Sweet Southern Charm Kentucky Pie Recipe

Homey Kentucky Pie Recipe: A Sweet Southern Treat

Nestled in the heart of bluegrass country, this sweet southern charm kentucky pie sparks memories of grandma’s warm kitchen and Sunday gatherings.

Creamy custard meets buttery crust in a dessert that whispers comfort.

Southern bakers have long treasured this delectable treat passed down through generations.

Chocolate and bourbon dance together, creating a rich melody of flavors that tell stories of hospitality.

Pecans add a delightful crunch, bringing texture to every luxurious bite.

Simple ingredients blend into a magical experience that connects you with kentucky’s culinary heritage.

Come savor a slice of tradition that promises to delight your senses and warm your soul.

Sweet Southern Charm Kentucky Pie: A Slice of Tradition

  • Craft a Southern Classic: Dive into the rich, comforting world of Kentucky Pie, a dessert that captures the heart of Southern baking with its irresistible blend of pecans, chocolate, and buttery goodness.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Blend ingredients in one bowl, pour into a pie crust, and let the oven work its magic, creating a dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • Perfect for Any Celebration: Whether it's a family gathering, holiday feast, or just a sweet craving, this pie serves up pure happiness that brings people together with its warm, gooey texture and decadent taste.
  • No-Fuss Crowd-Pleaser: Novice bakers and seasoned pros alike can nail this recipe, making it an ideal dessert for those who want to impress without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Sweet Southern Charm Kentucky Pie

For the Pie Crust:
  • Unbaked Pie Shell: A classic base that holds the rich, sweet filling of this Kentucky pie.
For the Main Ingredients:
  • Sugar: Provides the essential sweetness that defines the pie's delightful flavor.
  • Flour: Helps to thicken and stabilize the pie filling.
  • Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, decadent texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the pie's creamy consistency.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Pecans, Chocolate Chips: Add delightful crunch and deep, indulgent chocolate notes to the pie.
  • Vanilla Extract: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Sweet Southern Charm Kentucky Pie

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 320°F, getting it ready for the pie magic about to happen.

Step 2: Create the Delicious Base

In a cheerful mixing bowl, combine:
  • Sugar
  • Flour

Mix these dry ingredients until they’re friendly with each other.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

Stir in:
  • Melted butter
  • Slightly beaten eggs

Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Flavor Boosters

Toss in these delightful extras:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Chocolate chips
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until all ingredients are happily mixed.

Step 5: Fill the Pie Shell

Pour the luscious mixture into an unbaked pie shell, spreading it evenly like a warm blanket.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie onto the center rack of your preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling sets like a dream.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the pie cool completely.

Serve it as is or jazz it up with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra southern comfort.

Tips for Southern-Style Kentucky Pie Excellence

  • Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor profile if you prefer or have allergies.
  • Check pie doneness by gently shaking the pan; the center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid when it's perfectly baked.
  • Prevent pie crust edges from burning by covering them with aluminum foil strips during the last 15 minutes of baking.
  • Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and intensify overnight.
  • Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more consistent filling, so let eggs and butter sit out for 30 minutes before mixing.

Variations on Sweet Southern Charm Kentucky Pie

  • Gluten-Free Southern Charm: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Kentucky Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free butter alternative, and select vegan chocolate chips for plant-based eaters.
  • Nutless Wonder: Eliminate pecans completely or substitute with sunflower seeds for those with nut allergies, maintaining the pie's rich flavor profile.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of traditional sugar, creating a diabetic-friendly version without compromising taste.

Pairing Suggestions for Kentucky Pie

  • Pair with Rich Kentucky Bourbon: Sip a smooth, caramel-noted Kentucky bourbon that complements the pie's sweet chocolate and nutty pecan flavors, enhancing the dessert's Southern charm.
  • Create Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream Contrast: Top the warm pie with a cold scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful temperature and texture dance that melts beautifully into the chocolate-pecan filling.
  • Match with Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a strong, robust dark roast coffee with deep, slightly bitter notes that cut through the pie's sweetness and highlight its rich chocolate and nut complexity.

Best Ways to Store Kentucky Pie Freshness

Store the leftover Kentucky Pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.

Carefully wrap the pie in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Place a date label to track storage time.

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm.

Transfer the frozen pie to the refrigerator overnight. Gently reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its original warmth and crispy texture.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in Kentucky Pie?

The key ingredients are sugar, flour, melted butter, eggs, pecans, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract, all baked in a classic pie shell.

  • Is Kentucky Pie similar to a chocolate chip cookie?

Yes, it’s like a giant chocolate chip cookie in pie form, with a gooey, rich filling that combines sweet and nutty flavors.

  • Can I make Kentucky Pie without pecans?

You can omit pecans if you have a nut allergy, but they add a wonderful texture and traditional Southern flavor to the pie.

  • How do I know when the Kentucky Pie is fully baked?

The pie is done when the top is golden brown and the filling is set, typically after 40-45 minutes of baking at 320°F.

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Sweet Southern Charm Kentucky Pie Recipe

Sweet Southern Charm Kentucky Pie Recipe


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4.6 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Southern kitchens whisper delightful secrets with Kentucky Pie, a silky chocolate marvel that dances between nutty pecan richness and smooth cocoa dreams. Dessert enthusiasts discover pure comfort in each warm slice, inviting you to savor a slice of Kentucky’s culinary magic.


Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) vanilla extract

Structural Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 stick (1/2 cup / 113 grams) butter, melted

Textural Ingredients:

  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 1 unbaked pie shell

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 320°F, ensuring precise temperature for optimal pie preparation.
  2. Whisk together sugar and flour in a medium bowl until smooth and lump-free.
  3. Incorporate melted butter and gently beaten eggs, stirring until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
  4. Fold in chopped pecans, chocolate chips, and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
  5. Transfer the silky filling into an unbaked pie shell, carefully spreading to create an even layer.
  6. Position the pie centrally in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and a set filling.
  7. Remove from oven and allow complete cooling, which helps the pie structure stabilize and intensify flavors.
  8. Slice and serve at room temperature, optionally garnishing with a cloud of whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
  • Use high-quality dark chocolate chips for richer, more complex flavor profile.
  • Toast pecans briefly before adding to intensify their nutty, caramel-like taste and enhance overall depth.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 343 kcal
  • Sugar: 23 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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