Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with a Southern classic that’s deliciously decadent: Chocolate Pecan Pie. Imagine the buttery crunch of toasted pecans, the rich swirl of melted chocolate, and that gooey, caramel-like filling, all nestled in a flaky crust. This pie hits every note of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey bliss, making it a perfect showstopper for gatherings and holidays—or honestly, any night you want to treat yourself. Whether you’re a longtime pecan pie lover or eager to try a new twist, this recipe promises a dessert you’ll come back to again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chocolate Pecan Pie comes together with just a handful of pantry staples, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient has a starring role in creating that luscious texture and unforgettable flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a quick tip for each!
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The foundation for our pie—store-bought or homemade, just make sure it’s nice and cold for the flakiest texture.
- Light corn syrup: This is your secret weapon for creating that classic, gooey pecan pie filling that holds its shape but still melts in your mouth.
- Granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness and helps with caramelization in the filling for that golden, crackly top.
- Large eggs: Four eggs help the pie set while providing richness—use room temperature eggs for the smoothest filling.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Melted butter brings a buttery undertone and glossy finish to the pie’s interior.
- Vanilla extract: Just a hint, but it ties all the flavors together and adds warmth to the overall bite.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and sharpens all the other flavors—don’t skip!
- Pecan halves: The heart and soul of this dessert—toast them lightly for extra flavor and crunch.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: For that unmistakable rich chocolate layer that sets this pie apart from the classic.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie
Step 1: Prep the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently place your unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie dish, pressing it into the edges and crimping the rim if you’re feeling fancy. If you made your crust from scratch, give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back! Set the prepped crust aside while you mix the filling.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, eggs, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and beautifully combined—no streaks of yolk left! This creates the luscious, custardy base of your Chocolate Pecan Pie.
Step 3: Fold in Pecans and Chocolate
Gently stir in the pecan halves and chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly distributed. The pecans give that signature crunch, while the chocolate chips will melt just enough in the oven to create a decadent swirl in every bite.
Step 4: Assemble and Pour
Pour the prepared filling into your waiting pie crust. Smooth out the top with a spatula, nudging the pecans and chips so every slice will get the perfect mix of nuts and chocolate. If you like, you can artistically arrange a few pecans on top for extra flair.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for 55–60 minutes. About halfway through, keep an eye on the crust edges—if they start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning. The pie is done when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle, and the top is golden with a few charming cracks.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow your Chocolate Pecan Pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This patience will be rewarded—a cooled pie slices beautifully, with the filling fully set and the flavors mingled to perfection. Now, you’re ready for the most satisfying first bite!
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie
Garnishes
Take your Chocolate Pecan Pie to the next level with some simple garnishes. A dollop of freshly whipped cream is classic, taming the sweetness and adding a cool, cloud-like finish. Vanilla ice cream is another crowd-pleaser, melting lusciously over the warm pie. For a festive touch, try a sprinkle of shaved chocolate or a few extra pecan halves on each slice.
Side Dishes
This pie stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to build a dessert platter, serve it with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a tart contrast. A hot cup of coffee or a rich black tea pairs perfectly with the pie’s rich filling, making every bite feel even more indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching dessert table, cut the Chocolate Pecan Pie into mini slices or squares for bite-sized treats. You can also stack slices with layers of vanilla or chocolate ice cream in between for a playful pie “tower.” Try baking the filling in individual tartlets or mason jars for personalized servings at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply cover the cooled Chocolate Pecan Pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making those next-day slices even dreamier!
Freezing
Chocolate Pecan Pie freezes surprisingly well. Wrap individual slices or the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; the pie will keep its quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
To enjoy your pie warm, reheat slices (or the whole pie) in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until just heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy—oven warming is the secret to reviving that fresh-baked flavor and crisp edge!
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
Absolutely! Using dark chocolate chips will give your Chocolate Pecan Pie a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor. It’s a great swap if you’re a true chocolate lover or want to balance out the sweetness.
Do I need to toast the pecans before adding them?
Toasting the pecans isn’t required, but it’s a lovely upgrade that enhances their flavor and adds extra crunch. Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant—just don’t let them burn!
Can I make Chocolate Pecan Pie ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! This pie is a make-ahead superstar. You can bake it up to two days before your event and store it covered in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature or gently reheat before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Why did my pie filling stay runny after baking?
A runny pie usually means it didn’t bake long enough. The filling should look set and may jiggle slightly in the center but will firm up as it cools. Always let the pie cool completely before slicing for tidy, gorgeous pieces.
Is Chocolate Pecan Pie gluten-free?
The filling itself is gluten-free, but you’ll need to use a gluten-free pie crust for a completely gluten-free dessert. Many stores carry tasty gluten-free crust options, or you can make your own from scratch!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends and family—or just treat yourself—Chocolate Pecan Pie is the dessert that delivers every time. It’s the kind of sweet, rich, utterly satisfying treat that turns any occasion into a celebration. Don’t wait for a holiday to try it; bake one soon and watch how quickly it disappears!
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Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate Pecan Pie. With a buttery crust, a gooey chocolate and pecan filling, and a hint of vanilla, this dessert is a perfect addition to any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Mix the filling: Whisk together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt. Stir in pecans and chocolate chips.
- Fill the crust: Pour the filling into the pie crust and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 55–60 minutes until set. Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips.
- Toast pecans before adding for extra crunch.
- Enjoy with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 39g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 64g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
