pro tip: Chill the pie for 15–20 minutes to set the ganache before slicing.
🥧 What Are the Key Differences Between a Pecan Pie and a Kentucky Derby Pie?
| FEATURE | CLASSIC PECAN PIE | KENTUCKY DERBY PIE |
|---|---|---|
| Nuts | Pecans only | Pecan + walnut (often uses walnuts) |
| Chocolate | Rare | Includes chocolate chips |
| Spirit | None | Kentucky bourbon |
| Texture | Syrupy | Cookie-like, chocolate chip cookie vibes |
| Occasion | Thanksgiving | Kentucky Derby party, but also everyday dessert |
🔥 Quick Tip: Want lighter flavor? Omit bourbon for a kid-friendly “mock” Derby pie recipe.
How to Serve and Store Your Kentucky Derby Pie?
Best Ways to Serve the Pie
- Serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍨
- Dollop whipped cream and sprinkle extra crushed nuts for garnish
- Offer mint julep cocktails-classic juleps or fruity juleps-for Derby flair
Proper Storage for Homemade Pie
- Cover cooled pie with plastic wrap; refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Freeze whole or individual slices-wrap in plastic then foil; thaw overnight in refrigerator.
Perfect Pairings: Whipped Cream or Ice Cream?
Both! The cold creaminess contrasts the gooey center, while bourbon notes dance with vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of Kentucky bourbon caramel is pure indulgence.
How to Adapt the Pecan Pie Recipe for Different Tastes?
Variations with Walnut and Chocolate Chips
- Substitute hazelnuts or macadamias for walnut if allergies.
- Go gluten-free with almond-flour crust.
- Use gluten-free oats in crust for crunch.
Creating a Decadent Dessert with Vanilla
Add vanilla bean seeds to filling for upscale speckled look; top with whipped cream infused with extra vanilla.
Experimenting with Bourbon Whiskey
Try maple-aged bourbon whiskey for smoky sweetness. For lighter flavor, reduce bourbon to 1 Tbsp or replace with vanilla extract.
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky Derby pie is a pie lover’s dream-gooey like pecan pie and studded with chocolate chips.
- A splash of Kentucky bourbon turns it into a signature Kentucky Derby chocolate treat.
- Toasted pecan and walnut pieces guarantee nutty crunch in every slice.
- The recipe is easy to make using a deep dish pie crust-store-bought or homemade.
- Serve the pie slightly warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a party-worthy finale.
FAQ
Is Derby pie the same as pecan pie?
No-Derby pie contains chocolate chips and bourbon whiskey.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, but a homemade crust tastes extra-buttery.
What if I don’t have bourbon?
Swap 2 tsp vanilla extract; still delicious.
Does this pie freeze well?
Absolutely – wrap tightly, thaw in the refrigerator, then gently warm.
Why did my chocolate sink?
Overmixing; next time coat chips in flour mixture before folding.
Can I cut sugar?
Reduce by ¼ cup; flavor remains balanced.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Use an almond-flour crust and gluten-free oats.
How do I reheat slices?
10 minutes at 300 °F on a baking sheet; keeps crust crisp.
What drink pairs besides juleps?
Hot coffee with a splash of bourbon cream.
Ready to brandish your whisk and claim Derby-day bragging rights? Bake this Kentucky Derby pie, slice into that chocolate pecan pie glory, and watch smiles stretch wider than Churchill Downs. Enjoy-and may your pie cross the flavor finish line first every time!
Note: This recipe is shared purely for your enjoyment and does not contains affiliate links.
About Kentucky Derby Pie History
If you loved this rich and gooey Kentucky Derby Pie, don’t miss our full dessert collection featuring more irresistible treats! From creamy classics like this Easy Tiramisu or Old-Fashioned Custard Pie, to playful recipes like Tanghulu and indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnamon Rolls, we’ve got something for every sweet tooth. Craving something chilled? Try our Ice Cream Cake Recipe for summer parties, or dive into Southern comfort with Old-Fashioned Banana Pudding and our crowd-favorite Banana Pudding Recipe.
Kentucky Derby Pie with Bourbon, Chocolate Chips, and Nuts
Ingredients
- 1 deep-dish pie crust store-bought or homemade, 9-inch
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Kentucky bourbon optional
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup chopped pecans toasted
- ½ cup chopped walnuts toasted
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges. Set aside on a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, beat melted butter and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and bourbon.
- Whisk in the flour and salt until well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips, pecans, and walnuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust and spread evenly. Cover the edges of the crust with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly gooey and puffed.
Video
Notes
💡 Tips:
- 🥃 For a non-alcoholic version, replace bourbon with 2 tsp vanilla extract.
- 🔥 Toast the nuts for 8 minutes at 350°F before adding – it enhances flavor.
- 🧁 Top each slice with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- ❄️ This pie freezes well: wrap in plastic and foil, thaw in fridge overnight.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
The Chef Marcy is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
