Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (2024)

A trifecta of chocolate, pecans and bourbon, this Kentucky Derby pie is the perfect dessert to serve at your Kentucky Derby viewing or tailgate party. Even if you’re not into horse racing, you won’t be able to resist a slice of this delicious dessert.

As a UNC Tar Heel, I have an extreme dislike for Kentucky’s college basketball team. But I’m a big fan of Kentucky bourbon, horse racing, big hats and delicious Kentucky Derby pie.

Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (1)

What’s not to love about a delicious chocolatey, nutty pie with a bourbon kick?

It’s the perfect accompaniment for an icy homemade bourbon mint julep. And of course, it’s a no brainer to serve at a Kentucky Derby party.

I usally only make this combo once a year. Though as I’m sitting here typing and sipping on an icy mint julep and contemplating a second slice of pie, I don’t know why these two delicacies aren’t on the regular menu rotation!

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Because they’re both really easy to make. Simple recipes — I promise! And you know they taste good!

Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (2)

What is Kentucky Derby Pie

The original recipe was created by the Kern family in the 1950s and served at the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Ky. Theirs, made using a secret recipe that includes chocolate, walnut and bourbon, is the only official Derby-Pie®.

But you’ll find many make-at-home versions and variations in the recipe boxes of cooks from Kentucky and throughout the south.

My version uses pecans instead of walnuts — although you could certainly substitute them if you prefer their flavor. The finished pie tastes a little bit like a chocolate chip cookie in a crust, with a bourbon kick and lots of pecans.

Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (3)

The flour and some of the chocolate chips rise to the top to create a cookie-like crust, while the center is more gooey, similar to a chocolate pecan pie, with rich bourbon flavor.

I like to call my version a Trifecta Pie, a little play on horse racing lingo that also makes reference to the three key ingredients.

Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (4)

You can scroll to the end of this post for the full recipe and ingredient list and a printable recipe card. But you may want to keep reading for more tips on how to make the perfect air fryer wontons.

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To Make Chocolate Chip Bourbon Pecan Pie , You Will Need:

Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (5)
  • Deep Dish Pie Crust– I use a frozen deep dish crustbecause I’m all about easy, but if you have the extra time, whip up Martha’s perfect homemade pie crust.
  • Granulated sugar – Use traditional white, granulated sugar in this recipe, not a subsitute or alternative sweetener.
  • All-purpose flour– Make sure you use all-purpose flour for best results.
  • Butter– I like to use unsalted butter when baking, but salted butter won’t ruin the recipe.
  • Eggs – Always opt for large eggs when baking, unless otherwise specified.
  • Pecans – I prefer to use pecan halves in this recipe; it makes for a prettier pie. Choose pecans that have a recent freshness date.
  • Bourbon – Since bourbon is a key ingredient in a Kentucky Derby pie, pick a high quality brand that you wouldn’t mind drinking straight or in an Old Fashioned cocktail. However, there’s no need to use the most expensive bourbon for baking or a rareified brand like Pappy Van Winkle.
  • Semisweet chocolate morsels – These chips have a higher cocoa content than milk chocolate and taste slightly bitter, more like dark chocolate.

How to Make Trifecta Pie

Every time I make a pie, I wonder why I don’t make more. They are so simple to put together, much easier than cookies or cakes and so many other desserts.

For a pie, you pretty much just throw the ingredients together in a crust, slideit in the oven and bake.

And about an hour later (give or take a few minutes), you get this.

Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (6)

Time needed:1 hour and 15 minutes

Easy Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe to serve for the Kentucky Derby.

  1. While the oven is preheating, combine the sugar and flour in a large mixing bowl.

  2. Add cooled, melted butter and stir until combined.

  3. Next, add the eggs and bourbon and stir until fully incorporated.

  4. Fold in pecans and chocolate chips.

  5. Pour mixture into a deep dish pie crust.
    Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (7)

  6. To prevent messy spills in the oven, place the pie pan on a large rimmed baking sheet to bake.

  7. To prevent the edges of the pie crust from browning too quickly, you may need to cover them with foil part way through or use a pie shield.

  8. The pie is ready when it is set and the crust is light brown, usually in 45 to 55 minutes.Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (8)

  9. After removing the pie from the oven, allow it to cool before cutting and serving.

how Should I serve Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie

A slice of this pie is great on its own, served room temperature.

