Not Derby Pie

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Quick Bite

“Not Derby Pie” is a chocolate-and-walnut pie inspired by Kentucky’s famous race-day dessert, without using the trademarked name. It is gooey, nutty, chocolatey, and made for a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

History

The famous Kentucky chocolate nut pie was created in 1954 at the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky, by the Kern family. The name most people know is trademarked by Kern’s Kitchen, which is why many cookbooks, bakeries, and home cooks use alternate names like chocolate walnut pie, Kentucky bourbon pie, race day pie, or “not Derby pie.”

The original pie is associated with the Kentucky Derby, but it became popular far beyond race week. The basic idea is a custardy nut pie, usually with walnuts and chocolate, baked in a pie shell. Some home versions add bourbon, pecans, or both.

The trademark story is part of the pie’s personality. Kern’s Kitchen has actively protected the official name, which is why you will see so many wink-and-nod names for similar desserts. The pie may be sweet, but the naming rules are serious.

A good “Not Derby Pie” lands somewhere between pecan pie and a chocolate chip cookie in pie form. It should be gooey but sliceable, rich but not muddy, and full of toasted nuts and melted chocolate.

Fun Facts

• The famous name is trademarked, so many recipes use creative alternatives.
• The original version is traditionally associated with walnuts and chocolate.
• Bourbon is common in copycat or inspired versions, even if every recipe does not use it.

Where to Try

Kern’s Kitchen / Derby-Pie® retailers Louisville and statewide
For the official trademarked pie, use Kern’s Kitchen’s retail and restaurant locator.

Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen Louisville area
A local pie shop chain with scratch-made pies and Kentucky-style nut pie options.

John E’s Restaurant & Lounge Louisville, Kentucky
A Louisville restaurant menu has listed Kentucky’s chocolate nut pie with chocolate pieces and walnuts.

About the Game

This recipe is part of Van Life Challenge, a travel-themed board game from Gray Dog Games where players explore the United States, discover regional foods, and collect memorable experiences along the way.

Each featured food celebrates a real place, a local flavor, and the kind of delicious roadside discovery that makes every trip feel like an adventure.

Recipe

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Home-Cook-Friendly Not Derby Pie Makes: 1 9-inch pie Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 45–55 minutes Difficulty: Easy Style: Kentucky / Race-Day Chocolate Walnut Pie

Ingredients

For the pie

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• ½ cup melted unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons bourbon, optional
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

For serving

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Instructions

1. Heat the oven: Heat the oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the crust: Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.
3. Make the filling: In a large bowl, whisk sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, bourbon, and vanilla.
4. Add dry ingredients: Whisk in flour and salt until smooth.
5. Add nuts and chocolate: Stir in walnuts and chocolate chips.
6. Fill the pie: Pour the filling into the crust.
7. Bake: Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the top is set and the center has a slight wobble.
8. Cool: Cool completely before slicing.
9. Serve: Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Traditional note: To make it more traditional, use walnuts and chocolate in a custard-style pie filling. Remember: unless it is the official Kern’s Kitchen product, avoid using the trademarked name in published menu or website copy.

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