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    Home » Pies & Tarts

    Kentucky Derby Pie (GF)

    Published: Apr 30, 2021 · Modified: May 3, 2023 by Tiffany · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

     

     

    Kentucky is known for it's bourbon and horses, but it should be known for it's delicious Kentucky derby pie.  It's a delicious walnut pie, loaded with chocolate and doused in bourbon. Yum! Plus with my favorite gluten free pie crust recipe it is easily made gluten free.

    If you're watching the race or just love pie, I'm sure you and your fellow fans will absolutely adore this pie.

    A slice of kentucky derby pie being lifted from a pie plate.

    If you're interested in other bourbon flavored recipes, give my maple bourbon pecan pie a try.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Where did derby pie come from?
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions & Variations
    • Instructions
    • Baking Tip
    • How do you make gluten free pie crust?
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More pie recipes to consider:
    • Recipe

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • It only takes five minutes to mix.
    • It's made from simple, common ingredients.
    • It's gluten free, dairy free and corn syrup free.
    A photo collage showing a horse stable, jockey statues, fancy derby hats, and a horse race at Keeneland race track in Kentucky.

    Where did derby pie come from?

    Derby pie originated in Kentucky in 1950.  It was created by the Kern family who owned the Melrose Inn in Prospect, Kentucky.  The pie itself is not named after the Kentucky Derby, but because their family could not agree on a name they pulled names from a hat and "derby pie"was the winner. 

    The inventors of derby pie eventually registered a trademark for the pie name and they are known to be the most litigious pie bakers in the land.  As a result, derby pie is known by many others names like: pegasus pie, Kentucky derby pie, Kentucky bourbon pie, chocolate chip walnut pie, and more.

    Since their recipe is very closely guarded, this is just my interpretation of the familiar Kentucky pie.  

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for Kentucky derby pie on a white table.

    This recipe only uses a few common ingredients:

    • Sugar
    • Brown Sugar - you can use light brown or dark brown sugar
    • Gluten Free 1-to1- Flour Blend - I used Bob's Red Mill brand, but you can use your favorite flour.
    • Eggs - This is similar to a pecan pie, so I wouldn't recommend an egg substitute.
    • Vegan Butter - Make sure to cool the melted butter so it doesn't cook the eggs and melt the chocolate chips.
    • Walnuts - Some versions of this nut pie call for pecans, but the original recipe is a walnut pie.
    • Vanilla
    • Kentucky Bourbon - Use your favorite brand.
    • Allergen Free Chocolate Chips - I used Nestle brand, but any brand will work here.
    • Pie Crust - Use my gluten free & vegan pie crust recipe, a store-bought frozen crust or your own favorite recipe.

    See recipe card for full ingredient list with quantities.

    Substitutions & Variations

    • Not Dairy Free - use dairy butter in the same measure.
    • Not Gluten Free - use regular all purpose flour in the same measure.
    • No Walnuts - Replace walnuts with pecans for a similar tasting pie.

    Instructions

    Making this pie is so simple and only takes about five minutes.

    Ingredients for derby pie combined together in a large white bowl.

    STEP 1: Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and fold together.

    An unbaked Kentucky derby pie sitting on a white marble table.

    STEP 2: Pour the derby pie filling into a prepared pie crust and bake.

    A freshly baked derby pie sitting on a white marble table.

    Baking Tip

    The pie will be done when the outer edge is set and the center is still slightly jiggly.

    How do you make gluten free pie crust?

    If you've ever made a regular pie crust, then you can make a gluten free pie crust.  Even if you've never made a pie crust, if you follow my steps exactly you will have a crust. 

    PIE CRUST TIP #1 - Keep your ingredients cold the entire time before they go into the oven.  If it is warm outside, this is especially important.  The ice cold butter melts when it hits the hot oven, creating steam pockets that make flaky layers.  So take your time and stick your dough in the refrigerator or freezer as many times as it takes to keep it super cold.  

    Here is a video showing how you mix gluten free pie crust. 

    PIE CRUST TIP #2 - Make sure every bit of butter is completely coated in flour before adding the liquid.

    PIE CRUST TIP # 3 - Always add your liquid in stages because you may not need it all.  It is a lot easier to add more liquid than to recover a too wet pie dough. 

    Here's a second video, which demonstrates how to roll out your chilled dough and line the pan.  This is where gluten free pie crust has to be handled a little differently than normal.  Once your gluten free pie crust is in the pan, stick it in the freezer until your filling is ready.  If it will be more than 30 minutes, make sure to cover it with plastic wrap so it doesn't dry out. 

