Invented in 1950 in Prospect, Kentucky, Derby Pie is also known as “Pegasus Pie” and “May Day Pie” because the original creator, the Kern Family, has sued to protect its trademark “Derby Pie” name 25 times—including Bon Appetit who tried to claim the term is generic. Well, whatever it’s called, it’s a delicious staple at my Derby Party every year!
Makes 12 pies in 4oz jars
INGREDIENTS
For the pie crust:
- 1 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (chilled and cut into 1″ cubes)
- 1/8–1/4 cup cold water
For the filling:
- 1 stick melted butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 4 eggs
- 1 tablespoon Bulleit or Woodford Reserve bourbon
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips, semi sweet
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
DIRECTIONS
STEP 1
Blend flour, salt and sugar in the food processor until combined. Add the butter and process until the mixture resembles a coarse meal (about 15 seconds). Pour 1/8 cup of water and blend. Add a little more water until the dough holds together completely. (You can also use a pastry cutter instead of a food processor to make the dough.)
STEP 2
Press pieces of pastry dough against the jars to make the crust. You want to get a nice thin, even layer, especially on the bottom. It’s okay if it’s not perfect or pretty around the edges.
STEP 3
Add a tablespoon of pecans and chocolate chips in each jar. Chill them while you make the filling.
STEP 4
Mix the remaining pie ingredients together. Fill each jar about 4/5 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 30–45 minutes.
If you want to make these ahead, just put the lids on the jars after adding the pie ingredients and put them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them. Then, take them right from the freezer, take the lid off and place into a 350 degree oven and bake for 45 minutes to one hour.
Jars from Amazon.
Recipe adapted from Survival of the Scrumptious.