tar heel pie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
tar heel pie recipe
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The Best tar heel pie recipe

Tar heel pie is a classic Southern dessert that comes straight out of North Carolina. It is a simple chocolate chess pie with a rich and fudgy filling that bakes up with a crackly top and a soft gooey center. This pie is named after the Tar Heel State and it has been a favorite in my family for years. I first tried it at a church potluck and I knew I had to get the recipe.

The filling is made with basic pantry ingredients like sugar eggs butter and cocoa powder so it is easy to throw together any time. My kids absolutely love this pie. They ask for it every time we have a family dinner or a holiday gathering. The chocolate flavor is deep but not too sweet and the texture is just perfect.

It is not as heavy as a brownie but it is richer than a pudding pie. I like to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It is one of those desserts that feels special but does not require a lot of fuss. This recipe is also great for everyday baking.

It comes together in about 15 minutes of prep time and then you just pop it in the oven. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool before you slice it. I have made it for school bake sales and neighbor gifts and it always gets compliments. The crust is a simple pie crust that you can make from scratch or use a store bought one if you are short on time.

Health wise this pie is not exactly a health food but it does use basic ingredients without any artificial flavors or preservatives. You can cut back on the sugar a little or use a whole wheat crust if you want. But honestly it is a treat and sometimes you just need a good old fashioned chocolate pie. It brings people together and that is the best part.

Classic Tar Heel Pie

Classic Tar Heel Pie

4.6 from 1675 votes

This tar heel pie is a rich and fudgy chocolate chess pie with a crackly top and a soft center. It is a simple Southern dessert that uses basic pantry ingredients and comes together quickly.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time55 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Crust

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold butter cut into small pieces
3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup melted butter
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup evaporated milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2In a large bowl combine the flour and salt for the crust.
3Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
4Add the ice water one tablespoon at a time and stir with a fork until the dough comes together.
5Form the dough into a disk wrap it in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
6Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to a 12 inch circle.
7Carefully transfer it to a 9 inch pie dish and trim the edges leaving a 1 inch overhang.
8Fold the edges under and crimp with a fork.
9In a separate bowl whisk together the sugar cocoa powder and melted butter until smooth.
10Add the eggs one at a time whisking well after each addition then stir in the vanilla extract.
11Add the flour salt and evaporated milk to the chocolate mixture and whisk until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
12Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
13Bake the pie for 35 to 40 minutes or until the top is set and crackly and the center is still slightly jiggly.
14Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
15The filling will firm up as it cools.

🔧Equipment

9 inch pie dish
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Rolling pin
Fork

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 320mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 36g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

For a gluten free version use a gluten free pie crust and substitute the flour with a gluten free all purpose blend. You can also use a store bought crust to save time. Let the pie cool completely for clean slices.

Watch Video Of How Classic Tar Heel Pie Works

Tar heel pie is always a good idea for any occasion. It is simple to make and the chocolate flavor pleases just about everyone.

I have brought it to family reunions and holiday dinners and it never lasts long. To store leftovers keep the pie in the fridge covered with foil or plastic wrap.

It tastes great cold or you can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat.

This pie is a keeper and I hope your family loves it as much as mine does.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tar Heel Pie

1. What is tar heel pie?

Tar heel pie is a chocolate chess pie from North Carolina. It has a rich fudgy filling made with cocoa powder sugar eggs and butter. The top gets crackly while the inside stays soft and gooey.

2. Can I use a store bought pie crust?

Yes you can use a store bought pie crust to save time. Just make sure it is a 9 inch pie crust and pre bake it if the package instructions say to. This will keep the crust from getting soggy.

3. How do I store leftover tar heel pie?

Store leftover pie in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or foil. It will keep for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months wrapped tightly.

4. Can I make this pie dairy free?

Yes you can substitute the butter with a dairy free margarine or coconut oil. Use a dairy free milk like almond milk instead of evaporated milk. The texture may be slightly different but it will still taste great.

5. Why is my pie not set in the middle?

The pie may look jiggly when you take it out of the oven but it will set as it cools. Make sure you let it cool completely for at least 2 hours. If it is still runny after cooling it may need more baking time next time.

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