I just recently learned what Derby Pie is, and I can’t believe I’d never heard of it before. As someone who loves Southern food and classic desserts, discovering this gooey, chocolatey, nut-filled pie felt like uncovering a hidden gem.
Derby Pie is a beloved dessert in the Bluegrass State and has become synonymous with Southern charm, family gatherings and the famed Kentucky Derby, but beneath its gooey surface lies a fascinating story—one of tradition, legal battles and countless delicious variations.
To really dig down and learn more about what Derby Pie is (and isn't), I spoke with Chef Dallas McGarity, owner of the Fat Lamb in Louisville, to get some insight into this popular Kentucky classic. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer like me, understanding the history and evolution of Derby Pie gives a new appreciation for this iconic Southern treat.
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Chef Dallas says that Derby Pie was first created in 1954 by Walter and Leaudra Kern, owners of the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky. They were looking to create a unique dessert for their guests and they settled on a chocolate and walnut pie with a buttery filling and a flaky crust. The name “Derby Pie” was chosen by the family by drawing suggestions out of a hat, which is fitting for a pie that would go on to become a legend tied to the Kentucky Derby.
The pie’s popularity quickly grew and guests wanted to recreate it. Local demand also spread fast. Recognizing their creation's uniqueness, the Kern family began marketing the pie commercially and took a bold step to protect it.
In 1968, the Kern family registered “Derby-Pie” as a federally protected trademark under Kern’s Kitchen, the company they established to distribute the dessert. Since then, they have defended that trademark, even suing bakeries, restaurants and newspapers that use the term “Derby Pie” to describe similar chocolate-nut pies.
Their legal vigilance has made the name “Derby-Pie” one of the most fiercely protected dessert trademarks in the country. As a result, many recipes inspired by the original now use alternative names like “Kentucky Bourbon Pie,” “Run for the Roses Pie,” or “chocolate nut pie” to avoid legal trouble.
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Is Derby Pie the Same as Pecan Pie?
Nope. Derby-Pie is made with walnuts instead of pecans and also includes chocolate, which not all pecan pies have. Depending on the recipe, the texture can be similar to pecan pie and some cooks swap out walnuts for pecans, but Derby-Pie is its own special, specific dessert.
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The classic, trademarked Derby-Pie recipe remains a closely guarded secret. However, most copycat versions feature a single crust filled with a custard-type filling made with eggs, sugar, butter, flour, vanilla chopped walnuts and semisweet chocolate chips. It’s often compared to a chocolate chip cookie in pie form, with a gooey center and crisp, flaky edges.
While the original recipe contains no bourbon, many home cooks add a splash of Kentucky bourbon for depth and flavor, especially during Derby Day celebrations.
Because the official Derby-Pie recipe is secret and trademarked, variations have flourished across Southern kitchens. Common substitutions include pecans instead of walnuts, especially among those who prefer a softer texture or more traditional Southern flavor.
Some recipes use dark chocolate chunks or bittersweet chips to balance the sweetness, and shortbread or graham cracker crusts are popular spins that add different textures. Some bakers add coconut flakes, espresso powder or a sprinkle of sea salt on top to add their twist to the treat.
Chef Dallas says that, in his opinion, the best "Nut Pie" starts with a perfectly flaky crust.
"The crust is where the secret lies," he explains. "It has to be flaky."
And his tips don't end there.
"I, personally, don’t think you should put any bourbon or pecans in it," he shares, adding that this changes the flavor and, while it is good, it's not a true "chocolate nut pie."
Chef Dall recommends using a chocolate chess pie custard filling and putting it in a "great crust." He suggests topping it with a lot of walnuts and baking it open-faced so that it gets toasty.
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A Pie for the Ages
Derby-Pie—or chocolate nut pie—is more than just dessert. It’s a slice of Kentucky culture, protected by law and loved by generations. Whether you buy it from the source or make your own version, it’s a testament to the power of tradition and the universal appeal of chocolate and nuts wrapped in flaky pastry.
Even if you can’t legally call it Derby-Pie, its legacy lives on in every homemade variation, carrying with it the warmth, sweetness and the story of a Kentucky classic.
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