Handwritten recipe card for Kentucky Winners Circle Pie from Maria Adams
by: salvagedrecipes

Kentucky Winner’s Circle Bourbon Chocolate Walnut Pie

Kentucky Winner's Circle Pie
This rich and gooey pie, affectionately named "Kentucky Winner’s Circle Pie," is a beloved Southern dessert known for its decadent combination of chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, and a hint of bourbon. Traditionally baked in a single 9-inch pie shell, this dessert embodies the heart of Kentucky hospitality. It delivers a caramelized, nutty crunch paired with melty chocolate, all encased in a tender crust, often enjoyed at social gatherings, holidays, or simply to sweeten the end of a meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 8
Calories 481 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 eggs (large )
  • 1 cup sugar
  • ¾ cup light corn syrup
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp bourbon
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup walnuts (chopped )
  • 1 9-inch pie shell (unbaked )

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Wet Mixture

  • Beat eggs slightly in a medium bowl.
  • Add sugar and mix until well blended (about 3 minutes).
  • Add corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla.
  • Stir in bourbon and mix until smooth.

Step 2: Add Mix-ins

  • Fold in chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.

Step 3: Assemble Pie

  • Pour the mixture into an unbaked 9-inch pie shell.

Step 4: Bake

  • Bake at 350°F for 1 hour.
  • Remove from oven and cool completely on a rack before cutting.

Tips

  • Substitute pecans for walnuts for a more traditional Derby-style flavor.
  • Add ½ cup shredded coconut for extra texture.
  • Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, less sweet pie.
  • Skip the bourbon or replace with 1 to 2 tsp water + ½ tsp vanilla for an alcohol-free version.
  • Blind-bake the pie crust for 10 minutes if you prefer a crisper bottom crust.
  • Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness if your butter is unsalted.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
  • Mix in ¼ cup chopped dried cherries for a fruity twist.
  • For a sturdier slice, chill overnight before serving.
  • Make mini versions by filling muffin tins with pie crust rounds.

Nutrition

Calories: 481kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 5gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 133mgPotassium: 143mgFiber: 2gSugar: 54gVitamin A: 274IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 2mg
Keyword bourbon pie, chocolate walnut pie, Derby-style pie, heirloom recipes, Kentucky pie, southern dessert, vintage recipe
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