Description
A rich and velvety Dark Chocolate Chess Pie that combines classic Southern chess pie with deep chocolate flavor in a buttery, flaky crust. Smooth, fudgy, and perfectly sweetened, it’s ideal for chocolate lovers seeking a comforting yet unique dessert.
Ingredients
1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
2 oz unsweetened chocolate (or 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips)
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar (or more white sugar if preferred)
2 tbsp cocoa powder (preferably dark)
1/4 tsp salt
3 large eggs
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges to form a neat border.
- Melt the butter and unsweetened chocolate together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time to the sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth batter.
- Stir in the evaporated milk and vanilla extract. Then slowly whisk in the melted chocolate and butter mixture until everything is thoroughly combined and silky smooth.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is just set but still has a slight wobble. Don’t worry if the top cracks—that’s perfectly normal.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. The filling will firm up as it cools, giving the perfect texture.
Notes
Use semi-sweet or milk chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate depth.
Swap evaporated milk with half-and-half for a richer filling.
Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking to balance the sweetness.
Use a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pie crust for a different texture and flavor.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; best served chilled or at room temperature.
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if desired.
A cracked top is normal and does not affect flavor or texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pie)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
