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Home » Dessert

Race Day Pie (NOT Derby Pie)

Modified: Mar 1, 2021 · Published: Apr 29, 2020 by Marni Katz · This post may contain affiliate links ·

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This is NOT Derby Pie, I repeat, NOT Derby Pie.  

So what is this delicious creation you ask? It’s an approximation of the original Derby Pie that we like to call Race Day Pie.  I'm sharing it in honor of "The Greatest Two Minutes of Sports", the Run for the Roses, the Kentucky Derby.

derby pie in it's pan with a slice on a plate next to it

Now, my connection to Kentucky, Louisville and the Derby is through marriage, however, my husband’s Louisville roots run deep (like his dad was the University of Louisville mascot deep) and that is what’s important on race day.

It's a simple and fun way to introduce kiddos to the idea of tradition and simple desserts always go hand in hand with tradition around here. My husband is proud of his roots, proud to be from Louisville and the Kentucky Derby is the most important weekend of the year (outside of the entirety of basketball season).

"This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link."

A great pie to eat while watching the Kentucky Derby!

Race Day Pie (NOT Derby Pie) has been a Derby day tradition since 1954 when the Kern Family created this pie in Prospect, Kentucky.  Interested in the real thing and how it got started? Check them out here.  

I was introduced to it when I went to Louisville for my first Derby Week experience over a decade ago. As with most things I experience, the food always sticks out to me.

That weekend, Derby Pie stood out as a favorite. (I’m a sucker for gooey, chocolatey goodness, I mean, who isn’t?).  I also remember that I picked the right horse to with the Kentucky Derby. Beginners luck I guess 🤷‍♀️!

What kind of bourbon is best for baking?

My husband is the real bourbon afficiando in our home and when I needed to pick a bourbon for baking with I turned to him. Here are his top three suggestions for baking with:

  1. Old Forrester
  2. Trader Joes Bourbon
  3. Heaven Hill (bottled in Bond)
piece of derby pie with bottle of old forrestor in the background

And his top three favorites to drink in no particular order (in case baking something even this simple isn't your thing!)

  • Russell's Reserve Single Barrel
  • Knob Creek
  • Elijiah Craig

*Want to talk more about bourbon? Found an interesting bottle, want to get tasting notes on something you have on your shelf? Find him on Instagram @ratebourbon, he'd love to chat!

Want to get bourbon delivered right to your door? Try using Drizly, it's a beverage delivery service than can have bourbon (and lots of other drinks) delivered to you in about an hour!

How do make Race Day Pie (remember, it's not Derby Pie!)

What makes this recipe so simple is that I don't make my own pie crust. I never have, probably never will. I buy mine frozen and nobody has ever complained! If you have a favorite pie crust recipe, go ahead and use that here, it will work just as well.

Take your frozen pie crust out. and let it sit on the counter while you prep the filling. Then you'll need to chop (and toast if you like) the walnuts.

ingredients for derby pie

Once that's done, all you'll need a whisk and a mixing bowl. Start by whisking the eggs, flour and sugar together, then add in the melted (and cooled) butter. Whisk until well incorporated.

mixing bowl and whisk with eggs and sugar

Now, whisk in your bourbon, stir in the walnuts and your filling is done.

derby pie filling in mixing bowl with walnuts

To assemble, line the bottom of the cooled pie crust with the chocolate chips (I like to use Ghiradelli 60% cocoa chips, but use any semi-sweet chip you like). Then, pour the rest of the filling into the pie crust.

derby pie ready for baking with bottle of bourbon behind it

Bake the race day pie on baking sheet just in case any of the filling spills over the pie crust. Trust me when I say cleaning burnt sugar off the bottom of the oven is no fun!

Tips and Tricks:

  • Let your finished Race Day Pie cool completely before cutting into it, the middle needs to set up a bit for a clean cut.
  • Enjoy with a classic mint julep, with friends, while watching the ponies race.
  • This dessert is great on it's own, but would go really well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream with caramel drizzled on top!

Looking for other easy desserts? Check these out:

  • bourbon blondies
  • coconut bread
  • lemon shortbread cookies

📖 Recipe

slice of derby pie on a small white plate

Race Day Pie (NOT Derby Pie)

Marni Katz
A classic Kentucky Derby treat, this pie is simple to put together and perfectly sweet and delicious.
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10 servings
Calories 377 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 frozen pie crust or your favorite pie crust recipe
  • 1 cup chocolate chips I like to use 60% Ghiradelli chips, but use what you like
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 stick butter ½ cup, melted and cooled
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 ½ tablespoons bourbon or 1 tablespoon vanilla if you prefer

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Whisk eggs, sugar and flour together in a medium bowl.
  • Add the melted, cooled butter to the mixture and whisk together until smooth.
  • Add the bourbon and whisk well again.
  • Stir the nuts into this mixture until well distributed.
  • Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the base of the pie crust.
  • Pour the filling directly over the chocolate chips into the crust and shake a bit until everything is even on the top.
  • Place on a baking sheet and put into the oven at 350 degrees for about an hour.
  • When done, remove from oven and let set and cool about 30 minutes before cutting
  • Enjoy!

Notes

If there is any left, you can leave at room temperature on the counter overnight or it will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.  But I bet it won't last that long.

Nutrition

Calories: 377kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 108mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 2gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 88IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 2mg
Keyword chocolate pie recipe, derby pie, kentucky derby
Tried this recipe?Let me know what you think!
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About Marni Katz

Marni Katz is the recipe developer, photographer and writer behind Simple Gray T-Shirt. She wants to help people keep things simple in the kitchen. With simple recipes, easy menu ideas and plenty of tips and tricks along the way, she wants getting a meal on the table to be as simple as putting on your favorite gray tee!
"I want to inspire you to get back in the kitchen and do this, because you can!"

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As a busy mom of three, I believe in keeping recipes simple. 7-ingredients or less is my goal, and everything is kid-tested and approved!

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