Derby Pie Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Mar 30, 2025

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Derby Pie Recipe: A Kentucky Classic You Can Make at Home

The Kentucky Derby is synonymous with excitement, horses, and of course, the legendary Derby Pie. This decadent pecan pie with a chocolate twist is a true Southern classic, and now you can recreate this iconic dessert in your own kitchen. This recipe breaks down the process step-by-step, ensuring even novice bakers can achieve a perfect, melt-in-your-mouth Derby Pie.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe makes one 9-inch pie. Adjust quantities as needed for larger batches.

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• ¼ cup cold vegetable shortening, cut into cubes
• 5-7 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup corn syrup
• ½ cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups pecan halves

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Making the Pie Crust:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in Fats: Add the cold butter and shortening. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the fats into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water Gradually: Sprinkle in the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
4. Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
5. Roll and Bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbling. You can either blind bake the crust (pre-bake with pie weights) or bake it partially before adding the filling.

Making the Derby Pie Filling:

1. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir in the corn syrup, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
2. Add Pecans: Gently fold in the pecan halves.
3. Pour and Bake: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
4. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
5. Cool Completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.

Tips for Derby Pie Success:

• Use good quality cocoa powder: This will significantly impact the flavor of your pie.
• Don't overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry pie.
• Let it cool completely: This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
• Serve chilled or at room temperature: Enjoy your Derby Pie however you prefer!

Serving Suggestions:

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream complements the rich flavor of Derby Pie beautifully. It's also delicious served with a cup of strong coffee or tea.

This recipe offers a detailed guide to creating a truly authentic Kentucky Derby Pie. With a little time and effort, you can impress your friends and family with this iconic dessert. Enjoy the baking process and the delicious results!