Chess Pie

Why We Love Buttermilk Chess Pie

I cannot… absolutely cannot, resist a good piece of pie. Whether it’s a cream pie, a fruit pie, or a chocolate pie, the combination of crisp buttery crust and sweet decadent filling is more than I can bear. Back in the 90’s, when I used to pay attention to calories, I would eat the fruit filling out of the pie, then pick at the buttery crust trying to determine how much damage I’d done. Thank goodness I’m over that! At this stage in life, I’m a firm believer in eating clean more often than not. Yet when it’s time to splurge… either go big, or go home. Chess Pie is a supreme example of rustic southern decadence. It’s composed of a rich creamy custard filling and a sturdy high-edged pie crust. I like my buttermilk chess pie filling with a touch of nutmeg and citrus zest to balance the sweet density. And I like my chess pie crust to be a little sturdier and flakier than most pie crusts, so it doesn’t crack when you lift it out of the pie pan, but offers serious texture. This sort of crust is accomplished by folding cold dough, rolling it down, and folding it again to create flaky layers. Also notice the paper thin crust that forms on the top of the buttermilk chess pie filling. It’s slightly cracked and offers that little extra something that takes this pie over the edge.

What To Serve With Chess Pie

Chess Pie is a fabulous spring dessert because it goes well with fresh sliced fruit, berries, tea, and light roast coffees. Starbucks newest blonde light roast coffees are a perfect pairing to chess pie. Their bright delicate flavors scream spring and elevate the appeal of simple desserts. I’ve been serving Starbucks® Aria Blend K-Cup® Packs with a crispy citrus essence and Starbucks® Bright Sky Blend K-Cup® Packs with its mild nutty flavor, ever since the weather started to improve. I like offering my guests single serve coffee options from my Keurig® Special Edition Brewing System, because it allows them to choose whichever Starbucks Coffee they fancy. Together, the pie and coffee remind me of two old friends that always prefer each other. The light nutty Starbucks Blonde Bright Sky Blend complements the touch of nutmeg in my chess pie recipe, bringing the flavors of both the pie and coffee to the forefront. Neither one outshines the other. What a luxurious way to prefer your friends this spring, by offering them Classic Chess Pie and blonde roast coffee!

How To Make The Perfect Pie Crust

The key to making the perfect pie crust is keeping your butter ice cold. This allows the dough to hold little clumps of butter that will melt in the oven creating flakes within your crust. To keep the butter cold, you first want to start by using butter straight out of the fridge instead of softening it first. Additionally, you want to ensure that any liquids added to the crust, in this case water, are ice cold when added. This will keep the butter from melting when it is added. Lastly, you want to work quickly and not handle your dough more than necessary so that the warmth of your hands doesn’t melt any of the butter. In addition to keeping the dough cold, you also want to be sure to measure the flour carefully, use plenty of flour when rolling out your dough, and bake on the bottom rack of you oven so that the crust is closest to the source of heat. Still struggling with pie crusts? Click here for a few extra pointers.

Chess Pie Filling Ingredients

Sugar Eggs – create that iconic custardy texture Buttermilk – gives the filling a little tang Butter Cornmeal – adds depth and thickens the filling Lemon & Orange zest – keeps the flavor light and balanced Vanilla Nutmeg – makes it taste comfy & cozy