If you’re a fan of all things rich, gooey, and nutty, then this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is about to become your new obsession. I absolutely love how the gooey pecan filling mixes with melty chocolate and a flaky buttery crust—it’s like dessert, comfort food, and a celebration all rolled into one. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or just because you deserve something special, I promise this recipe delivers that perfect slice of chocolaty, nutty heaven every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent flavor combination: Combining chocolate with classic pecan pie filling gives you a unique twist on a beloved dessert.
- Simple steps, incredible results: You don’t need fancy skills or equipment to pull this off—it’s straightforward but impressive.
- Perfect texture contrast: Flaky buttery crust meets gooey filling with crunchy pecan bits for the ultimate mouthfeel.
- Great for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just satisfying a chocolate craving, this pie shines every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe comes from just a handful of high-quality ingredients that work beautifully together—simple pantry staples meet nuts and chocolate for a crowd-pleasing pie that tastes way more complicated than it is. A couple of quick tips: use fresh pecans and room temperature eggs to get the best texture and flavor.
- Best Ever Pie Crust: I love making this from scratch for that flaky, buttery base—store-bought works too if you’re short on time.
- Pecan halves: Toast them lightly for even more flavor if you have a moment—it makes a big difference!
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Choose good quality chocolate for a richer taste—it melts perfectly in the filling.
- Large eggs: Use room temperature eggs to help the filling set just right without cracking the crust.
- Granulated sugar and light brown sugar: The combo balances sweetness and adds depth thanks to the molasses in the brown sugar.
- Corn syrup: This keeps the filling moist and gooey, so don’t skip it!
- Bourbon (optional): Adds a subtle warmth and complexity; if you’re not into alcohol, vanilla extract alone works great.
- Vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, fine sea salt: These little touches boost the flavors without overpowering.
Variations
I like to encourage playing around with this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe because a little tweak can make it just right for your taste or occasion. Plus, swapping out or adding ingredients keeps it fresh and fun to bake again and again.
- Gluten-Free Crust: I once switched to a gluten-free crust for a friend, and it worked like a charm without compromising the flaky texture.
- No-Bourbon Version: If bourbon isn’t your thing, just bump up the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon for a lovely aroma and sweetness.
- Nut Mix: Try mixing pecans with some chopped walnuts or almonds for a different crunch and flavor profile.
- Dark Chocolate: Swap semisweet chips for dark chocolate if you want a more intense chocolate hit—my family goes crazy for this version.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pie Crust
Start by letting your pie crust sit out for about 5 minutes so it becomes slightly pliable and easier to roll. Dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking, and gently roll out your dough into a 13-inch circle about ⅛-inch thick. I find turning the dough a quarter turn between rolls helps keep the thickness even and prevents sticking. Once rolled, carefully transfer it to a 9-inch deep dish pie pan by rolling it onto your rolling pin and then unrolling it over the pan. Gently press the dough into the pie pan cavity—don’t stretch it or it’ll shrink in the oven. Trim the overhang to leave about a 1-inch border; fold the excess under itself and crimp for that classic ribboned edge.
Step 2: Layer Your Pecans and Chocolate
Spread the pecan halves evenly across the bottom of the pie shell, then sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips on top. This layer creates the perfect nut-chocolate combo all baked into one slice. If you like more chocolate, feel free to increase the chips by a quarter cup.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, bourbon (if you’re using it), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Make sure the eggs are at room temperature because it helps the filling set beautifully and bake evenly without cracking the crust. Pour this luscious mixture gently over the pecans and chocolate, spreading it out so all those nuts get bathed in that caramel-chocolatey goodness.
Step 4: Bake To Gooey Perfection
Pop the pie into a 375°F preheated oven. After 30 minutes, you’ll want to shield the crust—either with a pie shield or aluminum foil—so it doesn’t burn while the filling continues baking. Keep going for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center (it will firm up as it cools). When it looks like this, you know it’s time to take it out. Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Trust me, this patience is worth it for that perfect slice that holds its shape and oozes deliciousness without sliding apart.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Let the crust rest: After rolling out your dough, chilling it well helps prevent shrinking during baking—trust me, it’s a game changer.
