If you're a fan of rich, custardy pies with a unique flavor twist, you're going to love this Nicole Rucker Honey Chess Pie recipe.
This Southern classic takes the traditional chess pie and adds a delicious touch of honey for an extra layer of sweetness and depth. Whether you're baking for a holiday gathering, a special occasion, or just because you have a sweet craving, this pie is sure to impress.
What Is a Chess Pie?
Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about what makes chess pie so special. Originating from the Southern United States, chess pie is a custard-based dessert made with simple pantry ingredients like sugar, butter, eggs, and a thickener such as flour or cornmeal.
It's known for its rich, sweet flavor and slightly crispy, caramelized top. Adding honey to the mix takes it to another level by enhancing the flavor with a floral sweetness that balances perfectly with the custard texture.
Recipe Overview
- Course: Dessert (but delicious any time of day!)
- Cuisine: American (Southern-inspired)
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Servings: 8 slices (1 standard 9-inch pie)
- Prep Time: 03 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Calories: ~420 kcal per slice (estimate)
Ingredients
Pie Crust (9-inch)
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Honey Chess Pie Filling
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ¾ cup honey (choose a flavorful variety like wildflower or clover)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- ¼ cup buttermilk (or heavy cream)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional, but adds brightness)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Honey Chess Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and positioning the rack in the center. Proper preheating ensures an even distribution of heat, which helps the crust bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture. Take this time to gather all your ingredients and prepare your workspace for a smooth baking process.

Step 2: Prepare and Chill the Pie Crust
If you’re using a homemade pie crust, roll it out to fit a 9-inch pie dish, making sure it's evenly distributed with no thin spots. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges for a decorative finish.
Place the prepared crust in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to prevent shrinkage and to help it hold its shape during baking. Chilling also enhances the flakiness of the crust, ensuring a crispy, golden base for your filling.

Step 3: Blind Bake the Crust
To avoid a soggy bottom, it’s crucial to blind bake the pie crust. Line the chilled crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights (you can also use dried beans or rice as an alternative).
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the parchment and weights. Return the crust to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to turn a light golden brown.
Once done, remove the crust from the oven and lower the temperature to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for the filling.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This step is important because it ensures the dry ingredients are well mixed, which prevents any clumps from forming in the filling. Even distribution of these ingredients contributes to the pie’s smooth and silky consistency.

Step 5: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and honey, whisking them together until fully incorporated and smooth. Gradually add the previously mixed dry ingredients, whisking thoroughly to eliminate any lumps.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully blended before adding the next. Finally, stir in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, mixing until the filling is smooth and velvety. This step ensures that all flavors are well combined for a rich and creamy filling.

Step 6: Fill the Pie Crust
Once the filling is ready, carefully pour it into the pre-baked pie crust, ensuring an even distribution. Gently tap the pie dish on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles that could cause cracks during baking. If needed, use a spatula to smooth the surface for a perfectly even bake.

Step 7: Bake the Pie
Transfer the filled pie dish into the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes; the center should be slightly wobbly but not liquid when gently shaken.
The top should develop a beautiful golden brown color with a lightly caramelized finish. If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
After baking, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This cooling period is essential to let the filling set properly and achieve that signature smooth, custardy texture.
Once cooled, slice and serve at room temperature or chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh berries, or an extra drizzle of honey for an irresistible finish. Enjoy every sweet, buttery bite!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Chess Pie
- Rich, Sweet Flavor: The combination of honey and butter creates a custard that’s sweet but also nuanced with a light floral note from the honey.
- Southern-Inspired Classic: Chess pie is a hallmark of Southern baking, known for its simple ingredients that deliver big flavor.
- Easy Yet Impressive: While it’s relatively straightforward, the result always looks (and tastes) like you spent hours perfecting it.
Tips for the Perfect Honey Chess Pie
- Use Quality Honey: The honey flavor shines in this pie, so use a high-quality, flavorful honey for the best results.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature to create a smooth filling.
- Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the pie to prevent the filling from becoming too firm. The center should have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered with plastic wrap.
Before We Part Ways
Baking this Nicole Rucker Honey Chess Pie feels like a warm hug from the kitchen, bringing together simple ingredients to create a rich, custardy delight with a touch of honey sweetness. I love how it fills the house with comforting aromas and instantly transports me to cherished family moments.
Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just because you crave something sweet, this pie is a perfect way to share love through baking. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll savor every bite let me know how it turns out!