If you’re a fan of decadent desserts with a Southern twist, you’re in for a real treat with this Chocolate Pecan Pie. This glorious pie blends buttery pecans, gooey chocolate, and a lusciously rich filling—all nestled in a flaky, golden crust. Whether it’s a holiday table centerpiece or an anytime indulgence, this classic dessert delivers comfort and wow-factor in every bite. Get ready for a pie that feels both nostalgic and exciting with every slice!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chocolate Pecan Pie keeps things simple with a handful of essential ingredients, each one playing a key role in creating that craveable texture and melt-in-your-mouth flavor. Trust me, these are pantry staples you won’t want to skip—the magic comes from the way they all mingle together.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Sets the stage for all that gooey goodness and turns golden and flaky in the oven.
- Light corn syrup: Adds the signature sweetness and that irresistible, gooey-smooth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Boosts sweetness, but also helps the filling caramelize to perfection.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Packs in richness and helps everything meld together with a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Large eggs: Crucial for setting the filling and giving the pie its classic custard-like structure.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds everything out with cozy, aromatic warmth.
- Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Pecan halves: The heart and soul of the pie, bringing crunch, nuttiness, and that signature Southern flair.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melts into pockets of chocolate bliss, taking traditional pecan pie to a whole new level.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and set it aside. Getting the oven nice and hot ensures your Chocolate Pecan Pie turns out crisp and perfectly baked every time.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and pale yellow. This is the base that gives Chocolate Pecan Pie its signature gooey texture and deep flavor.
Step 3: Add Pecans and Chocolate
Gently stir in the pecan halves and semisweet chocolate chips until everything is evenly combined. For an extra flavor punch, consider toasting your pecans first—just a few minutes in a dry skillet does wonders!
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the filling mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading it out with a spatula to make sure the pecans and chocolate chips are distributed evenly. This step makes sure every slice of Chocolate Pecan Pie is full of texture and flavor.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie on the center rack and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center just sets and the top is golden and slightly cracked. Check at the 30-minute mark—if the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, gently cover them with foil. Once done, let the entire pie cool completely before slicing so the filling sets beautifully.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie
Garnishes
A generous cloud of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a cool scoop of vanilla ice cream turn Chocolate Pecan Pie from delicious into unforgettable. For extra flair, sprinkle a handful of chopped toasted pecans, drizzle with a little chocolate sauce, or add a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving.
Side Dishes
Since this pie is delightfully rich, a simple side is best—think fresh berries, a cup of strong coffee, or even a tangy citrus salad to balance the sweetness. All these options pair beautifully and keep the spotlight on your showstopping Chocolate Pecan Pie.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try cutting the pie into small wedges and serving them as mini desserts on a platter. Or, bake the filling in mini tart shells for charming individual pies that guests can grab and mingle with. You can also serve it slightly warm, right out of the oven, for melt-in-your-mouth chocolate pockets in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chocolate Pecan Pie tasting freshly baked, cool leftovers to room temperature, then cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator, where it will stay delicious for up to five days. For the best flavor, let slices come to room temperature before serving.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Chocolate Pecan Pie! Simply wrap the cooled, whole pie or individual slices tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready to indulge, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To enjoy a just-baked experience, warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until gently heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for 20–30 seconds, but the oven method helps preserve that dreamy, crisp crust.
FAQs
Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Absolutely! Dark corn syrup gives the pie a richer, deeper caramel flavor and a slightly darker color. Your Chocolate Pecan Pie will be just as delicious, with a bit of an extra molasses-like note.
Do I need to pre-bake the pie crust?
There’s no need to blind bake the crust for this recipe; the long baking time cooks the crust through perfectly. If you prefer an ultra-crisp base, you can pre-bake for about 8 minutes, but it’s optional.
Can I make this pie without corn syrup?
Yes, you can use an equal amount of maple syrup or golden syrup in place of corn syrup for a slightly different (and still magical) flavor. Keep in mind, the texture may be a touch less firm but every bit as luscious.
Why does my filling look runny?
If your Chocolate Pecan Pie filling is a bit runny, it might not have baked long enough. Make sure the center is set and no longer jiggles before removing from the oven. Cooling completely also helps the filling firm up.
Should I toast the pecans before using them?
Toasting is optional, but it brings out a deeper nutty aroma and an extra snap to the texture. Even just 5 minutes in a skillet or oven can transform regular pecans into something truly special for your Chocolate Pecan Pie.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to make this unforgettable Chocolate Pecan Pie the next time you’re craving something rich, gooey, and downright soul-soothing. Each slice is pure indulgence, perfect for gatherings or an extra-special treat just because. Go ahead, give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible scent of homemade pie—you’re in for something truly spectacular!
Print
Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent combination of chocolate and pecans with this delicious Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year!
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 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).
- Mix filling: In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Add pecans and chocolate: Stir in pecan halves and chocolate chips.
- Fill the crust: Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes until set and the top is golden and slightly cracked. Check at 30 minutes and cover edges with foil if browning too quickly.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, toast the pecans before adding them.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
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