Checkers Pie has become one of the most talked-about fast-food desserts in recent years. Whether you’ve tasted the crispy fried hand pies from Checkers and Rally’s or you’re trying to recreate a Checkers-style pie at home, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From the pie’s history and flavors to its ingredients, calories, comparisons, and a copycat recipe, this article covers it all in one simple, enjoyable read.
What Is Checkers Pie?
Checkers Pie refers to the fried, crispy hand pies served at Checkers and Rally’s drive-thru restaurants. These pies are known for their flaky golden crust, warm gooey fillings, and nostalgic Southern-style flavor. The most common versions served over the years include the famous Checkers Apple Pie and the Strawberry Cheesecake Pie, although flavors rotate depending on availability.
Many people confuse “Checkers Pie” with “checkerboard chess pie” or traditional Southern chess pie, but they are completely different. Checkers Pie is a fast-food fried hand pie, while chess pie is a classic custard-style Southern dessert baked in a traditional crust. Because of this confusion, many search for both terms together, leading to mixed online search intent—some want fast-food style pies, and others want old-fashioned chess pies.
Origin and History of Checkers Pie
Checkers and Rally’s began offering fried dessert pies in the 1990s as part of their expanding drive-thru menu. The idea was inspired by traditional Southern fried hand pies, which were often sold at fairs, small diners, and roadside stands. These pies had a crispy exterior, soft interior, and bold fruit flavors—qualities that Checkers aimed to replicate.
Over time, the Checkers Pie lineup evolved. Apple pies became the signature item, later joined by limited-time offerings such as strawberry cheesecake, chocolate variations, and promotional flavors. Social media helped revive interest in these nostalgic fried pies, especially as platforms like TikTok and Instagram highlighted crispy desserts and trending fast-food recreations.
Types of Checkers Pie
Checkers has featured several types of fried pies, some permanent and others seasonal. These pies are usually small, rectangular hand pies with a thick crust and sugary coating. The most recognized varieties include:
Checkers Apple Pie
A classic hand pie filled with cinnamon-spiced apple filling. It has a crispy golden crust and a warm, gooey apple center.
Checkers Strawberry Cheesecake Pie
A fan-favorite pie filled with sweet strawberry preserves and creamy cheesecake filling. This version is thicker, richer, and more indulgent than the apple pie.
Checkers Chocolate Pie
Some locations have carried chocolate-based pies similar to chocolate chess pie, with a molten chocolate filling wrapped in a fried crust.
Seasonal or Limited-Time Pies
Checkers occasionally introduces limited flavors like blueberry, peach, and holiday versions. These pies often rotate based on availability and region.
Discontinued Checkers Pies
Certain pies, such as early chocolate versions, have appeared and disappeared over the years, making them favorites among nostalgic customers.
Checkers Pie Taste Review
Checkers Pie is known for a flavor profile that stands out among other fast-food desserts. The crust is crispy, flaky, and golden brown, thanks to deep frying rather than baking. When you bite into it, the sugar coating adds a satisfying crunch.
The filling varies by flavor but generally includes warm fruit or creamy custard blended with spices. The apple version has cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelized sugar notes, while the strawberry cheesecake pie offers a layered taste of sweet berries and smooth cream cheese. The chocolate version resembles a gooey, rich chocolate chess pie with a molten texture.
Overall, the combination of crispy exterior and flavorful interior makes Checkers Pie a dessert that appeals to both kids and adults. Freshly fried pies taste noticeably better, with a richer aroma and more flavorful crust than pies that have cooled.
Ingredients Used in Real Checkers Pies
Fast-food pies use a combination of natural ingredients and stabilizers to maintain consistency. A simplified version of typical Checkers Pie ingredients includes:
Crust Ingredients
Flour, enriched wheat flour, butter or shortening, palm oil, water, salt, sugar, and leavening agents.
Filling Ingredients
Depending on the flavor:
- Apple Pie: Apples, sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, natural flavors, preservatives.
- Strawberry Cheesecake Pie: Strawberry puree, cream cheese, sugar, dairy solids.
- Chocolate Pie: Cocoa powder, sugar, butter, vanilla, stabilizers.
Other Elements
Vegetable oil for deep frying, egg wash for crust browning, powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar coating.
Common Allergens
Wheat, dairy, and sometimes eggs. Those with food allergies should check local ingredients, as formulations differ.
Checkers Pie Nutrition Information
Checkers Pie is a dessert, so it is high in sugar and calories. The average nutritional values vary by flavor, but a typical Checkers Pie falls within the following range:
| Nutrient | Average Amount (Per Pie) |
| Calories | 250–350 |
| Total Fat | 10–16g |
| Sugar | 15–25g |
| Carbohydrates | 30–45g |
| Protein | 2–4g |
| Fiber | 1–2g |
These values can vary depending on the frying oil and specific flavor. Apple pies are usually lighter, while cheesecake and chocolate versions are higher in calories.
How Much Does a Checkers Pie Cost?
Checkers Pies typically cost between $1.49 and $2.99, depending on location, promotions, and the specific flavor. Seasonal pies or limited-time desserts may cost slightly more. Because of regional pricing, some states offer value deals such as “2 for $3” on dessert pies.
Is Checkers Pie Still Available?
Availability depends on the location and season. In most areas, Apple Pie is the most consistently available option, while Strawberry Cheesecake Pie and other flavors rotate throughout the year. Some locations discontinue pies temporarily due to supply changes or menu updates.
Customers often ask whether Checkers still sells pies because limited-time flavors are not always announced widely. Checking your local store or the Checkers menu page usually confirms availability for your region.
