Mint Julep Moment The Ultimate Kentucky Derby ChocolatePecan Pie

Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie

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Preparation time:35 Mins

Cooking time:60 Mins

Servings:8 slices (one 9-inch pie)

Instructions:

• If making pastry from scratch, cut cold butter into flour and salt until pea-sized crumbs form. Gradually add ice water until dough just comes together. Form into a disc, wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
• Roll out the chilled dough and carefully fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges. Chill the lined pie shell for 20 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Blind bake the crust by lining it with parchment paper and pie weights for 15 minutes. Remove weights/paper, prick the bottom, and bake for 5 more minutes until set. Let cool slightly.
• Gently toast pecans until fragrant and set aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, corn syrup, eggs, bourbon, and vanilla until smooth.
• Whisk in the 2 tablespoons of flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt until just combined. Gently fold in the toasted pecans and chocolate chips.
• Pour the filling mixture into the partially baked pie shell, ensuring pecans are evenly distributed.
• Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The edges should be set, and the centre should only wobble slightly when nudged. Cover crust edges with foil if they brown too quickly.
• Cool the pie completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing to ensure the gooey texture sets properly.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:515 kcal

Fat:35g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Dessert

Cuisine:American Southern

Elevating the Classic: Why This Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe Wins the Roses

There are few desserts that carry the same sense of occasion and tradition as the Kentucky Derby Pie . It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a quintessential piece of Southern celebration, perfectly marrying the deep, nutty crunch of pecans with the decadent melt of dark chocolate, all suspended in a sweet, caramel-like custard kissed with fine bourbon. This recipe, which we’ve dubbed "Mint Julep Moment: The Ultimate Kentucky Derby Chocolate-Pecan Pie," is designed to be the absolute gold standard. While some might search for a simple Kentucky Derby Pie bars recipe for easier serving, nothing truly replaces the dramatic presentation of a whole, glistening pie. Achieving this level of gooey perfection requires attention to temperature and ingredient quality, making this a decidedly "Medium" difficulty bake, but trust me, the results are worth every bit of focus.

The Soul of Louisville: Bourbon Infusion and Gooey Perfection

The true magic of this famous dessert lies in its complex filling. It’s not merely a chocolate chip pie; it’s an experience where the caramelized sugars, the richness of the butter, and the unmistakable warmth of Kentucky whiskey dance together. When properly baked, the filling sets just enough to hold its structure but remains luxuriously sticky—the hallmark of the best Kentucky Derby Pie . This indulgent creation easily surpasses standard offerings, firmly positioning itself as a true Yummy Pie .

Beyond the Racetrack: Defining the Derby Day Dessert

Originating near Louisville, the home of the fastest two minutes in sports, the Kentucky Derby Pie has cemented its place as the mandatory finale to any Derby party menu. Unlike a standard bourbon chocolate pecan pie , which can sometimes lean too heavily on the sugar, our approach balances the spirit with the other components. We ensure that the bourbon provides depth rather than overpowering the palate, offering subtle background warmth. This recipe yields one glorious 9-inch pie, designed to serve eight very happy guests, and requires about 35 minutes of active prep time, plus essential cooling.

Setting Up Your Sourdough-Like Commitment to Quality Crust

A great filling demands a sturdy, flaky foundation. While using a quality store-bought 9-inch crust is perfectly acceptable for speed, crafting your own shortcrust pastry elevates this Kentucky Pecan Pie Recipe significantly. For the scratch version, you will need 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of fine sea salt, and ½ cup (one stick) of very cold, cubed unsalted butter. The secret here is the ice water; use just enough (about 3 to 4 tablespoons) to bring the mixture together into a disc that you must then chill for 30 to 60 minutes. A cold crust going into a hot oven is the key to that desirable flaky texture that holds up beautifully to the dense filling.

A Glimpse at the Chocolate-Pecan Glory Ahead

The filling itself is where we bring the show together. We use 1 ½ cups of lightly toasted pecans, ensuring maximum flavour payoff against the sweetness. The binder relies on three room-temperature eggs, ½ cup of melted butter, ½ cup of light corn syrup, and a combination of ¾ cup packed brown sugar and ¼ cup granulated sugar. Crucially, we incorporate 2 tablespoons of quality bourbon and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Finally, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour act as a gentle stabilizer before we fold in 1 cup of high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Assembling the Gold Standard Ingredients for Authentic Flavor

To create this truly authentic Derby Pie Recipe Kentucky deserves, precision in ingredient preparation is non-negotiable. Before you even think about mixing the sugars and eggs, take the time to toast your pecans. Spread them on a baking sheet and place them in a 350° F ( 175° C) oven for about 8 to 10 minutes until fragrant. This simple step releases essential oils, ensuring the nuts don't taste flat next to the intense chocolate. Remember, room temperature eggs incorporate far better into the thick, syrupy base, creating a smoother, uniform custard texture.

