Chocolate chess pie is one of those desserts that is so rich and delicious, you won’t be able to stop at one piece.
The Best Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe

This really is the best chocolate chess pie recipe. The pie is easy to make and it only takes about ten minutes to get it whipped up and in the oven.
And, you most likely already have all of the ingredients in your pantry.
We love this chocolate pie around here and it will definitely fill that chocolate craving that you have.

Chess pie, or chess squares, are one of the easiest desserts to make and they are some of the most decadent as well.
The center is always creamy and gooey with a crunchy chocolatey outer layer.
Give these other chess squares recipes a try:
- Chess squares
- Strawberry chess squares
- Luscious lemon chess squares
- or, chess squares without cake mix. These are made with ladyfingers and are just as divine.
- Raspberry Jello salad
- Chocolate chess cake is another delicious recipe you’ll love if you love this pie.
What Do I Need To Make Chocolate Chess Pie?
- 9″ pie crust unbaked
- Sugar
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Eggs
- Evaporated milk
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar or whipped topping (optional for garnishing)
Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post.

How Do I Make The Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe?
- Add the sugar and unsweetened cocoa to a large bowl and whisk together.
- Next, add the eggs, evaporated milk, butter, and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Pour into a pie crust and bake for 55 minutes.
- Cool for at least one hour before cutting.
Step-By-Step Directions

Start by adding the sugar to a large bowl.

Next, add the unsweetened cocoa to the bowl and mix the two ingredients.
I used a whisk to whisk them together.

Pour the evaporated milk into the bowl.

Finally, pour the eggs and melted butter into the bowl and mix well.
TIP: If the butter is still hot, either mix the ingredients before adding the butter, or pour it into the batter away from the eggs, as it can cook the eggs a little bit (speaking from experience).

Pour the pie batter into an unbaked pie crust.
I used a store-bought frozen pie crust. I personally think it makes life a lot easier, but they aren’t quite as tasty and flaky as a homemade crust.
I placed the pie crust on the counter to let it thaw out before adding the pie mixture.

Bake the pie for 55 minutes. The middle will still be a tad jiggly and that is ok. It will still bake a little after you take it out.
I have made several of these pies and they are pretty much going to crack every time.
One way to try and avoid cracking the top is to place the pie on a cookie sheet while you bake it. When you are taking it out of the oven, it won’t bend the pie and crack it.
But, it still might crack as it cools.
The other trick to avoiding too many cracks is to set it on the counter after it cooks and don’t touch it again until you’re ready to put it into the fridge or slice it.
It won’t hurt anything if it cracks and it still tastes just as amazing.

You can either allow the pie to sit on the counter and cool or place it in the fridge. Either way will work.

What is chocolate chess pie?
The pie is an American favorite and has a gooey decadent center and a top that gets crunchy when you cook it.

Do you refrigerate chocolate chess pie?
You can leave it out for the day, but I would suggest refrigerating it soon after. You can leave it in the refrigerator for about three days.

Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe Card
Check out the recipe below, grab those ingredients, and start baking! This is a delicious treat that everyone will love.
Then, share your comments below and share a picture of your pie on the Pinterest Pin! If you made any changes or added something different, be sure to share it with us so we can try it, too!

Chocolate Chess Pie
Chocolate chess pie is one of those desserts that is so rich and delicious, you won't be able to stop at one piece. The pie is so easy to make that it only takes about five minutes to get it whipped up and in the oven.
Ingredients
- 9" unbaked pie crust
- 1-1/2 cups sugar
- 3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 eggs
- 5 oz. can evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350-degrees.
- Thaw the pie crust, if frozen.
- Add the sugar and unsweetened cocoa to a large bowl and whisk together.
- Next, add the eggs, evaporated milk, butter, and vanilla extract and mix well.
- Pour into the pie crust and bake for approximately 55 minutes. The center will still be a tad jiggly.
- Let cool for at least one hour.
Notes
TIP: If the butter is still hot, either mix the ingredients before adding the butter, or pour it away from the eggs, as it can cook the eggs a little bit.
TIP: To avoid cracking the pie, cook it on a cookie sheet and do not move it after taking it out of the oven. The pie might still crack as it cools, however.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1444Total Fat: 74gSaturated Fat: 30gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 38gCholesterol: 67mgSodium: 1138mgCarbohydrates: 185gFiber: 5gSugar: 52gProtein: 11g
Nutrition is approximate.
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