I love a good Derby Pie, especially when it combines chocolate and nuts for a sweet treat that’s hard to resist. This recipe is a winner for everyone at home, even my gluten-free family members.
Solves the rush dinner dilemma by delivering a quick, simple chocolate pecan pie with pantry-friendly ingredients that bakes reliably and serves a crowd.

Cooking for my family means being mindful of their dietary restrictions. It can be a challenge, but this pie makes it easier. Since it’s gluten-free and has an irresistible flavor, it makes everyone feel included and happy.
You can whip up this Easy Derby Pie recipe in just about 10 minutes, and then it’s in the oven, where it bakes for 40 to 45 minutes. I find that using a foil tent helps keep the nuts from burning while the filling sets perfectly, which can be a little tricky.
If you enjoy baked treats, you should definitely check out this easy Oatmeal Cream Pie Cheesecake recipe. It’s also great for sharing with friends!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor : This pie packs a punch with its sweet, nutty, and gooey goodness. The chocolate and pecans create a deliciously satisfying treat.
- Quick Prep Time : With just 10 minutes to get it ready for the oven, this recipe is perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something special.
- Easy Storage : You can store it at room temperature for a couple of days, or pop it in the fridge for up to five days if you want to savor it longer.
- Texture Contrast : The combination of a soft, rich filling with a crunchy topping makes each bite an enjoyable experience that’s hard to resist.
Delicious Easy Derby Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: vegetarian
Description
This Easy Derby Pie features a rich filling with chocolate chips and nuts, ideal for any dessert occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (half stick, 60g) butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) sugar
- 1/2 cup (65g) flour
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 11/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (175g) chocolate chips
- 1 cup (120g) chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell
Instructions
- Whisk & Mix Ingredients: Start by whisking together the eggs, sugar, and vanilla until it is all well blended. You will notice a smooth, glossy mixture forming; that is what you want! Be careful not to overwhisk or you will end up with bubbles in the filling.
- Stir in Flour & Nuts: Gently fold in the flour and toasted nuts, allowing them to mix in without overworking the mixture. You will feel a thickening as the flour absorbs moisture. This step is crucial for a good texture, so be careful not to leave any dry spots or lumps.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Toss in those chocolate chips, and stir them to incorporate throughout the mixture. You should see a pretty mix of brown chocolate dotted around. This adds a rich flavor in every bite, but do not let them sink to the bottom—let the batter cool slightly first if you have melted them.
- Pour into Pie Crust: Carefully pour the filling into your prepared pie crust, ensuring it spreads evenly. You will want it to look smooth and shiny on top. This is where things can get messy, so make sure not to overfill, or you could have a messy overflow during baking!
- Bake & Enjoy the Aroma: Pop the pie into the oven and let it bake until it is set with a slight wobble in the center. The aroma will fill your kitchen and make waiting so tough. Keep an eye on it; overbaking will make the filling too firm, and that is not what you want for a gooey, rich experience.
- Cool & Slice: Once it is out, allow the pie to cool completely to let the filling firm up a bit more. It should feel slightly firm on the sides while still a bit wobbly in the middle. Skipping this step can lead to a runny filling, which we definitely do not want when serving!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate sliced pie for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap in plastic and foil for up to 3 months.
- Expert Tips: Toasting the nuts before adding them enhances their natural taste. If you are concerned about a burned crust, preparing a foil shield can help protect the edges as the pie bakes. When baking, check that the filling is just set with a slight jiggle in the center; this helps avoid a cracked appearance. If the filling seems too runny after baking, giving it time to cool will allow it to firm up nicely.
- Reheating Instructions: If needed, reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream. Pair with a cup of coffee or sweet latte. Accompany with a glass of bourbon to enhance the flavors.
- Recipe Variations: Add a splash of bourbon for deeper flavor. Incorporate different types of chocolate like dark or milk. Use a graham cracker crust for a new texture.
- Ingredient Notes: For a different flavor, walnuts can be replaced with pecans. Always use room temperature ingredients for a silkier filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 487
- Sugar: 44g
- Sodium: 221mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 42mg
Find it online: https://bakeitwell.com/derby-pie

Recipe Tips
- If you’re concerned about a burned crust, preparing a foil shield can help protect the edges as the pie bakes.
- When baking, check that the filling is just set with a slight jiggle in the center; this helps avoid a cracked appearance.
- If the filling seems too runny after baking, giving it time to cool will allow it to firm up nicely.
- For a better texture and flavor, toasting the nuts before adding them enhances their natural taste.
- When mixing in chocolate chips, letting the melted butter-sugar combo cool first keeps them from sinking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a satisfying dessert experience. Pair with coffee or a sweet latte for a comforting drink choice.
This dessert can be enjoyed at birthdays, anniversaries, or holiday celebrations. It also fits well into potlucks and family gatherings, impressing guests with its taste.
A glass of bourbon complements the dessert and deepens the flavor profile. Consider serving it with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for added richness.
Recipe variations
- You can use unsalted margarine instead of butter to create a dairy-free version. This swap doesn’t alter the texture significantly.
- Add 1 tablespoon of bourbon for a richer flavor profile, creating an exciting twist in your derby pie.
- Either choose dark chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips for a variation in sweetness and richness, adjusting according to your preference.
- If you’d like to make two pies, simply double the ingredients: ½ cup butter, 2 cups sugar, and 2 cups chocolate chips will do the trick!
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your derby pie fresh, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps it accessible and ready to serve.
Refrigeration: For extended freshness, refrigerate sliced pie in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This method preserves its texture effectively.
Freezing: Wrap pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Peaches
- Air Fryer Smores
- Peach and Blueberry Galette with Almond Frangipane
- Black Raspberry Galette
If you enjoyed this derby pie or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!