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    Home » Dessert

    Chocolate Walnut Pie

    Published: May 1, 2020 · Modified: Jun 16, 2023 by Sula · This post may contain affiliate links · 13 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    For the record: This is not Derby Pie

    Several years ago, I was introduced to this pie by my friend, Julie. She told me “It’s Derby Pie, but you can’t call it that.”

    Huh?

    Turns out the name “derby pie” is a registered trademark of Kern’s Kitchen, the restaurant that first developed it. The recipe is a secret, I mean, a BIG SECRET, and the trademark is diligently (some say over-zealously) guarded. As of 2008 it’s estimated that the company has sued 25 times to protect the trademark.

    In May 2013, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a non-profit digital rights group, inducted Kern’s Kitchen into its “Takedown Hall of Shame,” claiming the company behind the most litigious confection in America is going after individual websites that post new recipes for derby pies. (Wikipedia)

    So again, I state: This is NOT Derby Pie, and any resemblance to famous persons or pies, living or dead, is purely coincidental. And it’s only a coincidence that I am posting this just before the first Saturday in May, normally the day of the Kentucky Derby.

    Slice of pie with no topping on a red plate

    So what’s in this not-Derby pie?

    There are many recipes floating about attempting to replicate Derby Pie. All start with chocolate and nuts. Some use pecans, others, walnuts. Most use a little Kentucky bourbon. It’s unclear whether bourbon comes from the original recipe or was a later add-on.

    I’ve tried both pecan and walnut versions, and for me, walnuts win. Hands down. And the bourbon? Yes, please. But not TOO much. One recipe called for a quarter cup of bourbon. So, purely in the pursuit of better cooking, I sacrificed myself and made it. Nope. Too much. Even for me. My version has only two tablespoons. Enough to enhance, not overwhelm.

    How to make Chocolate Walnut Pie

    Of course, start with the pie crust. I use my recipe to make my own pie crust, but feel free to use a store bought crust if you prefer. #nojudgementhere

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    Shape the crust in a pie plate and crimp the edges.

    Add chopped walnuts and chocolate chips to the unbaked crust.

    pie crust filled with chocolate walnut layer

    In a bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar and granulated sugar. Then add melted butter, vanilla and a little bourbon. Stir until smooth.

    sugar mixture being poured into the pie crust

    Pour the sugar mixture into the pie plate.

    Then, bake pie for 40 to 45 minutes, until set. Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before slicing.

    The sugar layer forms its own crusty top that I find irresistible.

    fully baked pie showing the crusty top
    Slice of pie with no topping on a red plate

    And all that chocolate and walnut goodness underneath – YUM! You can’t go wrong with these flavors!

    To make even more decadent: Serve your Chocolate Walnut Pie with whipped cream!

    slice of Derby Pie with whipped cream on a red plate

    Although, TBH, I love it both ways - with and without.

    And if you're looking for another way to enjoy the combination of chocolate and walnut, check out this recipe for chocolate walnut cake. You can never have too much chocolate!

    Pin for derby pie

    (Announcer): “And they’re off!”

    📖 Recipe

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    slice of derby pie on a red plate
    5 from 58 votes
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    Chocolate Walnut Pie

    Just don't call it Derby Pie! 🙂
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time45 minutes mins
    Total Time1 hour hr
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 508kcal
    Author: Sula

    Ingredients

    • 1 unbaked pie crust for a 9-inch pie
    • 1¼ cup walnuts chopped
    • 1¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • ½ cup sugar
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • ½ cup flour all-purpose
    • ½ cup butter 1 stick, melted and cooled
    • 2 eggs lightly beaten
    • 2 TB bourbon
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350F.
    • Shape pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.
    • Spread chocolate chips and chopped walnuts evenly into the crust-lined plate.
    • In a medium bowl, stir together the sugar and flour. Add eggs, melted butter, vanilla and bourbon. Stir until smooth. Pour on top of chocolate chip/walnut layer.
    • Bake in 350F oven for 40-45 minutes, or until set.
    • Allow to cool fully before cutting.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 508kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 169mg | Potassium: 242mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 342IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 3mg

    Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.

    Love chocolate? Try these brownies for a can't miss dessert!

    « Pink Señorita
    Baked Corn Tortilla Chips »

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    Comments

    1. Michele

      May 05, 2020 at 8:28 am

      5 stars
      Count me in for any recipe with bourbon in it! The sweet and nutty taste of the chocolate and walnuts is perfect in this delicious treat.

      Reply
    2. Andréa Janssen

      May 05, 2020 at 5:21 am

      5 stars
      What a delicious combination chocolate and walnuts. It sounds and looks so great! Thank you for this recipe

      Reply
      • Sula

        May 05, 2020 at 6:59 am

        It's a favorite here, for sure!

        Reply
    3. Chef Dennis

      May 05, 2020 at 2:53 am

      5 stars
      This Chocolate Walnut Pie is making me drool! This recipe is really mouthwatering! I will definitely make this ,

      Reply
      • Sula

        May 05, 2020 at 6:59 am

        Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Jess

      May 04, 2020 at 10:58 pm

      5 stars
      I love the chocolate and walnut combo!

      Reply
      • Sula

        May 05, 2020 at 6:57 am

        They go so well together!

        Reply
    5. Amy

      May 04, 2020 at 6:27 pm

      5 stars
      I have always had blueberry or pecan pie but never thought to make a walnut pie! Yum!

      Reply
      • Sula

        May 05, 2020 at 6:59 am

        We all need multiple pie options!

        Reply
    6. Emily

      May 04, 2020 at 5:58 pm

      5 stars
      LOL! I want to make this even more...hahaha! Anything with chocolate, and bourbon and I'm in!

      Reply
      • Sula

        May 05, 2020 at 6:58 am

        Me too!

        Reply
    7. Big Trouble

      May 01, 2020 at 9:12 am

      5 stars
      Ha ha ha, you're funny, Sula. This pie looks really good! And the fact that it has bourbon in it makes it seem so sophisticated. How classy. You could name this the Derpy Pie, perhaps? Not that that really makes sense, but it's funny? Maybe...

      Reply
      • Sula

        May 01, 2020 at 9:26 am

        Well, that would be a very unique twist on the name, for sure!

        Reply
    5 from 58 votes (51 ratings without comment)

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