Kentucky Derby Chocolate Walnut Pie Recipe

Celebrate race day with a rich and gooey Kentucky Derby pie made with semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, brown sugar, and a splash of bourbon.

The Kentucky Derby is one of the most recognizable sporting traditions in the United States. Held each year on the first Saturday in May, the race is often called “the greatest two minutes in sports” because the horses complete the track in roughly that amount of time. But the event is about far more than the race itself. From elegant hats and sundresses to seersucker suits, mint juleps, and Southern party food, Derby day has become a celebration of style, hospitality, and classic Kentucky flavors.

Kentucky Derby pie is one of the sweetest traditions associated with race day entertaining. This chocolate walnut pie has a tender pie crust and a rich filling that bakes into a soft, almost candy-like center. The semi-sweet chocolate chips add deep chocolate flavor, the walnuts bring a pleasant crunch, and the bourbon adds warmth without overpowering the dessert. If you enjoy pecan pie or chocolate chip pie, this recipe delivers a similar comfort with its own signature twist.

This dessert is an excellent choice for a Kentucky Derby party, a spring gathering, a holiday dessert table, or any occasion that calls for a rich homemade pie. Serve it plain, with whipped cream, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.

The origins of Kentucky Derby pie

This famous chocolate chip walnut pie dates back to the 1950s, when it was created at the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky, a town located near Louisville. The Melrose Inn was managed by George Kern and his parents, Walter and Leaundra Kern, during that period. The Kern family is credited with creating the original pie recipe.

Although the dessert is now strongly connected with Kentucky Derby celebrations, it was not originally created as a tribute to the horse race. According to the story, the family placed suggested names into a hat and drew one at random. The original recipe later became a closely guarded family secret, and the name “Derby-Pie®” was trademarked in 1969.

This recipe is not the original secret formula. Instead, it is a homemade version inspired by the same beloved combination of chocolate, walnuts, and a sweet custard-style filling. The addition of bourbon gives it a distinctly Southern flavor and makes it especially fitting for a Kentucky Derby menu.

Ingredients and tools you will need

This Kentucky Derby pie recipe uses simple baking ingredients and comes together with very little prep. The filling is mixed in one bowl, poured into an unbaked pie shell, and baked until set. For the best texture, use melted butter that has cooled slightly before adding it to the eggs.

• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 3 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 unbaked pie crust for a 9-inch pie plate, homemade or store-bought
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk or electric mixer
• 9-inch pie pan
• Rimmed baking sheet and aluminum foil

How to make Kentucky Derby pie

Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, melted and cooled butter, light corn syrup, bourbon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is mostly dissolved. Taking a little time to combine the filling well helps the pie bake evenly and gives the finished dessert a smooth texture.

Next, stir in the chopped walnuts and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Mix on low speed or fold by hand until the chocolate and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the filling. Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie shell and place the pie on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. The pie may not overflow, but the baking sheet is useful for catching any drips and makes it easier to move the pie in and out of the oven.

Bake the pie for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set. The top should look golden and slightly puffed, and the center should no longer appear loose. If the crust begins browning before the filling is finished, loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil to protect the edges from burning.

Some people enjoy this pie warm, when the filling is extra soft and gooey. However, the filling will slice more neatly after the pie has cooled completely. For the cleanest slices, let the pie rest on a wire rack for several hours before serving. Add vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream if desired.

Storage and freezing

Storage. Once the Kentucky Derby pie has cooled, store it in the refrigerator. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or place it in a pie saver to keep it from drying out. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it within five days.

Freezing. This pie can also be frozen after baking. Wrap the whole cooled pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw the pie completely in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.

More Kentucky Derby party food ideas

• Mint juleps
• Pimento cheese
• Southern deviled eggs
• Homemade buttermilk biscuits
• Hummingbird Bundt cake

Kentucky Derby Pie

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition