Kentucky Pie

Looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and a bit different? Kentucky Pie is the answer! It’s like a cross between a rich, gooey pecan pie and a decadent chocolate chip cookie. With its buttery crust, a deliciously sweet filling, and just the right amount of crunch, Kentucky Pie is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a sweet treat to enjoy on a cozy night in. Trust me, one bite, and you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love Kentucky Pie

Here’s why this pie will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation:

• Perfectly Sweet and Rich: The filling is sweet, buttery, and a little bit gooey with a nutty crunch. It strikes that perfect balance of rich and satisfying without being overwhelming.
• Simple Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find ingredients for this pie. Most of the ingredients are likely already in your kitchen!
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any fancy pie-making skills. You don’t need to worry about a delicate lattice crust or complex techniques—just mix, pour, and bake!
• Crowd-Pleasing: If you’re hosting a gathering or just bringing dessert to a dinner, this pie is sure to impress. It’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, thanks to its comforting flavors and simple elegance.

Ingredients

Kentucky Pie comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pie Crust: A store-bought or homemade pie crust works perfectly for this recipe. Choose what’s easiest for you.
• Butter: The rich butter is what gives the filling its irresistible flavor and smooth texture.
• Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness with a little bit of molasses flavor, giving the pie a deep, caramel-like richness.
• Eggs: Eggs help set the pie filling, creating that perfect texture when baked.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings all the flavors together and adds a lovely aroma.
• Corn Syrup: This ingredient adds a smooth consistency and helps give the filling a nice gloss.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt beautifully into the filling, adding a touch of chocolatey goodness.
• Pecans: These nuts add a crunchy, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet filling.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into this delicious pie? Let’s go!

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s nice and hot when the pie is ready to bake.

Prepare the Pie Crust:

If you’re using a store-bought crust, simply place it in a 9-inch pie dish. If you’re using homemade, roll it out and fit it into the dish. Press the edges gently and crimp to make it look pretty. Set aside.

Make the Pie Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, melt the butter and mix in the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans. The chocolate chips will melt into the filling as it bakes, creating pockets of chocolatey goodness, and the pecans will provide the perfect crunchy contrast to the smooth filling.

Pour and Bake:

Pour the filling mixture into the prepared pie crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. It should be slightly puffed and firm to the touch, but still a little bit jiggly in the center—don’t worry, it will firm up as it cools.

Cool and Slice:

Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This step is key to letting the filling set properly, ensuring each slice holds together beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once cooled, slice up the pie and serve it on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy the sweet, nutty, and chocolatey goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 110mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 30g
Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Kentucky Pie

This pie is delicious all on its own, but if you want to make it even more indulgent, try serving it with one of these:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth, creamy vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the rich and gooey pie.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, sweet filling.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice of Kentucky Pie with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience.
• Berries: Fresh berries, like strawberries or raspberries, can be a refreshing and slightly tart accompaniment to balance the sweetness of the pie.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: This pie can be made ahead of time! Simply bake it, let it cool completely, and store it in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days.
• Substitute Nuts: If you’re not a fan of pecans, you can substitute them with walnuts or even almonds for a different flavor.
• Customize the Chocolate: For a fun twist, try using milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a different flavor profile.
• Crustless Option: If you want to make this pie crustless, you can pour the filling directly into a greased pie dish and bake it the same way. It’ll have more of a “chocolate-pecan bar” texture.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of nut in this pie?
A1: Yes, you can swap the pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even cashews. Just make sure to chop them roughly before adding them to the filling.

Q2: Can I make this pie without corn syrup?
A2: While corn syrup helps give the pie its smooth texture, you can try substituting it with honey or maple syrup. The flavor may be slightly different, but it’ll still work!

Q3: Can I freeze Kentucky Pie?
A3: Yes, you can freeze this pie! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve it, let it thaw at room temperature before slicing.

Q4: Can I double the recipe?
A4: Absolutely! You can double the recipe and use a larger pie dish or bake two pies. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if you use a larger pan.

Q5: Can I use a store-bought crust?
A5: Yes, using a store-bought crust is totally fine! It saves time and still gives you a delicious result. Just make sure to follow the instructions on the crust package.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the pie cool completely before storing it.

Q7: Can I use a gluten-free crust?
A7: Yes, a gluten-free pie crust will work just as well in this recipe! You can easily find gluten-free pie crusts in most grocery stores.

Q8: How do I know when the pie is done baking?
A8: The pie is done when the edges are golden brown and the filling is set, though it should still have a slight jiggle in the center. It will firm up as it cools.

Q9: Can I add more chocolate chips to the filling?
A9: Yes, you can definitely add more chocolate chips! Feel free to add a handful extra for an even richer chocolate flavor.

Q10: Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar?
A10: You can try using coconut sugar, maple sugar, or even white sugar as a substitute. However, keep in mind that brown sugar adds a subtle molasses flavor, so the taste might vary slightly.

Conclusion

Kentucky Pie is the perfect dessert when you want something comforting, easy to make, and absolutely delicious. With its rich, gooey filling, crunchy pecans, and melted chocolate chips, it’s sure to impress everyone who takes a bite. So grab your ingredients, bake this beauty, and get ready to savor every sweet, nutty, and decadent bite!

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