If you’re searching for the ultimate showstopping dessert, look no further than Chocolate Pecan Pie! This rich, gooey treat is a true classic, blending the nostalgic flavors of crunchy pecans and silky chocolate with a buttery, flaky crust. It’s an absolute dream for both chocolate lovers and fans of traditional Southern pie, making it the perfect finale to any holiday meal or special gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Pecan Pie keeps things wonderfully simple, yet the combination of these ingredients creates a symphony of flavors and textures. Every element serves a purpose, whether it’s providing sweetness, enhancing the pie’s texture, or adding that irresistible pecan crunch and chocolate decadence.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The foundation of the pie, giving every slice a tender, flaky snap—store-bought or homemade both work!
- Light corn syrup: This adds that signature glossy, gooey texture and melds beautifully with the sugar for classic pie sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for balanced sweetness and browning, don’t cut back—pecan pies are meant to be indulgent!
- Unsalted butter, melted: Richness and body come from butter, making the filling silky and luscious.
- Large eggs, lightly beaten: Eggs set the filling, so your pie slices hold together perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Just a splash brings warmth and depth, highlighting both the chocolate and the pecans.
- Salt: A touch of salt reels in the sweetness and amps up all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Pecan halves: For crunch, character, and that unmistakable Southern flair—try toasting them beforehand for extra flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt into the pie, giving each bite delightful pools of chocolate—choose quality chips if you can.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie
Step 1: Prep the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, gently fit your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan. For a personal touch, crimp the edges any way you like—rustic or fancy, it’s totally up to you! This sets the stage for all the delicious filling that’s about to join the party.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the corn syrup, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Keep at it until the mixture looks smooth and glossy—this ensures a uniform, creamy pie filling. There’s something so satisfying about watching those humble kitchen staples transform into pie magic!
Step 3: Add the Pecans and Chocolate
Stir the pecan halves and semi-sweet chocolate chips right into the filling. Don’t be shy—make sure every nut and chip is beautifully coated and evenly distributed throughout. If you toasted your pecans ahead of time, you’ll notice an even deeper, almost caramelized flavor in the finished Chocolate Pecan Pie.
Step 4: Fill the Crust
Pour the luscious mixture into your prepared pie crust, smoothing out the top gently with a spatula. The pecans and chocolate will arrange themselves merrily, but you can nudge a few pecans to the surface for an extra-pretty presentation.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pie into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set but still slightly wobbly—the pie will continue to firm up as it cools. If the crust edges start browning too fast, lightly cover them with aluminum foil for the last 15 minutes. After baking, let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Patience is tough here, but it’s so worth it!
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie
Garnishes
This decadent pie needs just a simple flourish to make it truly unforgettable. A dollop of freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt can take your Chocolate Pecan Pie to dazzling new heights. Add a few extra toasted pecans or chocolate curls for an ultra-inviting look.
Side Dishes
Because this pie is on the rich side, it pairs beautifully with lighter, contrasting flavors. Try serving it alongside a crisp fruit salad, a tart cranberry compote, or a cool, refreshing cup of coffee or black tea. These side dishes balance out the sweetness while making your dessert spread feel extra-special.
Creative Ways to Present
If you love turning desserts into a centerpiece, try baking individual mini pies in tartlet pans, arranging slices on a serving platter with chocolate-dipped pecans, or layering slices in mason jars with whipped cream for elegant parfaits. Chocolate Pecan Pie also shines when cut into small bars for party platters or brunch buffets.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers fresh by storing your Chocolate Pecan Pie tightly covered in the refrigerator, where it will stay delicious for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, so don’t hesitate to make it a day or two ahead if you’re planning for a party.
Freezing
This pie freezes like a champ! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store flat in the freezer for up to two months. To serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before slicing.
Reheating
If you crave a warm, just-baked experience, pop individual slices into the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or reheat the whole pie (covered with foil) in a low 300°F oven for about 15 minutes. Just enough to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven aroma without drying out the filling.
FAQs
Can I use dark or milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?
Absolutely! While semi-sweet chips are classic for Chocolate Pecan Pie, swapping in dark chocolate will give a bolder, less sweet flavor, while milk chocolate makes the filling extra creamy and sweet. Choose whichever matches your chocolate preferences.
Do I need to toast the pecans first?
It’s not required, but toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling truly enhances their flavor and crunch. Just bake them at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, let them cool, then proceed as written.
How can I tell if my pie is set?
The center should look puffed and just set, but a little jiggle is okay—it will firm up as it cools. If a knife inserted halfway between the center and edge comes out mostly clean, your Chocolate Pecan Pie is ready to come out of the oven.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pie crust recipe or a high-quality store-bought version. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, so no other adjustments are needed.
Is this pie best served warm or cold?
Both ways are delicious! Many people love Chocolate Pecan Pie chilled for a firmer texture and deeper flavor, while others can’t resist it slightly warm with melting whipped cream. Try it both ways to see what you prefer!
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about a slice of homemade Chocolate Pecan Pie—the way the chocolate and pecans nestle in that luscious filling, all atop a flaky crust, is pure comfort and joy. Whether you bake it for a holiday table or just to treat yourself, I hope you’ll find it as irresistible and memorable as I do. Go ahead, give it a try—there’s a new favorite pie waiting in your kitchen!
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Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate Pecan Pie. A classic dessert perfect for holidays or any time you crave a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the pie:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 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). Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan.
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Add pecans and chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 50-60 minutes until set. Cover edges with foil if needed.
- Cool and serve: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before slicing. Serve with whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- Toasting pecans before use intensifies their flavor.
- Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 69g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