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Essential Hardware: Tools Needed for Flawless Baking

You don’t need a professional pastry kitchen, but the right tools make the difference between a good pie and a truly exceptional one. A standard 9-inch glass or ceramic pie dish is ideal as it conducts heat evenly. Beyond that, you’ll rely on a large mixing bowl and a whisk for the filling, a rubber spatula for careful folding, and, if you're making the crust from scratch, a food processor or pastry blender to cut in that cold butter. A wire cooling rack is also essential for the final cooling phase to prevent the bottom crust from steaming and becoming soggy.

Choosing the Right Pecans and Chocolate Strategy

When selecting pecans, opt for halves or large pieces for better texture throughout the slice. Toasting, as mentioned, is mandatory. For the chocolate, avoid waxy coatings; look for 60% to 70% cacao semi-sweet chocolate chips. Using a higher quality chocolate ensures a richer flavor that stands up proudly against the bourbon and nuts.

Measuring the Magic: Accurate Quantities for the Gooey Center

Accuracy matters most when dealing with the corn syrup and sugars. Measure the corn syrup by pouring it into your measuring cup first, then lightly oiling the cup before adding the brown sugar—this prevents the sticky sugar from adhering completely, allowing you to scrape it cleanly into the bowl. We utilize 2 tablespoons of flour, not for structure like a cake, but purely to help the custard set just enough, ensuring that signature gooey center.

Bourbon Substitutions: Options if You Skip the Spirits

Many excellent bakers seek out a Kentucky Derby Pie without bourbon , perhaps for family-friendly gatherings or dietary restrictions. If you must omit the 2 tablespoons of bourbon, replace it with an equal amount of strong black coffee or dark, unsweetened tea. Both liquids offer a roasted, dark note that complements the chocolate and pecans beautifully, though the characteristic warmth of the spirit will be absent.

Step-by-Step Mastery: Crafting the Ultimate Kentucky Derby Pie

The journey to this ultimate Kentucky Pie Recipe begins with the pastry. Line your chilled pie shell meticulously, trim the edges, and give it a final 20-minute chill. Since this filling is quite wet, we highly recommend blind baking the shell. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C), line the chilled crust with parchment paper and weights, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the weights, prick the base lightly, and bake for 5 more minutes until it’s just set. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Whipping Up the Laced, Molasses-Rich Filling

In your large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, both sugars, corn syrup, eggs, bourbon, and vanilla until the mixture is homogenous and smooth. Next, incorporate the 2 tablespoons of flour and the ¼ teaspoon of salt until just blended. Finally, use your spatula to gently fold in the toasted pecans and the chocolate chips. Remember, we are folding, not beating, to avoid developing the gluten in the flour or breaking up the pecans too much.

The Crucial Cooling Phase: Patience After the Oven

Once the filling is poured into the par-baked shell, return the pie to the oven, dropping the temperature to 350° F ( 175° C). Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You know it’s done when the outer ring is firm, but the very center still exhibits a slight, Jell-O-like wobble when you gently nudge the pan. This slight under-baking is vital for that sought-after gooey texture. Resist the urge to slice it immediately! The pie must cool completely on a wire rack for a minimum of two hours. This mandatory cooling time allows the residual heat to finish setting the custard to perfection.

Extending the Celebration: Storage Solutions for Leftover Indulgence

Even the most decadent pies rarely last long, but should you be lucky enough to have slices remaining, proper storage is key. Once fully cooled, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at cool room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, this pie freezes beautifully.

Troubleshooting Common Baking Mishaps

If your crust browns too quickly during the main bake, quickly fashion small strips of aluminum foil and gently lay them over the crimped edges. If your filling seems too liquid after cooling, it usually means it needed another 5 to 10 minutes in the oven. If you’ve gone overboard trying to make Kentucky Derby Pie bars recipe style squares and they end up crumbly, simply reheat the pieces slightly and serve them warm over ice cream—a fantastic recovery!

Serving Suggestions: Pairing the Pie with the Perfect Beverage

This rich dessert begs for a counterpoint. While the obvious choice is a classic Mint Julep to truly embrace the spirit of the occasion, a strong, dark cup of coffee or a simple glass of whole milk cuts through the richness quite nicely. For an extra touch of decadence, a light drizzle of salted caramel sauce over the top of each slice transforms it into an even more sensational experience.

Freezing Tactics: Preserving Your Homemade Derby Creation

To freeze your finished Kentucky Derby Pie recipe creation, ensure it is fully cooled. Place the entire pie (uncovered) in the freezer until solid—this prevents the plastic wrap from sticking to the filling. Once frozen solid, wrap it tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap followed by heavy-duty foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy this piece of tradition!