How did chocolate chess pie get its name?

A Southern accent might cause someone to mishear "just" pie as "jes,'" or "chess" pie. According to one legend, a cook was asked what she was cooking that smelled so good. "It's jes' pie," she replied. What the asker heard, though, was "it's chess pie."

What is the story behind the chess pie?

One story is that it was called a "chest" pie, since it was made with anything found in your chest, or pantry, but because of the Southern accent, it turned into "chess." Another story is that a woman who whipped up the recipe called it "just pie," which with the Southern accent, it turned into "chess" pie.

What is another name for chess pie?

Chess pie was originally known as vinegar pie. Yes, I know this will shock people to hear the true tale of their beloved chess pie. In South Georgia it was historically a common pie since sugar cane was grown and processed there and vinegar was a common pantry item.

Why is buttermilk pie called chess pie?

It could be derived from a baker stating it's 'Jes' pie (Just pie) . Or, it could be from using chestnut meal (now cornmeal) in the recipe or storing the pie in a pie chest (without the enunciation of the letter 't'). Whatever you call it, this pie is a southern-style custard pie that will satisfy your sweet tooth!

Why is it no longer called crack pie?

Name change Some food writers and others have criticized naming foods including Crack Pie after addictive substances as insensitive and offensive. In May 2019, Devra First of the Boston Globe criticized the name in a column for making light of addiction by alluding to the addictiveness of crack cocaine .

Why did they change the name of crack pie?

The change comes after a long controversy about the allusion to the addictive nature of crack cocaine -- and the resulting epidemic in the 80s and 90s that heavily affected black communities. In a column by Devra First in the Boston Globe published last month, First wrote that the name was “not cute.”

Mexican Hot Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe

Published: Dec 17, 2019 · Modified: Apr 26, 2021 by Amanda Wilens · This post may contain affiliate links. 2 Comments

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I've been trying to create a new pie recipe for a while, but it just seemed like everything I came up with had already been done...then I started thinking about this amazing chess pie I had a while ago and how great that would be to make into a new recipe. So I thought what about a chocolate chess pie...but with a quick google search, turns out it's already a thing...like big time. So, I thought what's the best twist on chocolate? Mexican Hot Chocolate Chess pie DUH!

It was definitely a time consuming process, but so worth it. The texture is amazing and the flavor spot on. It is definitely super rich though and you probably will only be able to eat like half a normal slice. But so worth it!

In this recipe you'll see inspiration from Mexican Hot Chocolate. Mexican Hot Chocolate is usually made with cocoa, cinnamon, chili. I am by no means an authority on this or on Mexican cuisine, but I used this base flavor combo in this dish because I love it so much. In Mexico, even in the summer, this is a flavor combination I love. It's something you can even get at my favorite churro shop in Mexico City Churrería El Moro. I was inspired by that delicious drink and the flavor combinations. For more authentic Mexican Hot Chocolate recipes, you should check out Isabel Eats.

This was a hit at this year's Thanksgiving! And can't wait to make it again for another party. It's perfect for winter and the holidays.

I also loved decorating the top and doing all that piping! I take all my piping inspo from Cloudy Kitchen and Now, Forager. Those ladies are the masters! Seriously, everything they touch is magic! I used a Wilton tip set for the piping of my whipped cream.

Mexican Hot Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe - Amanda Wilens (1)

Ingredients
FAQs about Chess Pie
Other Pie Recipes to Try
Love this Recipe?

Mexican Hot Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe - Amanda Wilens (2)

Ingredients

pie dough, unbaked (you can use my recipe here - makes two doughs)
semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped or in chips
dark baking chocolate, chopped or in chips
butter
brown sugar
granulated sugar
flour, sifted once
salt
cinnamon
cayenne
heavy whipping
eggs and 1 yolk, slightly beaten
Whipped Cream (homemade or store bought)

Mexican Hot Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe - Amanda Wilens (3)

How to make Chocolate Chess Pie

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Place pie dough into a pie dish with weights and blind bake for 15 minutes with weights, then remove weights and bake without for 5 more minutes. Remove from oven.
Reset heat on oven for 350°F.
In a medium microwave resistant bowl, add chocolates and butter. Heat in the microwave for 60-90 seconds. Stopping to stir every 15 seconds, until completed melted and mixed.
In the bowl of your mixer, mix sugars, flour, salt, cinnamon, cayenne. Mix until incorporated. Then slowly mix in your chocolate and butter mixture. Then add the heavy whipping cream, and finally the eggs.
Remove from mixer and stir with a rubber spatula to make sure you don't miss any ingredients on bottom of bowl.
Pour into blind baked pie crust. And smooth top with an offset spatula.
Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Until it's just slightly jiggly in the center.
Set out and let cool, the inside of the pie will fall slightly and most likely will be cracked!
Then refrigerate for 1+ hours.
Add whipped cream and serve. Enjoy!

Mexican Hot Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe - Amanda Wilens (4)

FAQs about Chess Pie

My pie is cracking a lot on top, is that okay?

Yes, chess pie is also known as crack pie. It cracks on top and that's 100% okay.

What if I don't like spice very much?

You can omit the cayenne. I don't think the cinnamon is too too spicy, but you can also omit or reduce to 1 tsp.

Other Pie Recipes to Try

Apple Crumble Pie
Mixed Berry Pie
Mini Pear Pies
Maple Apple and Cranberry Pie

Love this Recipe?

Did you make this recipe and just love it? Awesome! If you have a quick minute and could leave a star rating and comment below, I would appreciate the support and knowing your feedback! And if you’re over on Instagram, be sure to tag me in your photos!