You can't say you've been to the Kentucky Derby if you haven't tried their popular Kentucky Derby Pie. If you're not heading to Derby, don't worry, you can always take this flavor home with you.
When we talk about the Kentucky Derby, most people think of luxury, quality ingredients, and Michelin-starred cuisine. Yes, the event may be prestigious, but the food is not.
The food at the Kentucky Derby embodies the essence of Southern hospitality and culinary creativity. Most of the dishes were born from the lower classes and now they have become so big that they have to trademark some of the names.
Yes, we're talking about Kentucky Derby Pie, which is a trademarked name. So, at this point, you may be wondering, who trademarks the name of a dish? – Well, this heartwarming dessert caught the attention of millions thanks to the Kentucky Derby, and its creators wanted to protect it.
That means it's special, right?
Let’s take a look at the recipe for the perfect Kentucky Derby pie and learn how to recreate the flavor without getting into legal trouble.
What makes Kentucky Derby pie so unique?
Kentucky Derby Pie features a blend of crunchy nuts, soft chocolate chips and a hint of whiskey, all nestled in a flaky pie crust.
It's just like any other pie, but a little different with bourbon. This spirit adds depth to the flavor, making it extra special.
The idea is simple. You can enjoy the Kentucky Derby's signature not-too-sweet confection while browsing live odds and betting favorites at the following link: How far in advance can you bet on the Kentucky Derby
Maybe the Kentucky Derby pie will inspire you to choose the right horse that can win the race.
did you know? George Kern invented the first Kentucky Derby pie recipe in the 1950s at the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky. After becoming a Derby tradition, the pie's popularity skyrocketed.
Ingredients for Kentucky Derby Pie
Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need to make your Kentucky Derby pie the center of attention:
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional, but recommended for authentic Kentucky flavor)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 unbaked pie crust
Why is bourbon added to Kentucky Derby pie?
The bourbon gives the pie a special flavor that complements the richness of the chocolate and the nuttiness of the pecans. It honors Kentucky’s famous bourbon-making tradition.
Fun Fact: Kentucky produces approx. 95% of the world’s bourbonmaking it the birthplace of this beloved American beverage.
How to Host the Kentucky Derby | Step-by-Step Guide to Pies
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, let's focus on the hard part of combining them into a delicious pie. Don't be intimidated, it's not difficult, especially if you buy pre-made pie crust.
1. Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C.
2. Add chopped pecans, chocolate chips, flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar to a mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to disperse ingredients evenly.
3. In another dish, combine melted butter, bourbon (optional), vanilla extract, and eggs until combined.
4. Gradually add wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Spread mixture evenly over unbaked pie crust.
6. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
7. Allow the pie to cool before slicing for a firmer texture.
Food recommendations
If you want to go the extra mile, top your Kentucky Derby pie with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This is an ideal way to improve an already hearty dish.
Expert Tips: Toast the nuts before adding them to the pie filling to enhance their flavor. This gives each bite a delicious nutty flavor and crunch.
How to Make Your Own Pie Crust
Pie Crust Ingredients:
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 2-4 tablespoons ice water
instruct:
1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add the chilled butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, stirring gently with a fork. Once the dough starts to stick together, stop adding water.
4. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to cool.
5. Once cooled, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly.
6. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter, making sure it is large enough to fit the pie plate and has some overhang.
7. Carefully transfer the rolled out dough to the pie plate, gently pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim excess dough from edges and curl as desired.
last words
As you can see, it's very easy to prepare the ultimate Kentucky Derby Pie at home, and you don't have to be a professional chef to make this dish. This is the original pie recipe with many different variations.
You can always experiment by adding other ingredients to your liking, but keep in mind that this combination will always remind you of horses running on a track.