Chess pie
A traditional Southern American pie with a rich, sweet filling of eggs, butter and sugar, often with a little cornmeal and buttermilk or vinegar, baked in a single crust.
- Traditional and regional desserts
- England
The filling is a simple custard that bakes into a smooth, dense center with a thin, crackly sugar crust on top. Cornmeal or a little flour helps it set, and a splash of vinegar, buttermilk or lemon juice cuts the sweetness. Lemon, chocolate and brown sugar chess pies are popular variations.
Chess pie is usually baked at a moderate temperature until the edges are set and the center jiggles only slightly. It firms up as it cools and slices best at room temperature.
Bake it at VanillaGoods
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RecipeChess Pie Filling3 hr 5 min · Serves 8 -
RecipeLemon Chess Pie Filling3 hr 5 min · Serves 8 -
RecipeChocolate Chess Pie Filling3 hr 5 min · Serves 8
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Written by VanillaGoods in our own words from these sources. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.
- Chess pie (Q5093340), Wikidata