Grandmother’s Chess Pie with Nuts and Raisins: Old-Fashioned Recipe

Step back to 1952 with this treasured family recipe that transforms simple pantry ingredients into pure Southern comfort. Chess pie represents the heart of American baking tradition, a dessert so beloved it has graced tables for over three centuries. This particular version, from the recipe archives of grandmother Ethel Eynard of Jefferson City, Missouri, elevates the classic with plump raisins and walnuts, creating a nostalgic and irresistibly delicious pie.

What makes this chess pie truly special is its perfect balance of creamy custard filling enhanced with warm spices and textural elements. Unlike basic chess pie recipes, this version delivers layers of flavor and satisfying bites that make it unforgettable. It’s the dessert that creates lasting memories and becomes a family tradition passed down through generations.

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What Makes This Homemade Chess Pie Recipe So Good

The genius of this chess pie lies in its simplicity and the careful balance of ingredients. Cornstarch provides the perfect thickening agent, creating a smooth, custard-like texture without the grittiness sometimes found in cornmeal versions. The combination of warm spices (cinnamon, cloves, and allspice) creates depth and complexity, while the raisins add natural sweetness and chewy texture.

The creaming method for combining butter, sugar, and dry ingredients ensures a silky smooth filling, while gradually adding eggs and milk prevents curdling. This traditional technique results in a pie that sets perfectly every time.

Ingredients

• Butter – Creates richness and contributes to the smooth, custard-like texture
• Granulated sugar – Provides sweetness and helps create the pie’s signature consistency
• Cornstarch – Acts as a thickening agent for the perfect creamy texture
• Salt – Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness
• Ground cinnamon – Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the custard base
• Ground cloves – Contributes deep, warming notes and complexity
• Allspice – Provides subtle spice that rounds out the flavor profile
• Large eggs – Create structure and richness in the custard filling
• Pure vanilla extract – Enhances and ties together all the flavors
• Whole milk – Provides creaminess and helps achieve the proper consistency
• Raisins – Add natural sweetness, chewy texture, and traditional appeal
• Chopped nuts – Contribute crunch and nutty flavor (pecans or walnuts work best)
• Unbaked pie shell – Forms the foundation, either homemade or store-bought

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are watching your sugar intake, you can substitute Splenda Baking Sugar with regular sugar.

Believe it or not, a similar pie can be made for vegans. Get the vegan chess pie recipe.

How to Make Chess Pie with Nuts and Raisins

There is no need to carve out hours of preparation time for this fabulous chess pie recipe. Here are simple steps:

1. Place the butter, cornstarch, sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice in a large bowl and cream them together with a mixer.

2. Add eggs and vanilla and beat well.

3. Add milk, raisins, and nuts. Stir or whisk to combine.

4. Place the pie shell in a pie plate and form the edges as desired.

5. Pour the filling mixture into the unbaked pie shell.

6. Bake at 375°F for about 35 minutes or until the filling thickens.
7. Let the pie cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.

How Do You Know When Chess Pie Is Done?

Your pie is done when the center no longer wobbles. You can also use an instant-read thermometer. The pie is ready when the center reaches 200°F.

Old Fashioned Chess Pie – Recipe Variations

• If you like a touch of alcohol, add 3/4 cup (6 ounces) of dark rum.
• Make your pie even more decadent with the addition of dates.

How to Serve Chess Pie

Serve this homemade chess pie as a dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Fresh berries are always a hit, and a piece of chess pie goes great with a cup of coffee.

What Chess Pie Goes With for Dinner

This recipe for chess pie is the perfect dessert to top off the savory delight of a robust main dinner course such as:

• Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin
• Honey Baked Ham
• Roast Beef
• Turkey Legs

Storage and Serving Instructions

Thanks to its high sugar content, chess pie keeps exceptionally well. Store covered in the refrigerator for 3-5 days on the pie plate or transferred to an airtight container. The pie improves after a day as the flavors meld and develop.

For longer storage, slice into individual portions and freeze for up to 3 months. Separate slices with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave.

Popular Pie Recipes

• Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
• Chocolate Pie Recipe with Pudding
• Fruits of the Forest Pie
• Marie Callender’s Banana Cream Pie
• Millionaire Pie
• Sour Cream Raisin Pie
• Sugar-Free Apple Pie
• Toll House Pie Recipe

Favorite Old-Fashioned Cakes

• Mandarin Orange Cake
• Sock It To Me Cake

Check out my easy pie recipes and the best dessert recipes here on CopyKat!

This is from the archives of my grandmother, Ethel Eynard. Jefferson City, MO.  1952.