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Easy Kentucky Derby Walnut Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 59 reviews

This Easy Kentucky Derby Walnut Pie is a delicious twist on traditional pecan pie, featuring toasted walnuts, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and a hint of bourbon that adds warm, caramel-like flavor. Quick to prepare and bake, it delivers a rich, gooey filling with a buttery crust, topped with light bourbon whipped cream and a dusting of nutmeg. Perfect for special occasions like Derby Day or holiday gatherings, this pie impresses with its balanced sweetness and nutty texture.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust and base

  • 1 pie crust (Pillsbury refrigerated recommended for a flaky texture)
  • 1 1/2 cups walnuts, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the filling

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (King Arthur preferred)
  • 8 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled to room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon instant espresso powder

For the topping

  • 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pie Crust and Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the refrigerated pie crust from the fridge and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Let it come to room temperature as you prepare other components, which helps prevent the crust from shrinking during baking and ensures even cooking.
  2. Build the Pie Base with Walnuts and Chocolate: Evenly scatter the chopped walnuts across the bottom of the pie crust. Then distribute the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top of the walnuts. Gently press them down so they stay put when pouring the filling over.
  3. Create the Filling Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and instant espresso powder until well combined. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then add the melted and cooled butter, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix to avoid a tough filling.
  4. Assemble and Bake the Pie: Pour the filling mixture evenly over the walnut and chocolate chip layer in the pie crust. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center; it will firm up as it cools. Remove from oven and allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, custard-like slices.
  5. Whip the Bourbon Cream Topping: While the pie cools, pour the thoroughly chilled heavy cream into a cold mixing bowl. Beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (about 1-2 minutes). Add the powdered sugar and bourbon, then continue beating until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream adds a light, boozy complement to the rich pie.
  6. Finish and Serve: Once the pie is cooled to room temperature, slice into wedges and plate each slice. Top with a generous dollop of the bourbon whipped cream and finish with a pinch of ground nutmeg for a warm, elegant touch. Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Let the melted butter cool for at least 10 minutes before adding it to eggs to prevent scrambling.
  • Do not overbake the pie; the center should have a slight jiggle when done to maintain a gooey texture.
  • Toast walnuts beforehand to enhance their flavor and avoid a raw taste.
  • Allow pie to cool completely before slicing to prevent the filling from running.
  • Substitute pecans or hazelnuts for walnuts; toast nuts for best flavor.
  • Use dark or milk chocolate chips, or mix with butterscotch chips for variation.
  • Replace bourbon with strong brewed coffee or increase vanilla if avoiding alcohol.
  • Store pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerated for 5 days, and freeze up to 3 months.
  • Thaw frozen pie overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Use freshly whipped cream for the topping for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Kentucky Derby pie, walnut pie, bourbon walnut pie, walnut chocolate pie, southern dessert, holiday pie, easy pie recipe

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/easy-kentucky-derby-walnut-pie-recipe/