Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert, I can’t recommend this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe enough. It’s got that perfectly gooey, nutty filling with a rich hit of bittersweet chocolate that takes classic pecan pie to a whole other level. Trust me, the first time I made this, my family went nuts—and now it’s a staple whenever I want to impress with minimal fuss.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The harmony of rich chocolate, buttery pecans, and the sweet sticky filling is what makes this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe truly outstanding. Picking quality ingredients, like fresh pecans and good bittersweet chocolate, really makes a difference here—plus, homemade pie crust is a game-changer, and I’ll show you just how easy it is.

• Bittersweet Chocolate: Look for 65% cacao or higher for that deep chocolate flavor, which balances the sweetness beautifully.
• Corn Syrup: This keeps the filling glossy and gooey; don’t swap it—this is the secret to that classic texture.
• Pure Cane Sugar: Adds sweetness with a clean, pure taste.
• Eggs: They bind the filling and give it body—make sure they’re well beaten for even mixing.
• Butter: Adds richness and a velvety smoothness to the chocolate filling.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the nutty and chocolate flavors.
• Chopped Pecans: For that classic crunch and flavor inside the filling.
• Whole Pecans: I use these to decorate the edge—they give the pie a lovely rustic look and a textural contrast.
• Flour, Shortening, Salt, Sugar, Baking Powder, Cold Water: These combine into Grandma’s Pie Crust, which is tender but sturdy enough to hold the filling.

Variations

I love making this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe as is, but sometimes I like to switch things up depending on the occasion or what’s in my pantry. Feel free to customize it to your taste—you can even make it your own signature pie!

• Adding Espresso Powder: I once added a teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling, and it really amplified the chocolate notes without making it taste like coffee.
• Using Maple Syrup Instead of Corn Syrup: If you prefer a natural sweetener, try pure maple syrup—your pie will be a bit less gooey but still delicious.
• Gluten-Free Crust: Swap out the regular flour in the pie crust for a gluten-free blend—just be sure to chill the dough well, as gluten-free crusts can be a bit trickier to handle.
• Vegan Version: I haven’t tried a full vegan version yet, but substituting the butter with coconut oil and using flax eggs could be an interesting experiment!

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Grandma’s Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix all the dry ingredients—flour, salt, sugar, and a dash of baking powder—in a bowl. Then, use a large fork to cut in the shortening until the mixture looks crumbly like coarse sand. Add the cold water all at once and gently stir just until the dough comes together in a ball. Don’t overwork it—you want a tender crust. Since this dough is soft, roll it out on a heavily floured surface and then use your rolling pin to lift and unroll it into a 9-inch pie plate. Tuck under the edges and crimp with your fingers or a fork. Set aside and get ready for the filling.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Pecan Filling

Microwave the bittersweet chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 to 1½ minutes—times vary depending on your machine. Whisk it well to make sure it’s smooth and fully melted, then set aside to cool slightly. In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla until smoothly combined. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture, then fold in the chopped pecans gently. This balance is what makes the filling so irresistible, combining gooey chocolate with nutty pecans.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Pour your luscious chocolate pecan filling into the unbaked pie shell. Arrange the whole pecan halves around the outer edge for that classy finish. Pop your pie into the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. Here’s a tip: when you insert a toothpick in the center, it shouldn’t come out completely clean but definitely not dripping wet either. The pie center should still have a little jiggle—that’s how you know it’s perfectly set after cooling.

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnish for this pie is a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream—light and fluffy balances out the rich pie perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top, which adds a delightful contrast and makes the chocolate and pecans pop even more.

Side Dishes

Chocolate pecan pie pairs beautifully with a simple fruit salad or vanilla ice cream if you want to go classic. For a holiday dinner, I like serving it alongside spiced cider or a smooth cup of dark roast coffee to round out the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve arranged mini pecan and chocolate pies in a pretty tiered stand, which instantly wowed guests. Another fun idea is to drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over individual slices just before serving for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap and keep the pie in the fridge. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. I’ve found that letting slices come to room temperature before serving brings back that perfect texture.

Freezing

Freezing this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe works pretty well if you wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. When I’ve done this, I thaw it overnight in the fridge, and it tastes almost as good as fresh, especially if you reheat it slightly.

Reheating

To warm up slices, I pop them in a preheated 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. This revives the gooey texture without drying out the crust. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy and pie filling rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe has become a favorite in my circle because it’s reliably rich but not too sweet, with that wonderful blend of chocolate and pecans in every bite. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—baking it is like giving your kitchen a warm, cozy hug, and serving it feels like a celebration. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll be one of your go-to recipes to share with family and friends!

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