If you’re craving a dessert that’s rich, gooey, and packed with a perfect crunch, you’re in for a treat with this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe. I absolutely love how the chocolate chips melt into the sweet, nutty filling, giving every bite a dreamy, comforting texture. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just want to impress your friends with something homemade, this pie consistently gets rave reviews—and I’m excited to share all my tips so you can nail it on your first try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Flavor with a Twist: The combination of pecans and semi-sweet chocolate creates a luxurious upgrade to traditional pecan pie.
- Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a show-stopping pie in under an hour.
- Perfect Texture Contrast: Gooey filling, crunchy pecans, and flaky crust work together perfectly every time.
- Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this pie, and it’s always the first dessert to disappear at gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe uses simple pantry staples that come together beautifully. The key is choosing good quality pecans and chocolate chips to make sure every bite sings.
- Large eggs: They help bind the filling and create that custardy texture.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor that’s essential for pecan pies.
- Light corn syrup: Keeps the filling gooey and gives it that classic pecan pie sheen.
- Butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the filling set just right.
- Vanilla extract: Boosts flavor—don’t skip it, or the pie can taste flat.
- Pecan halves: Toasted or raw, these are the star nuts; try to find fresh for best crunch and flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The melty magic that turns this into a chocolate pecan masterpiece.
- Unbaked 9” pie crust: Store-bought or homemade works great, but make sure it’s chilled before baking.
Variations
I love tweaking my Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. It’s such a forgiving recipe and easy to personalize.
- Nut swap: If pecans aren’t your favorite, walnuts or hazelnuts can add a different but equally delicious crunch.
- Chocolate variations: Try chopped dark chocolate or milk chocolate chunks for a change in sweetness and texture.
- Gluten-free crust: Use a gluten-free pie crust to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Extra spice: I sometimes add a pinch of cinnamon or espresso powder to intensify the chocolate notes.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Mix Your Filling Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together your eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined. I’ve found that taking a minute here to properly mix ensures the filling bakes up evenly without any grainy sugar spots.
Step 2: Stir in Pecans and Chocolate Chips
Now, gently fold in the pecan halves and semi-sweet chocolate chips. I like to use pecans that still have a bit of their natural crunch — you want that contrast with the melty chocolate. Also, make sure your chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout for that perfect bite every time.
Step 3: Pour Into Pie Crust and Bake
Pour the filling mixture carefully into your unbaked pie crust. I always put my pie on a baking sheet before sliding it into the oven—it catches any drips and makes clean-up so much easier. Bake for about 50 minutes. You’re aiming for the center to be just slightly soft—not watery—that sets as it cools. The pecans should turn a golden brown, and the top of the pie should look opaque.
Step 4: Let It Cool Before Serving
Resisting the urge to dive right in can be tough, but the pie needs to cool completely so the filling can set and slice cleanly. When I first tried slicing it hot, the filling was too runny and messy—lesson learned! Give it at least two hours, or better yet, make it a few hours ahead.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: They blend more smoothly with the sugar and syrup for a silky filling texture.
- Don’t Overbake: The pie will continue to set as it cools, so pull it out once the center is just set but still jiggles slightly.
- Chill Your Pie Crust: Starting with a cold crust keeps it flaky and prevents sogginess from the filling.
- Bake on a Lower Oven Rack: This helps the bottom crust cook fully without burning the top.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top my slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the cool creaminess plays beautifully against the warm, nutty filling. For a bit of flair, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra toasted pecans on top does the trick.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or a bold cup of black tea. If you want to make a dessert platter, adding fresh berries or a citrus salad balances the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday dinners, I like to serve the pie in individual mini tart shells alongside a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel. It’s a fun way to wow guests and makes portion control easier. You can also swirl a little melted chocolate on the plate for a restaurant-style touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrapping the pie tightly with plastic wrap and storing it in the fridge works best. I’ve found it keeps fresh for up to four days—perfect for enjoying slices over a few days without drying out.
Freezing
If I’m making the pie ahead for a special occasion, I freeze it unbaked in the pie crust. After thawing in the fridge overnight, I bake it fresh. You can also freeze a fully baked pie wrapped well, but the texture is best when freshly baked.
Reheating
To warm leftover slices, I pop them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This lightly reheats the filling without drying it out or melting the chocolate completely, keeping that lovely texture intact.
FAQs
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Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! I often use refrigerated pie crusts when I’m short on time. Just make sure to keep the crust well chilled before baking to help it stay flaky and prevent shrinking.
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How do I know when the Chocolate Pecan Pie is done baking?
The key is the center—it should still have a slight wobble but not be liquid. The crust edges will be golden, and the pecans on top will look toasted. Don’t worry if it jiggles a bit; it will set as it cools.
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Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare and bake it a day ahead, then refrigerate overnight. The flavors deepen and the filling really firms up, making it easier to slice.
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Is there a way to make this Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe vegan?
While this recipe calls for eggs and butter, you could experiment with vegan egg substitutes and coconut oil, but results may vary. I recommend trying classic pecan pie alternatives designed specifically for vegan diets.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is hands down one of my favorites when I want to impress but keep things easy in the kitchen. It’s nostalgic, elegant, and full of flavor that hits all the right notes. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love having this in your dessert arsenal for holidays, celebrations, or whenever that sweet tooth calls. Give it a try—you’ll be surprised how effortlessly delicious homemade pie can be!
PrintChocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Chocolate Pecan Pie combines the rich, sweet flavors of traditional pecan pie with the luscious addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips, creating a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Filling
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9” pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- Add Pecans and Chocolate: Gently fold in the pecan halves and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the wet mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking the nuts.
- Fill Pie Crust: Pour the prepared filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust placed on a baking tray to catch any drips.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. The center should be slightly soft but not watery, the top opaque, and the pecans golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and optimal flavor.
Notes
- Chocolate pecan pie offers a delightful twist on the traditional pecan pie by adding rich semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra depth of flavor.
- Use a baking tray under the pie to prevent any possible drips from burning in the oven.
- Allowing the pie to cool completely is crucial for the filling to set properly.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 612 kcal
- Sugar: 69 g
- Sodium: 147 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 86 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 63 mg