Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a decadent dessert that combines the richness of semi-sweet chocolate with the crunch of pecans, all nestled in a buttery pie crust.
Perfect for any special occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, family dinner, or just a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this pie is sure to please everyone.
The combination of chocolate and pecans creates a delightful contrast, while the pie’s smooth filling brings everything together in a perfect harmony of flavors.
Ingredients
1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
1 cup pecans, chopped
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
1/4 cup corn syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the pie will bake evenly. Place your pie crust in a pie dish and set it aside while you prepare the filling.
If you’re using a store-bought crust, there’s no need to pre-bake it, but if you’re making a homemade one, you can blind-bake it for a few minutes to ensure it’s crisp.
Next, chop the pecans into smaller pieces. You can either do this by hand or pulse them briefly in a food processor.
Once chopped, scatter the pecans evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie crust.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until well combined.
Add the melted butter, eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the sugars are fully dissolved and the ingredients are incorporated.
Now, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the mixture. The chocolate will melt slightly as the pie bakes, creating pockets of rich, gooey chocolate.
throughout the pie filling. If you’re using heavy cream, add it to the mixture for a richer, creamier texture.
Pour the filling over the chopped pecans in the pie crust, making sure the pecans are well distributed. Smooth out the top of the pie with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling has set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.
Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Serve the pie on its own, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
How to Make
Making this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is incredibly simple, but the result is a sophisticated.
flavorful treat. The key is to balance the sweetness of the sugars and the richness of the chocolate.
while ensuring the pecans add that perfect crunch. Begin by preparing the pie crust and chopping the pecans, as these are the essential components of the filling’s texture.
Once the crust and pecans are ready, the filling comes together easily. Whisking the sugars, eggs, and other ingredients helps create a smooth base for the chocolate chips.
which will melt into the filling as it bakes. Adding the chocolate chips gives the pie its signature gooey pockets of chocolate that enhance the overall flavor.
The optional heavy cream adds a luxurious richness to the pie, making it extra indulgent. If you prefer a slightly lighter version, you can skip it without compromising the texture of the pie.
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust and bake until set. The result will be a perfectly baked pie with a beautiful, glossy finish and a deliciously warm, fudgy interior.
Tips
For an extra layer of flavor, try toasting the pecans before adding them to the pie. This will bring out their natural oils and deepen their flavor, making the pie even more delightful.
If you prefer a smoother texture for your pie filling, you can use a hand mixer to combine the ingredients instead of whisking by hand. This helps to create a more even consistency.
When measuring the corn syrup, it can be helpful to lightly grease the measuring cup first. This makes it easier for the syrup to slide out without sticking to the sides.
For those who enjoy a hint of saltiness with their sweets, a small sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the baked pie before serving can provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the filling.
If you don’t have semi-sweet chocolate chips, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your personal preference. Both alternatives will still yield a delicious pie.
You can prepare this pie in advance. It keeps well for a couple of days in the refrigerator, so feel free to make it a day or two ahead of time if you’re planning for a gathering or special occasion.
If you’d like to make the pie even more Texan, try adding a splash of bourbon or whiskey to the filling for an added depth of flavor that complements the richness of the chocolate and pecans.
Conclusion
This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is the perfect dessert to end any meal. Its balance of flavors, from the sweetness of the chocolate to the crunch of the pecans.
makes it irresistible to anyone who tries it. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or just treating yourself, this pie is sure to become a beloved recipe in your dessert rotation.
By following the easy instructions and incorporating a few simple tips, you can create a pie that not only tastes amazing but looks stunning as well. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the classic Texas pecan pie with a chocolate twist.