Checkers Pie Recipe

50

Checkers Pie instantly transports you to moments of pure indulgence. What if I told you that you don’t have to hit the drive-thru to savor this iconic dessert? That’s right! You can create the same flaky, cinnamon-kissed delight right from the comfort of your kitchen.

How to Make Checkers Pie

Checkers Pie is a dessert typically associated with Checkers & Rally’s, a fast-food chain in the U.S.

Ingredients:

For the Pie Dough (makes the flaky crust):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
• 4-6 tbsp ice water

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled, cored, and diced finely
• 3 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the Coating:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 egg (beaten with 1 tbsp of water for an egg wash)

For Frying or Baking (Optional):

• Vegetable oil (for deep frying) – or –
• Non-stick cooking spray (for baking)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. It should have a slightly crumbly but moldable consistency.
4. Gather the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill.

Step 2: Make the Apple Filling

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine diced apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
2. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens. (You want it to hold together without being runny.)
3. Let the filling cool completely before proceeding to assemble the pies.

Step 3: Assemble the Hand Pies

1. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness.
2. Use a sharp knife or a 4×6-inch template (a rectangular shape similar to the Checkers pie) to cut out rectangular pieces of dough. You’ll need two pieces for each pie.
3. Spoon a small amount (about 1 to 1.5 tbsp) of apple filling onto one rectangle, leaving a small border around the edges.
4. Place another rectangle of dough on top. Use a fork to crimp the edges and seal the pie shut. Repeat this process for the remaining dough and filling.
5. Brush the tops of each pie with the egg wash to help create a golden, crispy finish.

Step 4: Cook the Pies

Option 1: Frying (for authenticity!):

1. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully lower the pies into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Remove the pies from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Option 2: Baking (lighter alternative):

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pies are golden brown and the crust is flaky.

Step 5: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1. In a shallow bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
2. While the pies are still warm, brush them lightly with melted butter (if baked) or ensure there’s some residual oil (if fried).
3. Roll each pie in the cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.

Tips for the Perfect Checkers Pie:

• Choose the Right Apple: Granny Smith apples provide a nice tart balance to the sweet filling, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work well.
• Chilling Is Key: Make sure your dough stays cold throughout the process. Cold butter creates a flaky crust! Keep the assembled pies in the fridge while the oil heats up if you’re frying them.
• Don’t Overstuff: Resist the urge to overfill your pies. A little filling goes a long way, and too much can cause the pies to burst open during cooking.
• Use a Thermometer for Frying: Maintaining a steady oil temperature of 350°F is critical for achieving that golden-brown finish without overcooking.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the pies and freeze them for later. Fry or bake them directly from frozen – just add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

What to serve with

Checkers Pie, also known as Checkerboard Pie, is a visually appealing and delicious dessert that features a pattern of chocolate and vanilla fillings encased in a pie crust.

Accompaniments

Whipped Cream

• Classic Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the creaminess of the pie and adds a light, airy contrast to its rich flavors.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Add a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or a hint of espresso powder to the whipped cream for an extra burst of flavor.

Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic choice that complements both the chocolate and vanilla fillings without overwhelming them.
• Chocolate Ice Cream: For those who can’t get enough chocolate, this can enhance the richness and provide a decadent experience.
• Mint Ice Cream: A refreshing contrast that pairs surprisingly well with the chocolate in the pie.

Sauces

Chocolate Sauce

• Hot Fudge Sauce: Warm, gooey, and perfect for drizzling over the pie, intensifying the chocolate experience.
• Dark Chocolate Ganache: A richer, more bittersweet option that pairs wonderfully with the pie’s flavors.

Caramel Sauce

A sweet and slightly salty caramel sauce can add depth to the dessert, offering a contrasting flavor to the chocolate and vanilla.

Berry Coulis

• Raspberry Coulis: The tartness of raspberries complements the sweetness of the pie, adding a fruity note.
• Strawberry Coulis: Another great option that brings a fresh, summery taste to the dish.

Ingredients Substitutes

Checkers Pie is a visually striking dessert that features a checkerboard pattern of chocolate and vanilla fillings. Like any recipe, the ingredients can be substituted to suit dietary restrictions, preferences, or ingredient availability.

