Kentucky Bourbon Pie

In Kentucky, Derby Pie is a mainstay of big events like the Kentucky Derby, birthdays, and holidays. But you don’t have to wait for Derby Day to bake up this delicious, crowd-pleasing pie studded with chocolate chips and pecans, and laced with Kentucky bourbon.

Learn how to make Kentucky bourbon pie, also known as Derby Pie, at home.

What Is Kentucky Bourbon Pie?

Think of this popular dessert, which is also known as Kentucky Derby Pie, as pecan pie made even more decadent by the additions of sweet chocolate chips and a kick of Kentucky bourbon. Just like pecan pie, it has a sticky-sweet filling and a satisfyingly crunchy top made of pecans and caramelized sugar.

Why Is It Called Kentucky Derby Pie?

You’d think this popular dessert got its name from being served on the day of the Kentucky Derby, which has taken place at the legendary Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Ky. for 150 years (making it the oldest continuously-running sporting event in the history of the U.S.). But as it turns out, the story actually goes the other way around.

In 1954, at the Melrose Inn outside of Louisville, Leaudra and Walter Kern created this pie with their son, George, for the inn’s guests. When the trio needed a name for the popular dessert, they couldn’t agree on one, so they drew a name out of a hat, and “Derby Pie” was born.

Given the name and the taste, it’s no surprise that the pie became as popular to serve on the day of the Kentucky Derby as Mint Juleps. But while many bakeries around the state served what they called derby pie, the Kern family applied to trademark the dessert as Derby-Pie® in 1964. 

After the decades that followed of bakeries receiving cease and desist letters from the Kerns (and Bon Appetit magazine famously getting slapped with a lawsuit in 1986) for using the name, the controversial recipe is now referred to as “Kentucky Bourbon Pie.” Or sometimes, as “We-Can’t-Call-it-Derby-Pie Pie.”

In 1985, Kern’s Kitchen served a giant 12-foot version of their famous Derby-Pie—the world’s largest—at the grand re-opening of the Kentucky Derby Museum. They’re still baking up the ever-popular pies today.

Can You Substitute Walnuts for Pecans?

Using walnuts instead of pecans is a popular variation on this recipe, and it’s a simple swap to make: Substitute the same amount of chopped, toasted walnuts for the pecans. 

How To Store Kentucky Bourbon Pie

Refrigerate the pie for up to five days. Wrap the pie plate in storage wrap to keep the pie as fresh as possible.

Can You Freeze Pecan Pie?

While you can bake and freeze this pie for up to three months, the texture does suffer when frozen and thawed, so it’s best to make it fresh. (Which, considering that it only takes 20 minutes of active prep time is actually pretty easy to do.)

For the best results when freezing, thaw the pie in the fridge overnight, and bake in a 450°F oven for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 20 minutes.

Is Kentucky Bourbon Pie Served Warm or Cold?

While you can serve this pie at room temperature, chilling it in the fridge before serving sets the filling, which yields the cleanest slices.

No matter how you serve it, don’t forget to give each slice the restaurant-worthy finishing touches of a dollop of whipped cream topped with pretty chocolate shavings.

Editorial contributions by Elizabeth Brownfield.