A chocolate pecan pie Recipe is the perfect indulgence for those who crave both the richness of chocolate and the nutty depth of pecans. Each slice combines the gooey texture of melted chocolate with the crunch of pecans, enveloped in a buttery, flaky crust. The sweet and savory elements of this dessert work in harmony, making it a dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re preparing this chocolate pecan pie for a festive gathering or a casual weeknight treat, the combination of ingredients makes it a showstopper on any dessert table. Its simplicity and crowd-pleasing nature make it an ideal choice for holiday feasts, yet it’s easy enough to bake for any special occasion.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutions

This pie’s ingredients are straightforward, but their quality is key to creating the most flavorful dessert. Semi-sweet chocolate chips bring the perfect balance between bitter and sweet, allowing the chocolate to shine without overpowering the other components. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap these out for dark chocolate chips to deepen the flavor or even use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter profile.

Corn syrup plays a critical role in giving the filling its silky, smooth consistency. While corn syrup is a classic choice, golden syrup or maple syrup can be substituted for a more nuanced sweetness. Pecan halves provide the nutty crunch, but if you’re looking for a twist, try using a blend of pecans and walnuts or even hazelnuts for a different texture.

The butter, sugar, and eggs combine to give the pie a richness that melts in your mouth, while vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic warmth. Using high-quality vanilla will elevate the dessert to bakery-level perfection.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Results

Begin by carefully preparing the pie crust. Roll out your dough to a smooth, even layer and press it into your pie dish. Crimp the edges for an elegant finish, making sure they’re evenly shaped. Lining the crust with foil and using pie weights ensures the crust holds its shape during the pre-bake. The crust should be golden around the edges after the initial bake, setting the stage for the luscious filling.

The filling preparation starts with melting the butter slowly over low heat to avoid burning. Stirring in brown sugar will give the mixture a caramel-like sweetness, though its texture may appear grainy until the chocolate chips melt. This step is key, as melted chocolate adds a velvety depth to the filling. Once the chocolate is fully incorporated, adding the corn syrup, vanilla, and salt balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor complexity.

Slowly whisk in the beaten eggs, ensuring the mixture remains smooth. Stirring in the pecans is the final step before pouring this heavenly concoction into your pre-baked pie crust. Bake until the pie is puffed in the center and springs back when gently pressed.

Recipe Tips

Avoiding soggy crust: Ensure the crust is baked long enough during the pre-bake and avoid overfilling.
Tools: Use pie weights or even dried beans to prevent puffing of the crust during the initial bake.
Storing leftovers: Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating for up to 3 days.
Recipe variations: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the filling for a spirited twist, or try mixing different nuts for a unique texture.

What to Serve with This Recipe

This chocolate pecan pie recipe stands beautifully on its own, but adding a few accompaniments can turn it into an extraordinary dessert experience. A generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey filling, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. Whipped cream, lightly sweetened with a touch of vanilla or a sprinkle of cinnamon, can also be a wonderful topping to balance the richness of the pie.

For beverage pairings, consider serving this chocolate pecan pie recipe dessert with a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee, a glass of dessert wine like tawny port, or even a robust hot chocolate for the ultimate indulgence. The richness of the pie complements these drinks beautifully, enhancing each bite and sip.

To impress your guests further, serve the pie on decorative plates with a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce around the edge. Garnish with extra pecans or a sprinkle of sea salt for an elegant presentation.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

One of the best things about this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is its make-ahead potential. The pie can be prepared a day or two in advance, making it perfect for holiday meal prep. After it’s fully cooled, wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for an hour to take the chill off.

If you need to freeze the pie, bake it fully first. Let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven at a low temperature for about 15 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked texture.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is a winning combination of flavors and textures that will undoubtedly become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Its ease of preparation, coupled with the decadent results, makes it a standout choice for both casual dinners and special occasions. With just the right balance of sweetness and crunch, it’s a dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

A rich and easy-to-make Chocolate Pecan Pie with sweet chocolate, crunchy pecans, and a buttery crust. Perfect for any occasion!

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 24

Servings: Slices

Author: Jessica Harmon

Ingredients

1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup corn syrup
2 cups pecan halves
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup light brown sugar packed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs beaten
1 pie crust recipe for the most flakey and tender result, see my guide

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Roll out your pie dough and carefully line a 9-inch deep pie dish with the crust. Ensure the edges of the crust are crimped and even. Next, cover the crust with a double layer of aluminum foil, ensuring it hugs the edges tightly. Use pie weights or coins to fill the lined crust to keep it from puffing up during the initial bake. (Exercise caution when removing the hot coins after baking.) Bake for around 25 minutes, or until the crust edges begin to firm up.
Once the crust is ready, take it out of the oven and reduce the temperature to 320°F. Carefully remove the foil and the weights from the pie crust.
While the pie crust is baking, melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Stir in the light brown sugar, allowing the mixture to come together, though it will still appear slightly textured. Then, add the semi-sweet chocolate chips and let them melt into the mixture.
Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the corn syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add the beaten eggs, stirring constantly to ensure they incorporate smoothly into the mix. Lastly, fold in the pecan halves until everything is well combined.
Pour the rich, nutty mixture into the pre-baked pie crust. Return the pie to the oven and bake for 50 minutes to an hour. The pie should be golden brown, puffed in the center, and gently spring back when touched.
Allow the pie to cool on the counter for at least one hour. Afterward, loosely cover it with aluminum foil and transfer it to the refrigerator, letting it chill for an additional 3 hours. While this pie is best enjoyed at room temperature, be sure to keep it at room temperature for no more than 2 hours before serving.