    For more tips and tutorials to get the perfect results, check out my post on gluten free pie crust.

    Two slices of pie left in a metal pie plate.

    Recipe FAQs

    How do you store leftover derby pie?

    The pie will keep well at room temperature for about 3 days. Just make sure to cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

    Can you freeze a derby pie?

    Yes. Once the pie is fully baked, wrap it in 2-3 layers of plastic wrap making sure it's completely sealed. It should last about 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to serve, defrost it overnight in the refrigerator then cover it with aluminum foil and bake it at 350 degrees until warmed through.

    What do you serve with derby pie?

    It is delicious served plain. It would also be great with whipped cream or ice cream on top.

    More pie recipes to consider:

    • A slice of german chocolate pecan pie on a white plate.
      German Chocolate Pecan Pie (Gluten Free)
    • A slice of peanut butter pie topped with chocolate ganache and peanut butter cups.
      Gluten Free Peanut Butter Pie
    • A gluten free graham cracker crust in a white pie plate.
      Gluten Free Graham Cracker Crust
    • A slice of apple pear pie topped with vanilla ice cream.
      Apple Pear Pie

    If you try this recipe, please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the comments below.

    Recipe

    A slice of Kentucky derby pie sitting on a white plate.

    Kentucky Derby Pie (GF)

    This delicious walnut pie is filled with chocolate and a splash of Kentucky bourbon. Just like the famous Kentucky dessert!
    Author: Tiffany
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 45 minutes
    Chilling Time: 2 hours
    Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
    Servings: 8 slices
    Calories: 581kcal

    Ingredients

    • 1 Gluten Free Pie Crust

    For the pie filling

    • ¾ Cup Sugar
    • ½ Cup Light Brown Sugar
    • ½ Cup Gluten Free 1-to-1 Flour Blend I use Bob's Red Mill
    • ½ Cup Vegan Butter melted (vegan or regular)
    • 2 Eggs beaten
    • 1 teaspoon Vanilla
    • 2 Tablespoon Bourbon
    • 1 Cup Walnuts chopped
    • 1 Cup Allergen Free Chocolate Chips

    Instructions

    • Keep prepared pie shell into the freezer while you prepare the filling.
    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
    • In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter. Set aside to cool.
    • In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients. Make sure the butter is cooled before you add it as it will melt the chocolate otherwise. Fold together with a spatula.
      ¾ Cup Sugar, ½ Cup Light Brown Sugar, ½ Cup Gluten Free 1-to-1 Flour Blend, ½ Cup Vegan Butter, 2 Eggs, 1 teaspoon Vanilla, 2 Tablespoon Bourbon, 1 Cup Walnuts, 1 Cup Allergen Free Chocolate Chips
    • Remove the prepared crust from the freezer. Pour the filling into the crust.
      1 Gluten Free Pie Crust
    • Place pie on a baking sheet. Bake in lower ⅓ of preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. The pie will be done when the outer edges are set and the very center is jiggles just slightly.
    • Remove and cool completely before slicing.

    Notes

    Substitutions: You can use pecans in place of walnuts.
    Not gluten free? Simply replace the gluten free flour with all purpose flour.
    Not dairy free? Use regular butter in place of vegan butter.
    Storage: Cover the cooled pie with aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
    Freezing: Wrap cooled pie in 2-3 layers of plastic wrap and freeze up to 3 months.  Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
    Calories: 581kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 41mg | Sodium: 214mg | Potassium: 127mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 602IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @wellfedbaker or tag #wellfedbaker!
    Tiffany

    Tiffany is the recipe developer, stylist and food photographer behind Well Fed Baker. As a lifelong baker who had to go gluten free and dairy free in 2016, Tiffany strives to share allergen friendly recipes that never feel like they are free from anything.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa says

      May 12, 2023 at 9:25 pm

      5 stars
      A huge hit. Will make again.

      Reply
    2. Allie says

      May 06, 2023 at 10:06 pm

      5 stars
      Made this today, delicious & SO easy!!!

      Reply
      • Tiffany says

        May 07, 2023 at 8:27 am

        I'm so glad to hear that! 🙂

        Reply

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    Photo of Tiffany Welsh.

    Hi, I'm Tiffany. I strive to make gluten free dishes that are not just good enough, but better than their gluten counterparts. Living without gluten doesn't need to mean living without yum. You'll find all sorts of recipes from easy complex and something to soothe every sweet tooth.

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