Description
This classic Chess Pie recipe features a rich, sweet, and tangy custard filling with a buttery, flaky pie crust. The smooth filling is made with simple pantry ingredients including butter, sugar, eggs, milk, and a hint of lemon juice, baked to a perfect set with a beautiful golden top. Perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy a traditional Southern favorite with a creamy texture and bright citrus notes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 Ready-to-Bake Pie Crust (fits a 9-inch pie pan)
Filling
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon cornmeal
- 5 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup 2% milk (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Garnish
- Powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the pie.
- Grease Pie Plate: Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate with non-stick spray to prevent the crust from sticking.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Unroll the ready-to-bake pie crust and carefully lay it into the greased pie plate.
- Shape Crust Edges: Crimp the edges of the pie crust around the plate by tucking under any extra dough to create an even and uniform border.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room temperature butter and granulated sugar. Beat until creamy and fully combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Incorporate the flour and cornmeal into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
- Add Liquids and Flavor: Mix in the milk, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice until the filling is smooth and well combined.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the prepared filling into the unbaked pie shell, spreading evenly.
- Bake Initial Time: Bake the pie in the preheated oven at 350°F for 30-35 minutes.
- Cover with Foil: After the initial baking period, lightly cover the entire pie with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Finish Baking: Return to the oven and bake for an additional 15-25 minutes or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool thoroughly at room temperature.
- Serve: Once cool, dust the pie with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
- Store: Keep the pie covered and refrigerated to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, and milk) to ensure the filling combines smoothly.
- Covering the pie with foil during the second half of baking prevents the crust and topping from over-browning while allowing the filling to set fully.
- Allow the pie to cool completely to ensure clean slicing.
- For best flavor and texture, store the pie refrigerated and cover tightly.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the pie crust and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