1. Substitutes for the Pie Crust

A Checkers Pie usually involves a traditional pie crust as the base. Here’s how you can modify it if needed:

a. Gluten-Free Pie Crust: Use a store-bought gluten-free pie crust or make your own using gluten-free flour blends. Replace regular all-purpose flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, rice flour, or a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.

b. Crumb Crust: Instead of a traditional pie crust, you can use a graham cracker crust or a crust made from crushed cookies (like Oreos or digestive biscuits) mixed with melted butter. This offers a slightly different flavor and texture.

c. Whole Wheat Crust: For a slightly nutty, wholesome taste, substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flours.

d. Keto or Low-Carb Crust: Use almond flour or coconut flour as a base for a keto-friendly alternative. Combine it with butter and a low-carb sweetener like erythritol.

e. Vegan Pie Crust: Swap butter with vegan butter, margarine, or coconut oil. Use chilled plant-based milk instead of water to bind the crust.

2. Substitutes for Chocolate Filling

The chocolate filling in Checkers Pie is typically made with chocolate, heavy cream, sugar, and sometimes eggs or cornstarch for thickening. Here are some substitutions:

a. Dairy-Free or Vegan Chocolate Filling: Use dairy-free chocolate chips or bars and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, almond milk, or oat milk. If the consistency is too thin, you can add cornstarch or arrowroot powder to thicken it.

b. Healthier Chocolate Filling: Replace some or all of the cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Use dark chocolate (70-85% cocoa) to reduce sugar content.

c. No-Sugar or Low-Sugar Chocolate Filling Choose sugar-free chocolate or dark chocolate sweetened with alternatives like stevia or monk fruit. Replace granulated sugar with a liquid sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free alternative (e.g., erythritol, xylitol).

3. Substitutes for Vanilla Filling

The vanilla filling is typically made with ingredients like cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and sometimes cornstarch. Here’s how you can substitute or modify it:

a. Dairy-Free or Vegan Vanilla Filling: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version. Replace eggs with plant-based thickeners like cornstarch, agar-agar, arrowroot powder, or a flaxseed slurry (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).

b. Low-Fat Vanilla Filling: Replace heavy cream with low-fat milk, almond milk, or oat milk. You may need to add more thickening agents like cornstarch to maintain the texture.

c. Healthier Sweetener: Swap granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or liquid stevia.

d. Vanilla-Bean Twist: Instead of vanilla extract, you can use vanilla bean paste or the seeds of a fresh vanilla pod for a richer, more aromatic flavor.

4. Substitutes for Sweeteners

a. Natural Sweeteners: Replace regular granulated sugar with coconut sugar, raw honey, or maple syrup for a more natural option.

b. Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Use sugar-free options like stevia, monk fruit, erythritol, or xylitol for a diabetic-friendly pie.

c. Brown Sugar or Molasses: For a deeper flavor, swap out some of the white sugar for brown sugar or add a touch of molasses.

5. Substitutes for Eggs

The eggs in Checkers Pie are typically used for structure and setting the fillings. If you can’t use eggs, the following replacements will work:

a. Flaxseed or Chia Egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water to replace one egg.

b. Silken Tofu: Use 1/4 cup of pureed silken tofu per egg to provide structure without altering flavor.

c. Aquafaba: The liquid from a can of chickpeas (aquafaba) can replace eggs in many recipes. Use 3 tablespoons per egg.

d. Yogurt or Applesauce: 1/4 cup of plain yogurt (regular or dairy-free) or unsweetened applesauce can act as an egg substitute in the fillings.

6. Substitutes for Flavor Enhancers

a. Vanilla Extract: If you don’t have vanilla extract, opt for vanilla bean paste, almond extract, or even a dash of rum or bourbon to enhance flavor.

b. Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: If you’re out of baking chocolate, substitute it with a mix of unsweetened cocoa powder and melted butter (3 tablespoons cocoa powder + 1 tablespoon butter = 1 ounce of chocolate).

Final Thoughts

With its buttery, flaky crust, perfectly spiced apple filling, and signature cinnamon sugar coating, this homemade Checkers Pie will be every bit as satisfying as the one you’d grab from the drive-thru. 

More Pie Recipes:

• Copycat Paula Deen’s Blackberry Pie Recipe
• Copycat KFC Pie Poppers Recipe
• Copycat Crumbl Aloha Pie Recipe
• Oreo Blueberry Pie Recipe
• McDonald’s Blueberry & Creme Pie Recipe