- Room temperature eggs: They blend better into the filling, helping it set with that lovely custard-like texture.
- Use a pie shield early: Once the edges start browning too fast, cover them to avoid burning but give the filling enough time to cook through.
- Cooling is key: Resist the temptation to slice too soon—cooling prevents runny filling and gives clean, beautiful slices.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness. Sometimes, I’ll add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans on top for extra crunch and a pretty presentation that never fails to impress guests.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs marvelously with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a festive gathering, I like serving it alongside a light citrus salad or coffee to cut through the richness, keeping the whole experience well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
When I made this for a holiday brunch, I cut it into mini tartlets using a muffin tin for bite-sized treats that looked adorable and were super easy for folks to grab. I’ve also tried layering it with whipped cream and chopped pecans in a trifle dish for a no-fuss showstopper alternative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to two days, and honestly, it tastes just as good, if not better, chilled. I find the flavors meld even more, so don’t worry if you can’t finish it right away.
Freezing
Freezing this pie is totally doable! I usually wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then tuck them into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the fridge and enjoy. Keep in mind the crust loses a bit of its flakiness, but the filling remains deliciously gooey.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, I gently reheat slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10-15 minutes—this refreshes the crust without drying out the filling. Microwave works in a pinch, but the crust can get soggy, so the oven is my go-to.
FAQs
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Can I make this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe without corn syrup?
Yes! While corn syrup helps keep the filling smooth and gooey, you can substitute it with an equal amount of maple syrup or honey. Just know the texture might be a bit different—slightly less thick—and the flavor will have a subtle twist.
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How do I prevent the pie crust from shrinking?
Great question! I’ve learned chilling the crust both before rolling and after fitting it into the pie pan really helps. Also, avoid stretching the dough while pressing it into the pan since this causes shrinkage during baking.
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Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
You can mix the filling the day before to save time, just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. Bring it to room temperature before pouring it into the crust to ensure even baking.
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What’s the best way to tell when the pie filling is done?
The filling should look mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue firming as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep it from becoming too dry or cracked.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe has become a staple in my holiday baking rotation because it manages to combine comfort, elegance, and straightforwardness all in one sweet package. Every time I slice into that perfect gooey center speckled with pecans and melted chocolate, I’m reminded why I keep coming back to it. Give it a try and see for yourself—it’s like giving your taste buds a warm, chocolaty hug. Trust me, once you make this pie, it’ll be your go-to for celebrations and indulgent moments alike.
PrintChocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie featuring a rich, gooey filling of chocolate chips and pecans baked in a flaky, buttery homemade pie crust. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and enhanced with a hint of bourbon for holiday celebrations like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 single batch Best Ever Pie Crust
Filling
- 1 cup (109 grams) pecan halves
- 1 cup (170 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the pie.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Remove the pie crust from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes until slightly pliable.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 13-inch circle about 1/8-inch thick, turning frequently to maintain even thickness and prevent sticking.
- Fit Dough into Pan: Gently roll the dough around the rolling pin, then unroll it over a 9-inch deep dish pie pan. Press the dough gently into the pan without stretching, trim excess leaving a 1-inch overhang, fold under and crimp or flute the edges.
- Add Pecans and Chocolate: Evenly spread the pecan halves and semisweet chocolate chips on the bottom of the prepared pie crust.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, corn syrup, bourbon (if using), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and sea salt until smooth and well combined.
- Fill Pie: Pour the filling mixture evenly over the pecans and chocolate in the pie crust.
- Bake First Stage: Bake the pie for 30 minutes at 375°F.
- Protect Crust: Carefully place a pie shield or aluminum foil around the crust edges to prevent over-browning.
- Bake Final Stage: Continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the filling is set.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Storage: Cover and refrigerate any leftovers for up to two days.
Notes
- This pie offers a perfect harmony of gooey chocolate and crunchy pecans in a flaky homemade crust.
- Optional bourbon adds a warm depth of flavor, but can be omitted if desired.
- Use a pie shield after 30 minutes of baking to protect the crust edges from burning.
- Best served at room temperature or slightly warm for optimal gooey texture.
- Store refrigerated and consume within two days for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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