If you’re craving a rich and indulgent dessert that’s both classic and a little bit decadent, this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is about to be your new favorite. I absolutely love how this pie combines the nutty, buttery goodness of pecan pie with the luscious touch of semi-sweet chocolate chips—trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Keep reading because I’m going to share all my tips to help you nail this pie perfectly every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance: The chocolate adds richness without overpowering the traditional pecan flavor.
- Easy to Make: Just one bowl and simple steps—no complicated techniques involved.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this pie every holiday and special occasion.
- Versatile: You can tweak the sweetness or chocolate type to match your taste perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe has a simple ingredient list that comes together beautifully to create a classic dessert with a fun chocolate twist. Finding good-quality pecans and chocolate chips will really make a difference in flavor, so I always recommend not skimping there.
- Large eggs: They bind everything together and give the filling structure.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that complements the pecans.
- Light corn syrup: Essential for that gooey, chewy texture in the pie filling.
- Butter (melted): Brings richness and smoothness to the filling.
- Vanilla extract: A small but vital ingredient to enhance all the flavors.
- Pecan halves: The star of the show—whole or halves give the best texture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The chocolate surprise that makes this pie extra special.
- Unbaked 9” pie crust: Choose your favorite—homemade or store-bought, flaky is always better!
Variations
One of the best things about this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want it a little sweeter, a little nuttier, or even a bit more chocolatey, there’s a variation for you. Don’t be afraid to play around—I’ll share some ideas that I’ve tried myself over the years.
- Chocolate Type Swap: I once swapped semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate chunks for a richer, more intense flavor—my family loved it!
- Nut Mix: Sometimes I add walnuts or even a sprinkle of chopped almonds along with pecans for a bit of extra crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust to make this dessert friendly for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Less Sweet: Reduce the brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less sugary pie; it still sets beautifully.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Then grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your eggs, brown sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. It’s important to fully incorporate these ingredients so the filling bakes up perfectly gooey but set. I discovered that whisking well helps avoid any graininess from the sugar.
Step 2: Stir in Pecans and Chocolate
Next, gently fold in the pecan halves and chocolate chips. You want to coat them in that sugary mixture but keep them whole so they stay nice and crunchy on top. I always sneak a few chocolate chips while stirring—can’t help myself!
Step 3: Pour and Bake
Pour the filling into your unbaked 9-inch pie crust—make sure it’s ready to go and placed on a baking tray. The tray catches any drips and helps with even cooking. Bake your pie for 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set but still slightly soft, the top is opaque, and those pecans have a beautiful golden brown color. If the pecans start to darken too quickly, you can tent the pie loosely with foil.
Step 4: Cool and Slice
This might be the hardest part, but let the pie cool completely before slicing. I learned this the hard way—cutting it too soon means a runny filling. Patience pays off here because the flavors really meld and the texture firms up perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Eggs: I find it helps the filling mix together more smoothly and bakes evenly.
- Shield the Crust Edges: If you notice the crust browning too fast, protect edges with foil halfway through baking.
- Don’t Overbake: The filling continues to set as it cools—taking it out too late can lead to a dry pie.
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Better pecans and chocolate raise this pie from good to unforgettable.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I love to top my slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream—both add a cool, creamy contrast to the warm, nutty pie. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra chocolate shavings also makes it look extra special when serving guests.
Side Dishes
Serve this pie alongside a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk—both go beautifully with chocolate pecan pie. For holiday dinners, I like pairing it with fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered pie slices with whipped cream in tall dessert glasses to create an elegant parfait. You could also serve mini tart versions using muffin tins—fun and fancy for parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After it’s completely cooled, store leftovers covered tightly in the fridge. I usually keep mine in a pie storage container or wrap it well with plastic wrap. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, though it rarely lasts that long in my house!
Freezing
I’ve frozen slices of this pie wrapped in foil and placed in an airtight container with great results. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying. This is a handy trick if you want pie ready for a last-minute dessert.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, I reheat slices gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can—though it’s tempting—as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
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Can I use a homemade pie crust for this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade flaky pie crust adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the pie. Just make sure it’s thoroughly chilled before filling and baking to avoid shrinking.
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What if I don’t have light corn syrup?
You can substitute with golden syrup, honey, or a homemade simple syrup, though this might slightly change the texture and sweetness. I recommend sticking to light corn syrup if possible for classic results.
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Why is my chocolate pecan pie filling too runny?
This usually happens if the pie isn’t baked long enough or if it’s sliced before completely cooled. Make sure to bake until the center is mostly set and let it rest fully before serving.
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Can I make this pie a day ahead?
Yes! I actually recommend making it a day ahead to allow flavors to meld. Just cover it tightly and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want something familiar yet a little luxe. It’s comforting, rich, and surprisingly simple to pull off. I hope you’ll give it a try and find yourself loving this sweet, nutty treat as much as I do—your friends and family will thank you for it, too!
PrintChocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie combines the classic, nutty richness of pecan pie with the luscious addition of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a delightful twist on a traditional favorite. Perfectly baked to a golden brown with a gooey center and crisp pie crust, it’s an irresistible dessert 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 the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the pie evenly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Pecans and Chocolate: Stir in the pecan halves and semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling mixture.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the pecan and chocolate filling into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it evenly. Place the pie dish on a baking tray to catch any drips during baking.
- Bake the Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. The center should remain slightly soft but not watery, the topping should be opaque, and the pecans will take on a golden brown hue.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely to set the filling before slicing and serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Chocolate pecan pie marries the rich, nutty flavor of classic pecan pie with the bittersweet richness of semi-sweet chocolate chips for an indulgent dessert experience.
- Ensure the pie cools fully before slicing to achieve clean slices and proper filling consistency.
- Use a baking tray under the pie to catch any spills and keep your oven clean.
- For best results, use fresh pecans and high-quality chocolate chips.
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