No one outside of the Kern family truly knows the secret to the “Derby Pie” but many have attempted to recreate it. This chocolate walnut pie is as close to the real thing I’ve ever had.
It’s the Monday after Thanksgiving and what am I sharing? PIE! Seems like I should have posted this sooner doesn’t it? But there’s a method to my madness and it comes in the form of a virtual baby shower for Kayle of The Cooking Actress!
Kayle is my cookie idol, creating all kinds of delicious cookies that make me wish she lived closer (then again my jeans collection may be thankful). But I have had the pleasure of hanging out with her in real life, the last of which involved a foodie tour of Columbus. It was during this adventure that she told me about planning to expand their family soon so I was ecstatic to hear the news not long after!
While I didn’t create a cookie recipe for today’s celebration, this pie is what would happen if a pecan (or walnut) pie and a chocolate chip cookie got together and created their own child. This pie is called the Derby Pie, although technically I cannot call it that since it’s official recipe is guarded by the Kern family who first created it. So how about Kentucky Derby chocolate walnut pie?
There is some debate on the internet on whether this pie uses walnuts of pecans, and if it contains flour or not. I went with walnuts because that seems to be the consensus and added a little flour just because I thought it’d give it more of that cookie appeal that I so love in Derby pie. The result was perfection! It may not be the prettiest pie I’ve ever made, but it’s certainly up there for one of the best in flavor.
Also, check out the rest of the baby shower recipes made by my fellow hosts!
Turtle Thumbprint Cookies – by Confessions of a Confectionista
Cookie Dough Billionaire Bars – by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Derby Pie – by The Spiffy Cookie
Chocolate Chip Rice Krispies Treat Cookies – by Pies and Plots
Eggnog Crinkle Cookies – by The Domestic Rebel
Cookie Dough Cups – by The Pajama Chef
Homemade Salted Caramel Oreos – by Eats with With Others
Double Chocolate Peppermint Cookies – by Blahnik Baker
One year ago: Weekly Meal Plan #40
Two years ago: Monthly RawSpiceBar Review
Three years ago: I Mustache You Some Questions
Four years ago: Cranberry-Walnut Oat Bread
Five years ago: Red Velvet Rice Krispie Treats
Seven years ago: Leftover Turkey Tetrazzini
DERBY PIE
Serves 8-12
Ingredients:
1 refrigerated pie crust
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
6 oz. walnut (or pecan) pieces
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/4 cup maple syrurp
3 eggs
2 Tbsp bourbon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 with the rack in the middle.
- Fit pie crust into a deep dish pie pan. Sprinkle the chocolate and nuts evenly in the bottom and set aside.
- In a medium bowl using a hand mixer, beat together the butter, syrups, and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs, bourbon, and vanilla and beat until incorporated. Add the flour and salt and beat again until incorporated.
- Pour the filling mixture into the pie crust and bake on the middle rack for 30 minutes. Move to the bottom rack and cook for another 15 minutes or until center is set.
- Remove from oven, place on a wire rack and allow to cool to room temperature before slicing and serving. (Can also microwave briefly and serve with ice cream.)
Source: Adapted from Kasey Trenum.
23 comments
Oh, yum – I haven’t had a derby pie in forever!
I am one big fan of chocolate pie. This one looks a mouthwatering recipe to prepare.
I’m always up for more pie!! All that chocolatey gooey goodness in the center looks fabulous.
A pie AND a cookie! This is a dream come true! We all have to hang out together one day! I did get a chance to visit the Columbus Zoo but haven’t seen much else!
That would be great!
YES!
OMG It does not get better than a pie that is also a cookie!
What’s a tastes-like, non-alcoholic substitute for the bourbon?
Thank you
You could just leave it out. Or maybe use imitation rum? Extracts are usually alcohol based though and the alcohol bakes off anyway if you’re worried about that.
Thank you.
This is the best pie!! Chocolate chips lining the bottom?? Sounds so so good. It is a cookie pie :) Thank you so much for helping with shower coordination!! On another note – I seriously need a Columbus foodie weekend! I keep hearing about all the awesome eats there.
We definitely have a great food scene here, just let me know when you need a tour guide ;-).
If this adventure happens y’all better let me know and include me!!!
Most definitely!
I LOVE DERBY PIE RECIPES! They totally are like a cookie-pie hybrid which…what could be better, really???? And ahhh Erin you guys totally blew me away with this shower, it is so sweet and I adore you all!!! Made my darned day :) :) :) And hopefully we can hang again in the not too distant future!
Yay!!! So happy to have made your day!
Thanks for the Derby 73rd birthday pie. It was very good.
You’re welcome!
This DOES look like a cross between cookies and pie! Totally scrumptious!!! So fun to celebrate Kayle with you today!
Thanks you too Liz!
I’ve never had a walnut pie before, but now I’m intrigued. Also – I’m mesmerized by your photo that flips between “before” and “after” – so awesome!
Thanks Malini! You need to try this pie.