Kentucky Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s a little bit classic, a little bit indulgent, and downright irresistible, then you’re in the right place. This Kentucky Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips Recipe hits all the right notes with buttery, nutty goodness enhanced by melty pockets of chocolate chips — seriously, it’s fan-freaking-tastic. It’s one of those pies I keep coming back to, whether it’s for holiday gatherings or a cozy weekend treat. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into why this pie might just become your new go-to!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together with simplicity but deliver maximum flavor. Each element plays its part, and I always make sure to use fresh pecans and good quality chocolate chips—I find it truly makes a difference!

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: They melt softly into little pockets of chocolate yumminess throughout the pie.
• Chopped pecans: Fresh, not stale, for the best crunch and flavor.
• Eggs: They help bind everything together so your pie slices perfectly.
• Sugar: Sweetness that balances the nuts and chocolate without overpowering.
• Butter: Melted for smooth richness, don’t skip on quality here—it really shines through.
• All-purpose flour: Just a bit to create the perfect texture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds that warm, inviting aroma we all love.
• Deep dish unbaked pie shell: Ready to hold all that delicious filling with a tender, flaky crust.

Variations

I love playing around with this pie depending on the occasion—it’s surprisingly versatile! Feel free to tweak the nuts or the chocolate types, or swap out ingredients to suit your personal preferences.

• Nut Variations: I’ve swapped pecans for pecan and walnut mixes before, which adds a nice variation in texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Type: Using dark chocolate chips ups the richness, while white chocolate chips add a sweet, creamy twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and toss in a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute—you won’t miss a beat.
• Spiced Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, cozy hint that’s especially nice in fall.

How to Make Kentucky Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F — you want that low and slow bake to get the filling perfectly set without burning the crust. While the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and have your deep dish pie shell ready on a baking sheet to catch any drips. I always line mine with foil just in case, because pecan pies can bubble over.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans first. Then whisk in your beaten eggs, sugar, melted butter, and flour, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix everything until thoroughly combined—the texture should be smooth with plenty of chocolate and nutty bits peeking through. This is the part where you’ll see why it’s a Kentucky pecan pie—with chocolate! It’s such a fun upgrade that takes the flavor up a notch.

Step 3: Pour and Bake

Carefully pour the filling into your unbaked pie shell, spreading it out evenly. Place it in the center of the oven and bake for 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the top is set and looks golden, but still slightly jiggly in the center—that’s perfect because it firms up as it cools. Resist the urge to cut it immediately; letting it cool fully helps your pie slices stay clean and beautiful.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the pie cool for at least an hour before slicing. I like serving it just slightly warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream right on top. Trust me, you’ll get “oohs” and “ahhs” from everyone lucky enough to dig in!

How to Serve Kentucky Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love topping my slices with a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream—both add that cool creaminess that balances the rich pie beautifully. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving is another little secret I’ve discovered; it makes the chocolate and pecans even more vibrant.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. For holiday meals, I like serving it alongside spiced apple cider or even bourbon-spiked whipped cream to lean into those Kentucky roots.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served individual mini pecan pies in ramekins with a single chocolate chip on top as a fun presentation. Another time, I made a pie platter surrounded by toasted pecans and drizzled caramel for a beautiful centerpiece dessert everyone loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Kentucky Pecan Pie tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil, kept in the fridge. It stays moist and flavorful for about 3–4 days. I’ve learned that leftovers actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together deeply.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the pie, wrap it tightly and place it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When I do this, I let it thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the crust from getting soggy.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until just warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the crust a bit soft, so the oven is definitely my go-to for reheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Kentucky Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines tradition with a little surprise. Each bite brings that buttery pecan classic to life with sweet bursts of chocolate that you didn’t expect but won’t want to live without. I can’t recommend baking this enough—once you try it, your family and friends will be begging for it again and again, just like mine do. So preheat that oven, grab those pecans, and treat yourself to this slice of Southern heaven!

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