If you are a fan of rich, nutty desserts with a decadent twist, this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Blending the luscious creaminess of chocolate with the buttery crunch of perfectly toasted pecans in a golden, flaky crust, this pie offers an irresistible combination of textures and flavors that will delight every bite. Whether for a holiday feast or a cozy weekend treat, this pie balances sweetness and depth so beautifully, it’s sure to impress your friends and family without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component has a role, from sweetness and richness to crunch and aroma, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
- Pie crust: Use a store-bought or homemade crust for that buttery, flaky base that holds everything together beautifully.
- Corn syrup (light or dark): This keeps the filling gooey and luscious, binding the sugars and nuts with a glossy finish.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the classic sweet backbone without overpowering the nutty flavor.
- Brown sugar, packed: Brings a deep, caramel-like richness that complements the pecans perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses a creamy, indulgent texture to the filling, enhancing the pie’s richness.
- Large eggs: Provide structure and help set the filling while adding a lovely custard-like quality.
- Vanilla extract: Offers a warm, aromatic note that elevates all the other flavors in the pie.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the depth of the chocolate and pecans.
- Pecan halves: The star nut of the pie, delivering that buttery crunch and distinctive flavor.
- Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips: Melt into pockets of rich chocolate that perfectly contrast the pecans’ texture.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a pie dish with your chosen pie crust, trimming any excess overhang and crimping the edges for a classic look. This crust acts as the sturdy, golden canvas for this rich filling and is essential to achieving the perfect final texture.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and gleaming; this ensures a cohesive filling that bakes up to a beautiful, custardy consistency.
Step 3: Add Pecans and Chocolate
Gently fold in the pecan halves and chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the filling. This step is crucial to guarantee that every slice boasts the perfect ratio of crunchy nuts and gooey chocolate goodness.
Step 4: Fill and Bake
Pour the prepared filling into your pie crust, spreading the pecans out evenly for a uniform texture. Bake the pie for 50-60 minutes until the filling is set and slightly puffed. Keep an eye on the crust edges; if they brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Allow your Chocolate Pecan Pie to cool completely before slicing. This waiting period might be the hardest part, but it ensures the filling firms up just right and slices cleanly while keeping all that molten chocolate and pecan magic intact.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, consider topping your pie slices with freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing contrast, making each bite even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
Serve your Chocolate Pecan Pie alongside a cup of robust coffee or rich hot chocolate for the ultimate comfort dessert pairing. The warmth and slight bitterness of these drinks complement the pie’s sweetness and bring out the chocolate and nutty notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving individual mini chocolate pecan pies in ramekins or tart pans for a charming, personal touch. You can also drizzle some caramel sauce over the top or sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt to amplify the flavor contrast and make your dessert truly stand out.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chocolate Pecan Pie keeps wonderfully when wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 4 days, making it perfect for enjoying a slice or two after the main event.
Freezing
You can freeze this pie after it has completely cooled. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When properly stored, it can last up to a month in the freezer without sacrificing taste or texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the pie warm again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm slices in the oven at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes. This gentle reheating revives the gooey chocolate and crisp pecans beautifully, just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade crust instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust adds a personal touch and can elevate the flavor and texture of your Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe even more. Just ensure it’s fully chilled and rolled out evenly before filling.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips are ideal because they offer rich chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet, balancing beautifully with the pecans and sugar filling.
How can I prevent the crust edges from burning?
Simply cover the crust edges with aluminum foil halfway through baking if you notice them browning too quickly. This shields the edges while allowing the filling to cook through perfectly.
Is it necessary to use corn syrup in this recipe?
Corn syrup helps give the filling its classic chewy texture and glossy appearance, but you can substitute with golden syrup or maple syrup if preferred, though the texture might vary slightly.
Can this pie be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the pie a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature or warm lightly before serving for the best taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is a delightful indulgence that brings together two all-time favorite flavors in one scrumptious dessert. With its easy preparation and show-stopping result, it’s a perfect addition to any special occasion or a sweet treat to make ordinary days feel extraordinary. I can’t wait for you to try it and hear all about your own pie success stories!
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Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Chocolate Pecan Pie is a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, featuring a rich, gooey filling made with corn syrup, brown sugar, and melted butter, combined with crunchy pecan halves and luscious semi-sweet chocolate chips. Baked to perfection in a flaky pie crust, it’s an indulgent dessert perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Pie Filling
- 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a pie dish with the pie crust, trimming the edges and crimping them to create a decorative border.
- Mix Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Pecans and Chocolate: Stir the pecan halves and chocolate chips into the filling mixture until evenly distributed.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the pecan and chocolate filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading the pecans evenly over the surface for consistent distribution.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the filling is set and has puffed slightly. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly. Serve as is, or enhance with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use either light or dark corn syrup depending on your taste preference; dark will add a richer flavor.
- Cover the pie crust edges with foil midway through baking if they begin to brown too fast.
- For a homemade pie crust, blind bake it slightly before adding the filling for crispier results.
- Let the pie cool fully before slicing to ensure clean cuts and a firm filling.
- Leftover pie can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
