Chocolate Nut Derby Pie Delight

The First Bite That Stole My Heart

The smell of warm chocolate and toasted walnuts hit me first. My neighbor brought over a slice of this pie years ago. One bite—crunchy nuts, gooey chocolate, buttery crust—and I was hooked. Ever wondered how you could turn a simple pie into something unforgettable? Now, I make it for every potluck. It always disappears fast.

My Pie Disaster Turned Happy Accident

My first try? I forgot to tent the pie with foil. The top got too dark, but the inside was perfect. Home cooking teaches us to embrace flaws—they often taste the best. My family still asks for the “burnt” version. What’s your favorite kitchen oops-turned-win?

Why This Pie Works So Well

– The melted butter makes the filling rich but not heavy. – Chocolate chips stay soft, while walnuts add a satisfying crunch. Which flavor combo surprises you most—sweet chocolate or salty nuts? Try it warm with ice cream. The contrast is magic.

A Slice of History

This pie comes from Kentucky’s Derby Day traditions. It’s like a pecan pie but with chocolate. *Did you know some call it “Kentucky brownie pie”?* Share your own regional dessert stories below. I love hearing them!

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Refrigerated pie crust	1
Unsalted butter	½ cup (1 stick)	Melted and cooled slightly
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Salt	¼ teaspoon
Vanilla extract	1 teaspoon
Large eggs	2
All-purpose flour	½ cup
Semi-sweet chocolate chips	1 cup
Chopped walnuts	½ cup

How to Make Chocolate Nut Derby Pie Delight

Step 1 Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the rack on the lowest level. Line a pie plate with the crust. Set it aside. Step 2 Cream butter, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a mixer. Mix for one minute on medium speed. Scrape the bowl clean. (Hard-learned tip: Cool melted butter slightly to avoid a greasy filling.) Step 3 Beat eggs lightly in a small bowl. Add them to the mixer. Blend for 30 seconds until smooth. Step 4 Add flour and mix on low. Stop when no streaks remain. Scrape the bowl. Mix 10 more seconds. Step 5 Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts. Stir just until combined. Pour into the pie crust. Smooth the top. Step 6 Bake 40–45 minutes until golden. Tent with foil at the end if needed. Cool for 2 hours. What’s the secret to a flaky crust? Share below! Cook Time: 45 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Yield: 8 servings Category: Dessert, Pie

3 Twists on Derby Pie Delight

Peanut Butter Swirl Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter into the filling before baking. Swirl gently with a knife. Bourbon Caramel Drizzle caramel sauce mixed with a splash of bourbon over the baked pie. Coconut-Pecan Swap walnuts for pecans. Add shredded coconut to the filling for a tropical twist. Which spin would you try first? Vote in the comments!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Serve slices with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Add a sprinkle of sea salt for contrast. Pair with cold milk for a classic treat. For adults, try a rich stout or coffee liqueur. Which would you choose tonight?

Storing and Serving Tips

Keep leftover pie covered at room temp for 2 days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in foil. Thaw overnight before serving. Reheat chilled slices in a 300F oven for 10 minutes. *Fun fact: This pie tastes even richer the next day!* Batch-cook note: Double the recipe and freeze one unbaked pie for later. Just add 5 extra minutes to baking time. Why this matters: Proper storage keeps the crust crisp and filling gooey. Have you tried freezing pies before? Share your tricks below!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Crust too soggy? Blind bake it for 5 minutes before adding filling. Filling overflowing? Place a baking sheet under the pie plate. Top browning too fast? Tent with foil earlier than the last 5 minutes. Why this matters: Small fixes save your dessert from disaster. My neighbor once rescued a burnt pie by scraping off the top—creative! Which pie problem drives you craziest? Vote: soggy crust, overflow, or uneven baking.

Your Questions Answered

Can I make this gluten-free? Swap the flour for 1:1 gluten-free blend. Crust must be GF too. How far ahead can I prep it? Assemble unbaked pie 1 day early. Keep chilled until ready to bake. Any nut swaps? Try pecans or skip nuts. Sunflower seeds add crunch if allergies are a concern. Can I halve the recipe? Use a 6-inch pie plate. Bake 30-35 minutes. Best ice cream pairing? Vanilla balances the richness. Salted caramel adds a sweet-salty twist.

Slice Into Joy

This pie is my go-to for potlucks. It always disappears fast! Tag @SavoryDiscovery on Pinterest with your creations. Did you add a twist? Tell me in the comments. Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.