Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a bold and decadent twist on a Southern classic. This rich, gooey dessert takes the traditional pecan pie up a notch with the indulgent addition of semi-sweet or dark chocolate. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth filling, crunchy pecan top, and buttery crust that tastes like something straight from a Texas holiday table.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you’re craving a show-stopping dessert, this pie is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a true Southern finish.
Ingredients:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups chopped pecans (or halved if preferred)
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or chunks)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the oven rack in the lower third of the oven to prevent overbrowning.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt until fully combined and smooth.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate and Pecans
- Stir in chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Mix until well coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate. Pour the filling mixture into the crust and gently smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted halfway between the center and edge should come out mostly clean.
- If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
Step 6: Cool
- Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for 2–3 hours. This helps the filling firm up before slicing.
Variation:
- Bourbon twist: Add 1–2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for a boozy depth of flavor.
- Nut mix: Substitute some pecans with walnuts or almonds for variety.
- Salted top: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top after baking for a sweet-salty touch.
- Mini pies: Use a muffin tin and pie crust circles to create individual mini versions.
COOKING Note:
To prevent a runny center, make sure to bake the pie until the filling puffs slightly and jiggles only in the center. It will continue to set as it cools.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic combo: Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream.
- Coffee pairing: Enjoy with strong black coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness.
- Holiday dessert table: Perfect next to pumpkin pie or apple crisp.
- Gift idea: Bake in a disposable tin, wrap with ribbon, and gift to neighbors or friends.
Tips:
- Toast pecans beforehand for an even richer, nuttier flavor.
- Use quality chocolate chips or chop a dark chocolate bar for more texture.
- Cool completely before slicing for clean, neat pieces.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
- Cooling Time: 2–3 hours
- Total Time: ~3 hours 15 minutes
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per slice, 1 of 8):
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: ~5g
- Carbohydrates: ~52g
- Fat: ~28g
- Sodium: ~160mg
- Sugar: ~38g
- Fiber: ~2g
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients.
❓FAQs
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
- Yes! This pie can be made a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
Can I freeze it?
- Yes—wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I use a graham cracker crust?
- You can, but the filling may sink more. A traditional pastry crust is sturdier and preferred.
Why is my pie runny in the center?
- It may have been underbaked. Be sure the center only jiggles slightly and let it cool fully before slicing.
Is dark chocolate okay?
- Yes! Dark chocolate chips or chopped bars add richness and balance the sweetness.
Conclusion:
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is the perfect marriage of Southern charm and indulgent chocolatey goodness. With every bite of buttery crust, crunchy pecans, and silky chocolate filling, it’s easy to see why this version of pecan pie is a Lone Star State favorite.
Whether served during the holidays or for a weekend treat, this rich pie is sure to bring people back for seconds (and thirds!).