Peppermint Chocolate Chess Pie with Baking Pieces

Prep: 15 minCook: 50 min1 pie (8 slices)mediumAmerican
Peppermint Chocolate Chess Pie with Baking Pieces

A rich chocolate chess pie infused with peppermint baking pieces that create bursts of cool mint flavor throughout the creamy, custard-like filling. This festive dessert combines the traditional Southern chess pie texture with holiday peppermint flavors, making it perfect for Christmas gatherings or winter celebrations. The cocoa-enriched custard base sets up beautifully with a slightly jiggly center, while the peppermint pieces add both flavor and textural interest that sets this version apart from classic chess pie.

VegetarianNut-Free

Ingredients

Yield: 1 pie (8 slices)
  • 1 recipe pie crust, or store bought(optional)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
    salted butter1:1sodium

    reduce salt to pinch

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
    salted butter1:1sodium

    reduce salt to pinch

    Full guide →
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • ½ cup milk
    heavy cream1:1richer

    creates denser, richer filling

    Full guide →
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup peppermint baking pieces, see note
    mini chocolate chips1:1mint-free

    use chocolate chips for chocolate-only version

  • whipped cream, for garnish(optional)
  • crushed candy canes, for garnish(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F and unroll pie crust into pie plate, then chill until ready to fill

  2. 2

    Whisk melted butter and cocoa powder until combined

  3. 3

    Whisk in eggs until incorporated

  4. 4

    Add sugar, salt, vanilla, and flour and whisk until smooth

  5. 5

    Gently whisk in milk until combined

  6. 6

    Stir in peppermint baking pieces

  7. 7

    Pour batter into prepared pie shell

  8. 8

    Bake for 45-55 minutes until just slightly jiggly in center and no longer glossy on top

  9. 9

    Cool completely before slicing

  10. 10

    Serve topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes if desired

Tips

Tip 1

Chill the pie crust while preparing filling to prevent shrinking during baking.

Tip 2

Don't overbake - the center should still have a slight jiggle when done for proper custard texture.

Tip 3

Cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set properly and prevent messy cuts.

Good to Know

Storage

Store pie in refrigerator for up to 2 days or freeze for up to one month

Make Ahead

Can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored covered in refrigerator

Serve With

Serve chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream and crushed candy canes

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip chilling the crust to avoid shrinking during baking

Watch

Avoid overbaking to prevent curdled, grainy filling texture

Substitutions

peppermint baking pieces→
mini chocolate chips1:1mint-free

use chocolate chips for chocolate-only version

Full guide →
unsalted butter→
salted butter1:1sodium

reduce salt to pinch

Full guide →
milk→
heavy cream1:1richer

creates denser, richer filling

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use a different extract instead of vanilla?

Yes, try almond or peppermint extract, but use half the amount as they're stronger than vanilla.

What if I can't find peppermint baking pieces?

Substitute with crushed peppermint candies or mini chocolate chips for a different but delicious variation.

How long will this pie keep in the refrigerator?

The pie will stay fresh for up to 2 days covered in the refrigerator, or can be frozen for up to one month.