Creamy custard, cornmeal, and aromatic vanilla come together to make this sweet, rich vanilla chess pie. A new twist on the classic version of this Southern favorite. If you’re not familiar with chess pie, it’s basically custard with the added texture of cornmeal. Most bakers agree that if the recipe doesn’t include cornmeal, it’s not a chess pie. Without cornmeal it would be a regular custard pie.
What You’ll Need
Utensils & Tools
- Large bowl
- 9-inch pie plate
- Wire cooling rack
- Measuring cup
- Set of measuring spoons
- Wire whisk
- Spoon or spatula
Key Ingredients
- Yellow cornmeal
- Granulated sugar
- Heavy cream
- All-purpose flour
- Vanilla Extract
- Eggs
Vanilla Chess Pie Recipe
Classic Chess Pie with the unmistakable aroma of vanilla. It omits the vinegar normally found in chess pie and replaces it with the sweetness of vanilla.
Servings 8 slices
Calories 432kcal
Cost $5.75
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
- 2 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 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 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.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Vanilla Chess Pie Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 432
Calories from Fat 198
% Daily Value*
Fat 22g34%
Saturated Fat 12g75%
Trans Fat 0.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 7g
Cholesterol 121mg40%
Sodium 212mg9%
Potassium 84mg2%
Carbohydrates 53g18%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 38g42%
Protein 5g10%
Vitamin A 583IU12%
Vitamin C 0.05mg0%
Calcium 26mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.