If you’re searching for a dessert that checks every box—comforting, festive, ooey-gooey, and irresistibly chocolatey—look no further than this Chocolate Pecan Pie. This pie combines a silky-rich chocolate base, hearty toasted pecans, and a sweet, caramelly filling, all enveloped by a flaky, buttery crust. Whether you’re baking for a holiday table or simply craving a decadent treat, Chocolate Pecan Pie is sure to win raves from friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this pie truly shine is the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one brings authentic character—crunch, creaminess, or flavor—that melds together in every slice. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you don’t want to skip a single element:
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The edible vessel for all the luscious filling—use homemade for maximum flakiness or a good-quality store-bought for convenience.
- Light corn syrup: The secret to that sweet, chewy, classic pecan pie texture—gives a glossy, firm set to your slice.
- Packed brown sugar: Adds caramel undertones and a deeper, richer sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Helps balance sweetness without overpowering, while adding structure to the filling.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses the pie with richness and gives the filling a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Large eggs: Binds everything together and ensures your Chocolate Pecan Pie has just the right custardy wobble.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that deepens all the flavors in the pie.
- Salt: A small but mighty addition that lifts and balances all the sweet flavors.
- Pecan halves: The stars of the show—add crunch, toasty flavor, and that iconic Southern touch.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into the silky filling, creating ribbons of chocolate with every bite.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie
Step 1: Prep Your Pie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently fit your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, letting the dough relax into the corners. This ensures a crisp, sturdy shell that’ll cradle your rich filling. Feel free to crimp or flute the edges however you like—this is your pie’s personal touch!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the light corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisking until smooth is key—you want a uniform, glossy mixture so every bite bakes up perfectly delicious.
Step 3: Add the Pecans and Chocolate
Now, fold in the pecan halves and semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you love a deeper, toastier flavor, toast those pecans in a dry skillet for 5–7 minutes first. Stir until the chocolate and nuts are evenly coated, ensuring you’ll get a creamy, crunchy symphony in every slice of Chocolate Pecan Pie.
Step 4: Fill the Crust and Bake
Pour the luscious filling into your prepared pie crust, using a spatula to spread everything out evenly. Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 55–60 minutes. The center should be just set and lightly puffed. If your crust edges start browning too quickly, simply shield them with foil for the last 15–20 minutes. Let the pie cool completely before slicing—this is the hardest part, but it allows the filling to set up gloriously!
Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy
Once cool, slice into generous wedges and get ready for applause. Chocolate Pecan Pie is divine all on its own, but it positively sings when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie
Garnishes
Chocolate Pecan Pie is fabulous as is, but why not pull out all the stops? Add a swirl of fresh whipped cream, a handful of chocolate shavings, or scatter a few extra toasted pecans on top. If you’re feeling extra playful, a light dusting of powdered sugar makes for a picture-perfect finish.
Side Dishes
This pie shines brightest as the star of your dessert table, but if you’d like to surround it with friends, think along the lines of velvety vanilla ice cream, a fresh berry salad, or even hot coffee or tea for sipping. These simple sides let the decadent pie flavors truly stand out.
Creative Ways to Present
Let your creativity lead! Cut the pie into petite bars for a dessert buffet, or use mini tart pans for adorable single servings. Presentation on a rustic wooden board or a fancy cake stand transforms Chocolate Pecan Pie from delicious to showstopping. Elevate each plate by drizzling a touch of chocolate or caramel sauce around your slice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Lucky you! Simply wrap your Chocolate Pecan Pie tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It’ll keep beautifully at room temperature for up to 1 day, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Every bite stays luscious and satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the pie, let it cool completely, then wrap it well in several layers of plastic wrap followed by foil. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, and you’ll have ready-to-go decadence anytime you wish.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, place slices or the whole pie in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. This revives the chocolate’s meltiness and wakes up the nutty aroma. Just a short warm-up, and your Chocolate Pecan Pie will taste like it’s fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I make Chocolate Pecan Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chocolate Pecan Pie actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have a chance to deepen. Once cooled, simply cover and store at room temperature or in the fridge until ready to serve.
How do I know when my pie is done baking?
The center should be just set and look slightly puffed; it’ll jiggle a bit when gently shaken but shouldn’t be runny. The filling continues to firm up as it cools, so don’t overbake it for the creamiest texture.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes! A store-bought unbaked crust works wonderfully here if you’re short on time. If you feel adventurous, go homemade for an extra flaky, buttery finish that elevates the whole pie.
Is it possible to use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chips?
Definitely. Dark chocolate will give the pie a richer, more intense chocolate flavor. Use the same amount as the recipe calls for, and adjust to your personal chocolate craving!
Can I toast the pecans beforehand?
Toasting the pecans (5–7 minutes in a dry skillet) is optional but highly recommended for a deeper, nutty flavor and extra crunch. Just cool them slightly before stirring into your filling.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself—and everyone around you—to a dessert that’s endlessly satisfying, put this Chocolate Pecan Pie on your must-bake list. It’s comforting, chocolatey, and packed with Southern charm. Trust me: your table will be a little sweeter with this pie at the center!
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Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, gooey goodness of this Chocolate Pecan Pie that perfectly blends the flavors of chocolate and pecans in a flaky crust. It’s a delightful dessert that’s ideal for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the crust: Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges.
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugars, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Stir in pecans and chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the crust and bake for 55–60 minutes until set. Cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool before slicing. Serve alone or with ice cream.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the filling.
- This pie can be made a day ahead and stored at room temperature or chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
