Recipe Ingredients
Chess Pie contains very basic ingredients; all easily found in your grocery store.
Refrigerated Pie Crust: Provides the base for the pie. A pre-made crust offers convenience and ensures a consistent, flaky texture.
Granulated Sugar: The primary sweetener in the pie filling. It contributes to the pie's overall sweetness and helps to create a smooth, custard-like texture.
Fine-Ground Yellow Cornmeal: A key ingredient that distinguishes chess pie from other custard pies. It helps the custard set more quickly, adds a subtle texture, and contributes to the pie's rich, yellow color.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken the pie filling and provides structure.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness, flavor, and moisture to the pie filling. It also contributes to the pie's smooth texture.
Whole Milk: Adds moisture and richness to the pie filling, helping to create a creamy custard.
How to Store Chess Pie
Chess Pie is always best when enjoyed fresh, but proper storage will help to maintain its quality for a few days.
Refrigerator
Chess Pie should be stored in the refrigerator due to its custard-like filling. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil. This prevents it from drying out while still allowing some air circulation to prevent condensation. Avoid storing the pie in an airtight container, as this can trap moisture and make the crust soggy. Store up to 3 days.
Freezer
Chess Pie can be frozen for longer storage, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Allow the pie to cool completely before freezing. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil. This will protect it from freezer burn. For added protection, place the wrapped pie in a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 1 month. Thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are pie weights?
Pie weights are small objects used to keep a pie crust from puffing up or shrinking while it bakes without filling (a process called blind baking).
Common options for reusable pie weights are ceramic or metal. These can be purchased online or in kitchen supply stores. Or an inexpensive alternative is to use dried beans, but don’t cook them afterwards.
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This easy Chess Pie recipe features a sweet, custard-like filling with a hint of cornmeal, baked in a flaky crust to golden perfection.\u003c/p\u003e","servingSize":"1 Serving","image":{"small":{"media":"(min-width: 0px)","src":"https://mojo.generalmills.com/api/public/content/eJ3-Ww4eTkSQJkpqXEj4Sg_webp_base.webp?v=ad26267b\u0026t=e724eca7b3c24a8aaa6e089ed9e611fd"},"medium":{"media":"(min-width: 500px)","src":"https://mojo.generalmills.com/api/public/content/eJ3-Ww4eTkSQJkpqXEj4Sg_webp_base.webp?v=ad26267b\u0026t=191ddcab8d1c415fa10fa00a14351227"},"large":{"media":"(min-width: 767px)","src":"https://mojo.generalmills.com/api/public/content/eJ3-Ww4eTkSQJkpqXEj4Sg_webp_base.webp?v=ad26267b\u0026t=191ddcab8d1c415fa10fa00a14351227"},"alt":"Chess Pie"},"contributor":{"label":"By","name":"Edited by Angela Ritchie","profileUrl":"/about-us/angela","displayDate":{"label":"Updated","date":"Oct 20, 2025"}},"ingredientGroups":[{"ingredients":[{"quantity":"1","description":"crust from 1 box (14.1 oz) refrigerated Pillsbury™ Pie Crusts (2 Count)"},{"quantity":"2","description":"cups granulated sugar"},{"quantity":"2","description":"tablespoons fine-ground yellow cornmeal"},{"quantity":"1","description":"tablespoon Gold Medal™ All Purpose Flour"},{"quantity":"1/4","description":"teaspoon salt"},{"quantity":"1/2","description":"cup unsalted butter, melted"},{"quantity":"1/4","description":"cup whole milk"},{"quantity":"1","description":"tablespoon white vinegar"},{"quantity":"1/2","description":"teaspoon vanilla"},{"quantity":"4","description":"large eggs"},{"quantity":"","description":"Powdered sugar, if desired"}]}],"steps":[{"description":"Heat oven to 425° F."},{"description":"\u003cp\u003eUnroll pie crust in ungreased 9-inch pie plate; press firmly against side and bottom. 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In small bowl, beat eggs slightly.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","stepShotImageUrl":"//mojo.generalmills.com/api/public/content/GQoZtrgASp6czRF6Fh58yQ_webp_base.webp?v=10cd6d9a\u0026t=51a43a57af4046789e5a7f20567b1195"},{"description":"\u003cp\u003eAdd eggs to sugar mixture; stir until well combined.\u003c/p\u003e","stepShotImageUrl":"//mojo.generalmills.com/api/public/content/TyipTIWiS2aH4ZEt2WDzgg_webp_base.webp?v=9f769e5d\u0026t=51a43a57af4046789e5a7f20567b1195"},{"description":"\u003cp\u003ePour filling into pie crust.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e","stepShotImageUrl":"//mojo.generalmills.com/api/public/content/NYxYjpkMQW6cL5E2Y9CUnw_webp_base.webp?v=e283608d\u0026t=51a43a57af4046789e5a7f20567b1195"},{"description":"\u003cp\u003eBake 50 to 60 minutes or until filling is set and top of pie is deep golden brown. If crust edges brown too quickly during baking, cover edges with foil.\u003c/p\u003e","stepShotImageUrl":"//mojo.generalmills.com/api/public/content/eikvVLjQRS6bS9pLumjjTw_webp_base.webp?v=d3c20114\u0026t=51a43a57af4046789e5a7f20567b1195"},{"description":"\u003cp\u003eCool pie on a cooling rack until completely cooled, about 1 hour. Cut into slices. Sprinkle with powdered sugar just before serving.\u003c/p\u003e"}],"tips":[{"title":"","description":"Irresistible Chess Pie! Sweet, rich custard filling in a flaky crust. Easy to make \u0026amp; a guaranteed hit. 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