Busken Chess Pie Recipe

There’s something deeply nostalgic about a slice of Busken Chess Pie. With its buttery crust, rich custard center, and caramelized top, this Southern classic offers comfort in every bite. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this pie is both foolproof and crowd-pleasing.

This Busken Chess Pie Recipe made with humble pantry staples like sugar, eggs, cornmeal, and butter, the magic lies in how they come together. The result is a golden, sweet, and slightly tangy filling that’s smooth yet slightly textured-thanks to the cornmeal.

Today, we’re showing you how to make this timeless dessert right at home. This version, inspired by The Stay At Home Chef, walks you through each step so you can create a bakery-worthy pie from scratch or using store-bought shortcuts.

What Does Busken Chess Pie Taste Like?

Busken Chess Pie has a deep, caramelized sweetness that’s balanced by a subtle tang from lemon juice. The flavor is rich and comforting, with notes of vanilla and buttery warmth that make every bite irresistible.

Its texture is creamy and custard-like, yet slightly grainy in the best way due to the cornmeal. The top develops a golden, crackly crust while the interior stays smooth and dense.

When paired with a crisp, flaky crust and a dusting of powdered sugar, the combination is pure Southern bliss. It’s a pie that feels like a warm hug-rich, simple, and unforgettable.

Ingredients Required for Busken Chess Pie Recipe

Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Busken Chess Pie

• ½ cup melted salted butter (or unsalted + ¼ tsp salt)
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons cornmeal
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need

1. 9-inch pie dish
2. Mixing bowls
3. Whisk
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Baking sheet
6. Foil (optional, for tenting)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes

How to Make Busken Chess Pie

Simply follow the steps given below to make your Busken Chess Pie at home

1: Preheat and prep the crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Press your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, trim the edges, and add a decorative finish if you’d like. Place it in the freezer while you prepare the filling.

2: Melt the butter and mix with sugar
In a large bowl, whisk together ½ cup of melted salted butter and 1½ cups of sugar until well combined.

3: Add remaining filling ingredients
Whisk in 4 eggs, 3 tablespoons cornmeal, 1 tablespoon flour, ¼ cup milk, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon salt. Mix until smooth, about 1 minute.

4: Pour filling into crust
Take the crust out of the freezer and pour in the filling. Scrape the bowl to get every bit of that goodness into the pie shell.

5: Bake the pie
Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center and edges are fully set. Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.

6: Cool and serve
Let the pie cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Dust with powdered sugar if desired, slice, and enjoy!

Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Busken Chess Pie

1. With Fresh Berries
We’ve found that the pie’s sweetness pairs beautifully with tart fresh berries-especially raspberries or blackberries. Just a small handful on the side cuts through the richness perfectly.

2. Topped with Whipped Cream
Homemade whipped cream (with just a touch of vanilla) adds a light, airy contrast to the dense custard filling. We rarely serve chess pie without it now!

3. Drizzled with Salted Caramel
Trust us-drizzle a little warm salted caramel over each slice. The sweet-salty balance is next level and gives the pie a modern twist.

4. With a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
There’s something magical about warm pie and cold ice cream. Vanilla complements the buttery flavors so well, and it’s always a hit when we serve it this way.

5. Dusted with Cinnamon Sugar
Sometimes we like to go old-school and sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before serving. It adds a subtle warmth that feels extra comforting in cooler months.

6. Paired with Strong Coffee
This pie is incredibly sweet, so pairing it with a bold cup of coffee (black or espresso) balances things out. It’s our favorite afternoon treat!

7. Served with Lemon Zest
If you love citrus like we do, grate a little lemon zest over the top. It intensifies the brightness from the lemon juice in the filling and looks beautiful, too.

8. On a Brunch Dessert Table
We’ve added this pie to brunch tables, and it always vanishes first. Pair it with savory items like quiche or bacon to balance out your meal.

9. With Toasted Pecans on Top
Try sprinkling toasted pecans over each slice for some added crunch. It gives the pie a praline vibe that’s hard to resist.

10. Alongside a Glass of Bourbon or Sweet Tea
Depending on the mood, we either serve this with a classic Southern sweet tea or, for grown-up gatherings, a glass of bourbon. Both feel like a celebration.

Some Tips on This Busken Chess Pie Recipe

1. Use a ready pie crust
If you don’t want to make your own crust, it’s okay! A store-bought pie crust works just fine and still tastes yummy.

2. Melt the butter all the way
Make sure your butter is melted before you mix it. This helps everything blend together nice and smooth.

3. Chill your crust first
Put the pie crust in the freezer while you make the filling. This helps it bake better and stay in shape.

4. Mix the filling really well
Whisk everything in the bowl for about one minute. You want it smooth with no big lumps.

5. Don’t forget the cornmeal
Cornmeal is what makes it chess pie! Don’t skip it-it gives the pie its special texture.

6. Bake on a baking sheet
Put your pie dish on a baking sheet before baking. It’s easier to carry and keeps your oven clean if anything spills.

7. Watch the top while baking
If the top starts to get too dark, cover it with foil. That keeps it from burning.

8. Don’t take it out too soon
Bake until the middle is set and doesn’t jiggle. That means it’s cooked just right!

9. Let it cool down
Wait at least 2 hours before cutting. It needs time to set so your slices come out nice.

10. Try it with toppings
It’s super tasty with whipped cream, fruit, or a scoop of ice cream. Have fun and try what you like!

How to Store and Reheat Busken Chess Pie

To store Busken Chess Pie, let it cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or place the whole pie in a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, if desired.

Common Queries on This Busken Chess Pie Recipe

Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Busken Chess Pie that people often ask.

1. What are the ingredients for a chess pie?

From what we use in our kitchen, the classic chess pie filling includes sugar, eggs, melted butter, cornmeal, flour, milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. And of course, you need a good pie crust-store-bought or homemade both work!

2. What was Bill Clinton’s favorite pie?

Funny enough, yes-chess pie was actually one of Bill Clinton’s favorite desserts. It’s a true Southern classic, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s presidential-level good.

3. What is a classic chess pie?

In our experience, a classic chess pie is a sweet, custardy pie made with basic pantry items like sugar, eggs, butter, and cornmeal. What makes it different from buttermilk pie is that cornmeal gives it that slightly gritty, old-fashioned texture we love.

4. Is cornmeal really necessary in chess pie?

Yes, definitely. We’ve tried it without, and it’s just not the same. That little bit of cornmeal adds a signature texture and flavor that makes chess pie what it is.

5. Can I use a homemade crust?

Absolutely! We’ve made this with both homemade and store-bought crusts. Rachel’s foolproof crust recipe works beautifully, but store-bought is just fine in a pinch.

6. Why does my pie jiggle in the middle?

If it’s still jiggly, it likely needs a few more minutes in the oven. We’ve learned to bake it until the center is fully set-no wobble-so the pie slices hold up well after cooling.

7. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, we often make it the day before a party. It sets up perfectly overnight and tastes even better the next day.

8. How do I keep the crust from burning?

We like to tent the pie with foil if the top or edges start to brown too fast. That way everything bakes evenly without burning.

9. Can I freeze chess pie?

We’ve done it a few times. Wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to a month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

10. What toppings go well with it?

Oh, so many! We often serve it with whipped cream, powdered sugar, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of caramel. Vanilla ice cream is a classic, too.

Busken Chess Pie is simple, sweet, and full of Southern charm. With its creamy custard filling and golden crust, it’s the kind of dessert that brings people together. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this pie never disappoints. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and don’t forget to save yourself a second slice-you’ll be glad you did!

Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.