Yummy! Apple is the most popular pie filling in the United States. This twist on a classic chess pie adds the flavor of America to produce a rich, creamy texture. I accidentally discovered this variation when making a chess pie. While reaching for vinegar I noticed a gallon of apple cider I’d recently purchased at a local orchard. Then I thought, what if I replace the vinegar with apple cider. Since apple cider isn’t available everywhere, I tried the pie with apple juice, and it came out amazing.
What You’ll Need
Utensils & Tools
- 9-inch pie plate
- Large bowl
- Wire whisk
- Measuring cup
- Set of measuring spoons
- Wire cooling rack
Key Ingredients
- Refrigerated pie crust
- Granulated sugar
- Butter
- Cornmeal
- Large eggs
- Heavy cream
- Apple juice
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose
- Ground nutmeg
This recipe calls for a refrigerated crust. If you haven’t worked with refrigerated crusts, be sure to read the directions of the package. The crust should sit at room temperature to soften before use. Some chess pie recipes don’t mention pre-baking the crust. This recipe recommends a prebaked crust. The package should provide directions for a one-crust pie. If not, bake the crust at 400℉ for 10 minutes then allow it to cool completely. Be sure to prick holes in the crust and check it for bubbles while baking. If you spot any bubbles, pop them with a fork.
Apple Chess Pie Recipe
Utensils & Equipment
- 1 large bowl
- 1 9-inch pie plate
- 1 wire cooling rack
- 1 wire whisk
- 1 spatula or spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 set of measuring spoons
Ingredients List
- 1 refrigerated pie crust
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter melted then cooled
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 4 eggs large
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 3 Tbsp apple juice (100% juice)
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
Bake The Crust
- You'll need to prebake or "blind bake" the crust. The directions should be on the package. In general you'll want to bake the crust at 400-425℉ for 10 minutes then allow it to cool completely.
- Be sure to use a fork to prick holes in the bottom and sides of the crust. If you notice any bubbles while baking, pop them with the fork.
- Crust should cool to room temperature before filling.
Reduce Oven Temperature
- Lower the oven temperature to 350℉ while preparing the filling.
Prepare The Filling
- In large bowl whisk together the eggs until slightly blended.
- To the eggs add the sugar, butter, milk, cornmeal, flour, vanilla extract, apple juice, and nutmeg. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Fill The Crust
- Pour the mixture into the cooled crust.
Bake To Perfection
- Bake on middle rack at 350℉ for 40-45 minutes or until the center of the pie is no longer jiggly.
- Pie is done when the crust is golden brown AND the center is fully set.
- If the edge of the crust is getting too brown, wrap strips of aluminum foil around the edge.
Cool Down
- Allow to sit on wire cooling rack until completely cool.