Checkers Pie vs Other Fast-Food Pies
Many people wonder how Checkers pie compare to other drive-thru desserts. Below is a simple comparison of popular fried hand pies.
| Brand | Pies Offered | Cooking Method | Texture |
| Checkers | Apple, Strawberry Cheesecake, limited flavors | Deep fried | Crispy, flaky, sugary |
| McDonald’s | Apple Pie, seasonal pies | Baked (some regions fried) | Flaky, soft crust |
| Popeyes | Fried Apple Pie | Deep fried | Very crispy, firm crust |
| Rally’s | Same as Checkers | Deep fried | Identical to Checkers |
Checkers Pies generally offer a crispier crust than McDonald’s baked pies and a slightly sweeter filling than Popeyes.
Copycat Checkers Pie Recipe
Making a homemade version of Checkers Pie is easier than people think. This recipe recreates the crispy fried crust, sweet filling, and overall flavor profile using everyday kitchen ingredients.
Ingredients for Homemade Checkers Pie
Crust Ingredients
Flour, butter or shortening, cold water, salt, and a small amount of sugar.
Filling Ingredients
Choose one:
- Apple filling (apples, cinnamon, sugar, cornstarch)
- Strawberry cheesecake filling (strawberries, sugar, cream cheese)
- Chocolate chess filling (cocoa powder, butter, eggs, sugar)
Additional Items
Egg wash, cinnamon sugar, or powdered sugar.
Tools You’ll Need
A rolling pin, mixing bowls, a pastry cutter, a deep fryer or air fryer, parchment paper, and tongs.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by preparing the pie dough. Mix flour, cold butter, salt, and sugar until crumbly, then add cold water until a dough forms. Chill for 20 minutes to make it easier to roll.
Prepare your filling. Apple filling needs to be cooked with cinnamon and sugar until thick. Strawberry cheesecake filling should be mixed until creamy. Chocolate chess filling works well when mixed into a custard-like consistency.
Roll out the dough and cut into small rectangles. Place filling in the center of each rectangle, fold over the dough, and crimp the edges using a fork to prevent leaks. Brush with egg wash for a golden finish.
Heat your oil to around 350°F. Fry each pie for 3–4 minutes or until the crust becomes crisp and golden brown. Remove and place on a cooling rack. Coat lightly in cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar.
Frying vs. Baking Your Checkers-Style Pie
Frying gives the traditional Checkers-style crispy crust. Baking is slightly healthier but results in a softer texture. An air fryer is a great in-between option that preserves crispiness while reducing oil.
Frying
Cooks in 3–4 minutes and results in the flakiest golden crust.
Baking
Takes around 20 minutes at 375°F. The crust is lighter and less crispy.
Air Fryer
Cooks in 10–12 minutes at 350°F and produces a crisp, fried-like texture with minimal oil.
Tips for Perfect Checkers-Style Hand Pies
Use cold butter in the dough to achieve a flaky structure. Make sure the oil reaches the proper temperature; if it’s too cold, the pies will absorb oil and become greasy. Do not overfill the pies, as this leads to bursting or leaking during frying. Cooling the pies slightly before coating helps the sugar stick better.
Variations You Can Try
You can easily customize these pies. Chocolate chess filling gives the pie a rich, molten center. Strawberry cheesecake adds a creamy texture with fruity notes. Cinnamon apple is classic and pairs well with buttery crust. Many home cooks also create savory hand pies, such as chicken or ground beef, which use the same dough.
Common Problems and Solutions
A frequent issue is filling leaking from the edges. This happens when dough edges are not sealed properly. Press firmly with a fork to ensure good closure. If the crust burns quickly, the oil is too hot. Adjust your temperature and test another pie. Uneven cooking can occur when pies overlap, so fry in small batches.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store Checkers-style pies in an airtight container for up to three days. Refrigeration keeps the pie fresh, but reheating restores crispiness. Air fryers and ovens are best for reheating because they bring back the crispy crust without making the pie soggy. You can also freeze un-fried pies for up to a month and cook them directly from frozen.
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What to Serve with Checkers Pie
These pies pair well with ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel drizzle. Many people enjoy them with coffee or tea. Apple pies especially complement vanilla ice cream, while chocolate pies pair well with chocolate syrup.
Checkers Pie: Viral Popularity and Social Media Buzz
Checkers Pie has gone viral multiple times on TikTok and Instagram, where food bloggers showcase their homemade versions or compare fast-food desserts. YouTube reviewers highlight the crispy crust and warm filling, further pushing online interest. The nostalgic flavor and classic Southern fried pie style make it a trending dessert that appeals to both modern and traditional audiences.
Customer Reviews and Public Opinion
Most customer reviews praise the crispy crust, sweet filling, and value-for-money pricing. People enjoy the nostalgic taste of fried hand pies and appreciate seasonal flavors. Some reviews mention that pies vary slightly by location, but overall satisfaction remains high.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Checkers Pie made of?
It is a fried hand pie made with a flour-based crust and filled with fruit, cheesecake, or chocolate filling.
Does Checkers still sell pies?
Many locations offer pies regularly, but flavors rotate and can vary by region.
Is Checkers Pie vegan?
Most versions contain dairy and are not vegan.
Can I air fry a Checkers-style pie?
Yes, air frying produces a crisp crust with less oil.
Is Checkers Pie the same as chess pie?
No. Checkers Pie is a fried fast-food dessert pie, while chess pie is a baked custard pie.
Final Thoughts
Checkers Pie remains a classic dessert that blends Southern tradition with fast-food convenience. Its crispy crust, warm filling, and nostalgic flavor profile make it one of the most beloved drive-thru desserts. With rotating flavors, affordable pricing, and viral popularity, it continues to hold a special place among dessert lovers. Whether you enjoy it at a Checkers drive-thru or try the homemade version, Checkers Pie delivers a comforting and delicious experience every time
