Kentucky Derby Pie

The Kentucky Derby is horse racing’s “Super Bowl” event of the calendar season.

It attracts a mixture of hardcore racing enthusiasts and novices (approximately 150,000 in attendance at Churchill Downs) who get caught up in being a part of the party extravaganza.

And from a food perspective, many attending come away loving Kentucky Derby pie after experiencing the dessert for the first time. It represents the rich, sweet taste of Southern delicacies.

Here is the Kentucky Derby pie recipe and other baking reminders to assist after placing this after-dinner item on the menu:

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why I Love Kentucky Derby Pie?

Most Kentucky Derby pie lovers will answer that it has been a staple in a Kentuckian’s diet for nearly 60 years. Having a piece of pie is part of the day’s festivities. Not surprisingly, the recipe has been handed down for several generations.

Why is it called Kentucky Derby Pie?

According to the Kern Family’s website, each family member placed a name into a hat. The winning card was “Kentucky Derby pie.” Quickly, it gained popularity as the Kern Family registered the name with the US Patent & Trademark Office to retain its exclusivity.

What Kind of Nuts Are in a Derby Pie?

An authentic Kentucky Derby pie recipe will have you using pecans that provide a rich taste. Other bakers will use English walnuts to give a different interpretation of the original recipe. The texture of the pie will not change with either nut. 

How to Serve Kentucky Derby Pie?

Once baked, a Kentucky Derby pie should cool down on the counter overnight. Afterward, cover the top with saran wrap and aluminum foil and place it in the freezer. Of course, the pie will have to be at room temperature before being served to others. 

Baking Tips

Some bakers will add bourbon to spice up their batter. Others will crown their Kentucky Derby pie with whipped cream, which is very eye-opening for partygoers. First-time dessert chefs must have a thick batter to guarantee the pie makes its own top crust (sugar and pecans) while baking.  

Variations:

For foodies who do not have a sweet tooth, try a piece of the popular variation of Kentucky Derby pie. Derbyshire Figety pie is considered an ideal brunch entree. The dish features apples, potatoes, onions and bacon topped with a flaky pastry crust.

Ingredients:

• Eggs slightly beaten
• Sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Chocolate chips
• Fisher pecans
• Unsalted butter
• McCormick pure vanilla extract
• Unbaked pie shell

How to make Kentucky Derby Pie:

Step 1. Melt butter in microwave, then cool for about 10-15 minutes. Make sure that the butter is no longer warm to the touch for the next steps.

Step 2. Add the butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and vanilla in a medium bowl.

Step 3. Mix all the ingredients together until smooth.

Step 4. Add pecans and stir until coated.

Step 5. Add chocolate chips and stir well until coated.

Ensure the mixture is not warm, otherwise, they will melt and the pie will not turn out right.

Step 6. Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie shell.

Step 7. Place the pie into the oven.

Then, bake at 350° F / 175° C for about 40-45 minutes until set.

SAVE this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂

How to Store Kentucky Derby Pie?

Saran wrap the pie tightly and leave it on the counter at room temperature for three days. If you want to preserve your pie longer, place aluminum foil over the saran wrap and place it in the freezer. It should remain fresh for up to two months.

How to Reheat Kentucky Derby Pie?

The Kern Family recipe recommends storing a Kentucky Derby pie in the freezer after baking and cooling. Before serving, the pie needs to be reheated for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.

How Does Kentucky Derby Pie Last in the Fridge?

After baking, a Kentucky Derby pie should be left on a counter to cool down overnight before being placed in the refrigerator.

Can I Make Ahead Kentucky Derby pie?

You can prepare the batter and pie crust, then store them in the freezer until baking the pie. However, you need a few days to cool down the pie before serving.

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