There is just something so deliciously satisfying about this Southern Chess Pie recipe. The lemon flavor isn’t overbearing, but just enough to brighten the flavors. It’s not overly sweet, either. It all comes together quickly to make an absolutely delightful pie.
Chess Pie is a custard pie that is very popular in the Southern U.S. Using Meyer lemons is always a good choice, but if you don’t have access to Meyer lemons, just good ole juicy lemons from the supermarket will do! A handful of fresh fruit, such as raspberries, and then a sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar is always a nice addition!
This pie can be put together in a matter of minutes. It bakes for about 45 – 50 minutes, and then you’ve got a true crowd-pleasin’ pie on your hands. Making your own pie crust is, of course, always excellent, but store-bought would be perfectly fine, too!
Doesn’t that look simply amazing? Trust us, it tastes as good as it looks! So, go ahead and make this classic Southern Chess Pie, you won’t be sorry!
- 19-inch pie single pie crust (click for recipe)
- 8 tablesoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons finely ground cornmeal
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup fresh berries (optional)
- ¼ cup confectioners' sugar (optional)
- Make the pie dough and fit into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Pre-heat the oven to 350°F.
- Melt the butter and stir in the flour, cornmeal, lemon juice, zest, sugar, vanilla extract, sour cream and buttermilk.
- Add the egg and stir until mixture is just combined.
- Pour into the unbaked pie shell.
- Bake the pie on the bottom rack for 45 to 50 minutes, or until center is set, and an inserted toothpick comes out clean. (The top will be slightly golden brown).
- Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool before adding a topping.
- If desired, top with fresh berries and sprinkle confectioners' sugar over the top.
- Enjoy!
