If you’ve ever saved room for dessert at Golden Corral, chances are you’ve met their Chocolate Chess Pie — a slice of gooey, fudgy heaven with a buttery crust and rich cocoa flavor.
It’s sweet, simple, and impossibly satisfying, striking that perfect balance between brownie and custard. This copycat recipe captures all of that Southern charm with ingredients you already have in your pantry.
Whether you’re planning a holiday meal, a Sunday supper, or you just want a decadent slice of nostalgia, this Chocolate Chess Pie is easy to make and impossible to resist. Top it with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or just enjoy it warm with a fork — no judgment here!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about a pie that’s both rustic and indulgent. With its silky chocolate filling and crackly top, this pie is like a brownie in a flaky crust, but with a custard-like finish that melts in your mouth.
You’ll love how easy this recipe is to make, how beautifully it slices, and how well it holds up for leftovers (if you have any). It’s family-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and always gets rave reviews.
What You’ll Need
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor — Dutch-process works beautifully.
- Melt butter and let it cool slightly before mixing to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Don’t overbake — the center should still jiggle slightly when removed.
- Chill before slicing for neat pieces, or serve warm for a gooier texture.
- Blind bake crust if you prefer a crispier bottom (optional but helpful).
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch pie dish
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Optional: pie weights and parchment (if blind baking)
Substitutions & Variations
- Crustless option: Pour the filling into a greased pie dish and bake for a gluten-free version.
- Brown sugar twist: Swap ½ cup granulated sugar for light brown sugar for deeper flavor.
- Add espresso powder for a mocha-style version.
- Make it nutty: Add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling.
- Add a splash of bourbon for a Southern kick.
Make Ahead Tips
Chocolate chess pie can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Let it come to room temperature before serving, or reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven for that just-baked taste.
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Prep Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Place your unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges. Set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Add Wet Ingredients
Whisk in the melted butter, followed by eggs, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
4. Pour Into Crust
Carefully pour the filling into your prepared pie crust. Smooth the top if needed.
5. Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The top should form a thin crackled crust.
6. Cool & Serve
Cool the pie completely on a wire rack before slicing. Serve at room temperature or warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled or warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This pie also freezes well — wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month.
Recipe FAQs
1. What is chess pie, anyway?
Chess pie is a traditional Southern dessert made with a custard-like filling of sugar, eggs, butter, and sometimes cornmeal or vinegar. This chocolate version adds cocoa for a rich twist.
2. Why is it called chess pie?
No one knows for sure! Some say it’s because it was stored in a “pie chest,” and others say it came from someone saying, “It’s jus’ pie.” Either way, it’s delicious!
3. Can I use milk instead of evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk creates a richer texture, but you can use heavy cream or whole milk in a pinch.
4. Can I make this with a store-bought crust?
Yes! Pre-made pie crusts work great. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before filling.
The Final Slice
This Golden Corral Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe is comfort food at its finest — rich, gooey, and completely satisfying.
Whether you’re recreating a favorite buffet dessert or discovering it for the first time, this pie is sure to win hearts at your table.
Give it a try and let me know how it turned out! Did you serve it warm or cold? Top it with ice cream or whipped cream? I’d love to hear your take on this classic.