Description
Kentucky Derby Pie Bites are a decadent treat featuring a rich, gooey pie filled with chocolate chips, toasted pecans, and a splash of bourbon. These bite-sized delights are baked to perfection, then chilled, frozen, and dipped in luscious melted dark chocolate, making them an irresistible snack perfect for parties, celebrations, or any time you crave a sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
- 4 large eggs (beaten slightly)
- ¼ cup bourbon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup toasted pecans (buttered and salted)
Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips/wafers
- 1 Kentucky Derby Pie (cooked, for making bites)
Instructions
- Prepare the Kentucky Derby Pie: Begin by making the pie filling as per the ingredient list. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter in a saucepan and cook until melted and smooth.
- Cool the Mixture: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs immediately.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, bourbon, and salt until fully combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour the warm sugar mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to prevent scrambling the eggs.
- Add Chocolate and Pecans: Fold in dark chocolate chips and toasted pecans into the combined mixture evenly.
- Bake the Pie: Pour the filling into a greased pie pan and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-55 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Cool the Pie: Remove from oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least one hour to set completely.
- Form the Pie Bites: Scoop the cooled Kentucky Derby Pie into small bite-sized balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Freeze the Bites: Freeze the bites for 10-15 minutes to firm them up for dipping.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate chips/wafers using a double boiler, slow cooker, or microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the Bites: Dip each frozen pie bite into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated, then place back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the dipped bites until the chocolate coating is fully set, about 30 minutes.
- Store and Serve: Store the Kentucky Derby Pie Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- Toasting pecans with butter and salt enhances their flavor and adds richness to the pie.
- Whisking the sugar mixture slowly into the eggs prevents scrambling and ensures a smooth filling.
- Use high-quality bourbon for the best flavor in the pie.
- Chocolate chips or wafers can be substituted depending on your preference for dipping.
- Make sure bites are well frozen before dipping to avoid melting the chocolate coating.
- For longer storage, these bites can be frozen and thawed before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Kentucky Derby Pie, Pie Bites, Chocolate Pecan Pie, Bourbon Desserts, Bite-sized Desserts, Party Snacks, Southern Desserts