But it’s also delicious heated slightly in the microwave, just long enough so that the chocolate chips get all oozy.

Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (9)

You can also serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream. (Mix a little bourbon in, in addition to vanilla extract, for a boozy whipped topping.)

If you’re planning on serving the pie on a hot day, you may want to try my friend Sara’s recipe for sturdy whipped cream frosting to keep it from melting in the heat.

Baking tips & Tricks

Variations & Substitutions

If you want to change this recipe up a bit and make it more like the original, you can subsitute walnuts, in equal portion, for the pecans.

If you don’t like cooking with alcohol, you can omit the bourbon and subsitute 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla.

Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (10)

For Best Results

To prevent messy spills in the oven, place the pie pan on a large rimmed baking sheet to bake.

To keep the edges of the pie crust from browning too quickly, you may need to cover them with foil part way through or use a pie shield. Check the pie after 10 or 15 minutes in the oven. If the edges are browning too quickly, add foil or the pie shield.

Frequently Asked QUESTIONS

Can you make derby pie ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is a great one to make 1 to 3 days ahead of time. There’s no need to refrigerate the pie. Once it has cooled completely, you can cover it with foil or store it in a pie keeper. The pie should last 5 days or longer stored on your countertop and longer if refrigerated.

Can I freeze Kentucky Derby pie?

Yes, this pie freezes well. Just place in an air tight container or a freezer-safe bag and refrigerate for up to 6 months. Thaw completely before serving.
You can also freeze slices individually if you have leftovers.

What does Kentucky Derby Pie taste like?

A little slice of heaven!
Seriously, though, this Trifecta pie tastes like a cross between a really good chocolate chip cookie and a pecan pie with a wonderful bourbon chaser. There’s a reason it’s such a beloved tradition in Kentucky and throughout the south.

More Recipes to Serve for the Kentucky Derby

If you enjoyed this pie recipe, don’t miss these other Kentucky Derby party food & drink ideas.

  • Classic Mint Julep
  • Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Bars
  • Chocolate Pecan Turtle Cookie Dip
  • Southern Style Pimento Cheese
  • Kentucky Derby Party Recipes
Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (11)

PIN THIS! Kentucky Derby Trifecta Pie RECIPE

Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (12)

Kentucky Derby Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe

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Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (13)

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

A trifecta of chocolate, pecans and bourbon, this pie is the perfect dessert to serve at your Kentucky Derby party. Even if you’re not into horse racing, you won’t be able to resist a slice of this delicious dessert.

5 from 7 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Calories 490 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 deep dish pie crust
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 stick butter melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 ounce bourbon
  • 1 cups pecan
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar and flour.

  • Add melted butter and stir until combined. Add eggs and bourbon and stir until fully incorporated.

  • Fold in pecans and chocolate chips.

  • Pour mixture into a deep dish pie pan.

  • Place pie pan in the middle of a large rimmed baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes, until the pie is set and the crust is light brown.

  • Check on the pie as it it cooking. If the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, cover them with foil and continue baking.

  • Remove from oven, allow to cool, cut and serve.

Notes

Notes & Tips

  1. To prevent messy spills in the oven, place the pie pan on a large rimmed baking sheet to bake.
  2. To keep the edges of the pie crust from browning too quickly, you may need to cover them with foil part way through or use a pie shield. Check the pie after 10 or 15 minutes in the oven. If the edges are browning too quickly, add foil or the pie shield.

Subsititutions

  1. You may substitute 1 cup of walnuts for the pecans in this recipe.
  2. If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can omit it from the recipe, substituting 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla.

Nutrition

Calories: 490kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 6gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 42mgSodium: 118mgPotassium: 225mgFiber: 3gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 2.8mg

Did You Make This?Mention @AttaGirlSays or tag #attagirlsays!

Kentucky Derby Pie Recipe is a Trifecta of Chocolate, Bourbon & Pecans (2024)

FAQs

Is Derby-Pie the same as pecan pie? ›

Is a derby pie just pecan pie? No, derby pie is not a traditional pecan pie. With the addition of bourbon and chocolate, this pie is far richer and decadent. However, the textures are largely the same—sweet, sticky, buttery—thanks to the pie filling's several types of sugars and chopped nuts.

