We’ve always been captivated by the rich, gooey allure of Chocolate Chess Pie, a Southern favorite that’s become a star at Golden Corral buffets. This simple yet decadent treat hails from humble roots in the American South where everyday ingredients transform into pure comfort.
In our kitchen we’ve recreated this beloved recipe to bring its fudgy chocolate goodness straight to your table. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a sweet weeknight indulgence so let’s dive in and make it yours.
Ingredients
In our recreation of the classic Chocolate Chess Pie inspired by Golden Corral, we focus on simple, high-quality ingredients that deliver that signature rich and gooey texture. We’ve organized this list in the order they’re typically used, with prep specifics noted for accuracy and ease.
- Pie crust: 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust (we recommend a store-bought or homemade flaky crust, thawed if frozen, to form the base)
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (melted, to add creaminess and bind the filling)
- Granulated sugar: 1 1/2 cups (for sweetness and structure in the gooey center)
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1/4 cup (sifted, to deliver the deep chocolate flavor that defines this Southern favorite)
- Large eggs: 2 (beaten, to create the custard-like consistency)
- Evaporated milk: 1/2 cup (to enhance moisture and creaminess)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (pure extract, for a subtle aromatic boost)
- Cornmeal: 1 tablespoon (fine-ground, to provide a slight grit and traditional texture)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (to balance the sweetness and intensify flavors)
Required Equipment
To prepare our Chocolate Chess Pie with the authentic Golden Corral flair, we need a few essential tools that ensure smooth preparation and perfect results. These items help us mix, bake, and present the pie’s rich, gooey texture effortlessly, building on the ingredients we’ve gathered.
Here’s a detailed list of the required equipment, organized by preparation stage for easy reference:
- Mixing Bowls: We recommend two medium-sized bowls—one for dry ingredients and one for wet—to keep our batter smooth and prevent lumps. This step is crucial for achieving the pie’s signature silky consistency.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: A sturdy whisk or handheld electric mixer helps us blend the eggs, sugar, and cocoa powder quickly and evenly, incorporating air for that light yet decadent Chocolate Chess Pie filling.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our recipe’s success, so we use a set of standard cups and spoons to portion out ingredients like evaporated milk and vanilla extract precisely.
- Saucepan: For melting unsalted butter smoothly on the stove, a small to medium saucepan ensures even heating without scorching, preserving the pie’s deep chocolate flavor.
- Pie Dish: A 9-inch pie dish (preferably glass or ceramic) is essential for baking our pie to golden perfection, allowing the crust to crisp while the filling sets beautifully.
- Oven: A standard oven preheated to 350°F is our primary tool for baking, transforming simple ingredients into a warm, comforting dessert that evokes Golden Corral’s charm.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: We use a heat-resistant spatula for stirring and scraping the sides of bowls or the saucepan, ensuring every bit of our mixture is fully combined.
- Cooling Rack: After baking, a wire cooling rack allows the pie to cool evenly, helping maintain its gooey center without sogginess for the best texture and taste.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to move seamlessly into the preparation process.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our simple, high-quality ingredients and essential tools, let’s create our irresistible Chocolate Chess Pie inspired by Golden Corral. We’ll walk you through each step with precision for a rich, gooey texture that delights the senses.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we begin mixing, we prepare our ingredients to ensure everything blends smoothly and accurately. Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat until fully liquid—about 1 minute—then set it aside to cool slightly for optimal consistency. Next, in a separate mixing bowl, measure the dry ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon cornmeal, and ¼ teaspoon salt, whisking them together briefly to combine and eliminate any lumps for that signature smooth base.
For the wet ingredients, crack 3 large eggs into another bowl and beat them lightly with a whisk until uniform. Measure out 1 cup evaporated milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, setting them nearby. Finally, unroll the pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing it against the sides and trimming any excess for a neat, even edge. This preparation sets the stage for a decadent filling that captures the comforting essence of Golden Corral’s classic pie.
Mix the Filling
With our ingredients prepped, we mix the filling to achieve that velvety, chocolatey goodness. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients—the sugar, cocoa powder, cornmeal, and salt—with a whisk to ensure even distribution. Then, add the wet ingredients gradually: pour in the melted unsalted butter, beaten eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract, stirring vigorously with a spatula until the mixture forms a glossy, pourable batter that hints at the pie’s indulgent texture.
For a smoother blend, we recommend using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes to eliminate any remaining clumps, resulting in a rich, aromatic filling that teases with deep chocolate notes and a subtle sweetness. This step is crucial for developing the gooey center that makes Chocolate Chess Pie a Southern favorite.
Bake the Pie
We bake our pie to perfection, transforming the mixture into a warm, fudgy delight. Preheat the oven to 350°F as mentioned in our equipment list, then pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake. Place the pie dish on the middle oven rack and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center retains a slight jiggle—indicating that luscious, molten interior.
As it bakes, the kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of chocolate and vanilla, promising a treat that’s both comforting and crave-worthy. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up, ensuring clean slices while preserving that signature Golden Corral-inspired gooeyness.
Conclusion
We’ve loved bringing this Chocolate Chess Pie recipe to life, capturing the essence of Golden Corral’s charm right in your kitchen.
It’s more than just a dessert—it’s a simple way to create lasting memories with family and friends.
Give it a go and you’ll see how easy it is to whip up that gooey perfection every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chocolate Chess Pie?
Chocolate Chess Pie is a classic Southern dessert known for its rich, gooey texture and simple ingredients. It’s a comforting treat often seen at places like Golden Corral buffets, with humble origins that make it perfect for family gatherings or everyday indulgence. This pie combines chocolate goodness with a custard-like filling for a delightful homemade experience.
What are the ingredients for Chocolate Chess Pie?
The main ingredients include a pre-made pie crust, unsalted butter, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, large eggs, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cornmeal, and salt. These high-quality, simple components create the pie’s signature gooey texture. Measure them accurately for the best results, as outlined in the recipe.
What equipment is needed to make Chocolate Chess Pie?
You’ll need mixing bowls for dry and wet ingredients, a whisk or electric mixer, measuring cups and spoons, a saucepan for melting butter, a 9-inch pie dish, an oven preheated to 350°F, a spatula or wooden spoon, and a cooling rack. These tools ensure smooth preparation and perfect baking.
How do I make Chocolate Chess Pie?
Start by melting the butter and measuring ingredients. Mix dry and wet components in separate bowls, then combine for a smooth filling using an electric mixer. Pour into a pie crust and bake at 350°F until the center is slightly jiggly, about 30-40 minutes. Cool on a rack for clean slices.
How long does it take to bake Chocolate Chess Pie?
Bake the pie at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Total prep and baking time is around 1 hour, plus cooling. This ensures the gooey texture reminiscent of Golden Corral’s version.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chocolate Chess Pie?
Yes, but stick close to the original for best results. For example, swap evaporated milk for whole milk if needed, or use a homemade pie crust instead of pre-made. Avoid major changes like omitting cornmeal, as it helps with texture. Always test substitutions in small batches.
How should I store Chocolate Chess Pie?
Store the pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep it fresh. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic for up to 3 months. Let it reach room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.