Coconut Chess Pie
Coconut Chess Pie is a rich, custard-like dessert from the American South, made with eggs, butter, sugar, and sweetened shredded coconut, often baked in a flaky pie crust. It's a variation of the classic chess pie, which gets its name from the simple, staple ingredients once common in Southern pantries.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This pie is high in carbohydrates and fat, primarily from sugar and butter, with a moderate amount of protein from the eggs. A single slice typically contains around 400-500 calories, offering some iron and calcium but is otherwise a decadent treat rather than a nutrient-dense food.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 5.5 g |
| Carbs | 48 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugar | 32 g |
| Sodium | 280 mg |
| Potassium | 150 mg |
| Calcium | 85 mg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Vitamin A | 220 IU |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg |
| Magnesium | 25 mg |
| Phosphorus | 90 mg |
| Manganese | 0.4 mg |
Per 1 slice (120 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The name 'chess pie' is thought to derive from the Old English word for 'cheese,' referring to the pie's curd-like, custard texture rather than any actual cheese ingredient. Its popularity in the South is tied to its use of shelf-stable pantry items, making it a reliable and beloved dessert during times when fresh ingredients were scarce.