What is Kentucky Derby pie made of? ›

Derby pie is a trademarked name and pie created by George Kern in Prospect, Kentucky. It has a chocolate and walnut filling inside a traditional pie crust. It is often associated with the Kentucky Derby. Some versions are made as a chocolate pecan pie, but the original has a more dense filling and uses walnuts.

Do derby pies need to be refrigerated? ›

The baked pie, including leftovers, should be stored, lightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Derby pie can also be frozen! Allow the pie to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then slice and serve.

What is the official dessert of Kentucky? ›

In 1969 they trademarked the name "derby pie" to both the state government of Kentucky and the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Since then, the trademark has constantly been renewed as a federally registered trademark.

What is the most popular pie in the Midwest? ›

The Midwest - Cherry Pie

Cherry pie holds a special place in the hearts of Midwesterners, who celebrate the region's abundant cherry harvest with this sweet and tart treat. Whether it's enjoyed with just the lattice crust or an added dollop of whipped cream, this pie is a Midwest favorite year-round.

Is shoo-fly pie the same as pecan pie? ›

Its closest relative is probably the pecan pie, because it also uses corn syrup, but the molasses and crumbs of the shoo-fly pie give it a dark, sticky, sweet flavor, completely unlike that of a nut or fruit pie.

What bourbon is best for pie? ›

Wild Turkey Bourbon is the perfect bourbon for an BOLD pecan pie. Lower proof bourbons can fade from baking, but I find that Wild Turkey 101 bourbon doesn't get lost in the pie.

What is the most popular food at the Kentucky Derby? ›

Some traditional derby dishes include pimento cheese, tea sandwiches, and deviled eggs. Here, you'll find those recipes and so much more. Like Southern fried okra, homemade biscuits, ham and cheese sliders, and tomato pie. We've even included a few spring desserts that would be perfect for a Southern-inspired party.

What pie is Tennessee known for? ›

One of our favorite Tennessee desserts is the chess pie, a true Southern classic. Made with just eggs, butter, and sugar, with the addition of cornmeal and vinegar, this pie was the sweet born out of necessity and scarcity. People used to bake with what ingredients they had on hand.

Why is it called Derby Pie? ›

Once developed, a name had to be given. Because each family member had a favorite, the name “Derby Pie” was actually pulled from a hat. With a pie so unique, the name was registered with the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office as well as the Commonwealth of Kentucky. of Kern's Kitchen!

Should I refrigerate my pie overnight? ›

If a pie contains eggs or dairy products, it should be stored in the refrigerator and not left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Pies that do not contain dairy products, such as fruit pies can be stored, loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days.

Why do stores not refrigerate pies? ›

According to the Food and Drug Administration, homemade pies containing eggs should be refrigerated. 2 However, you've probably noticed that a lot of grocery stores and restaurants serve and store them at room temperature. This is because, quite simply, they taste better that way.

What is the state drink of Kentucky? ›

Milk is named and designated as the official state drink of Kentucky. Effective: June 20, 2005 History: Created 2005 Ky. Acts ch. 36, sec.

What is the most famous food in Kentucky? ›

So, we've listed the most important and iconic tastes to try on your next visit to the Bluegrass State.
  • HOT BROWN. The Hot Brown was created at the Brown Hotel in downtown Louisville in 1926, and it's still the best place to try one. ...
  • SPOONBREAD. ...
  • BENEDICTINE. ...
  • BURGOO. ...
  • BARBECUE. ...
  • DERBY-PIE® ...
  • ROLLED OYSTERS. ...
  • BEER CHEESE.
Jul 25, 2023

What dessert is Ohio known for? ›

Ohio: Buckeyes

This combination of chocolate and peanut butter is made to look like the fruit from the buckeye tree.

What is the official pie of Texas? ›

Other pie flavors must take a backseat to pecan pie after the Texas Legislature in 2013 officially declared pecan pie the official state pie of Texas.

Which is healthier pecan pie or pumpkin pie? ›

Hence, both of these pies are healthy in their own way. If you want to consume essential nutrients to overcome your nutritional deficiency, then go for pecans. In case you are planning to lose weight while consuming a low-calorie dessert, then a pumpkin pie should be your choice.

What pie is Ohio known for? ›

Ohio: Buckeye Pie

The buckeye pie is made of chocolate and peanut butter fillings, artfully layered to imitate the appearance of the nut—or the namesake candy.

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