Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of chocolate pecan pie, where the rich, velvety chocolate mingles with the crunch of toasted pecans, all nestled in a buttery crust. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses and making your mouth water in anticipation. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a Tuesday that needs some jazzing up, this pie is the ultimate treat that brings everyone together around the dessert table.
I remember the first time I made this chocolate pecan pie for my family; they practically devoured it before I could even grab a slice for myself. It was a classic “family fight” over who got the last piece, complete with exaggerated sighs and puppy-dog eyes. This pie is perfect for any occasion where you want to impress your friends or just indulge in something sweet—and trust me, it won’t disappoint!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chocolate pecan pie is easy to prepare, even for novice bakers
- With its decadent flavor profile, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering
- The beautiful blend of chocolate and pecans creates an eye-catching dessert that tastes as good as it looks
- Its versatility allows you to serve it warm with ice cream or cold straight from the fridge
Sharing my chocolate pecan pie recipe with friends always leads to laughter and happy taste buds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pecan Nuts: Freshly toasted pecans provide that perfect crunch and nutty flavor; don’t skimp on quality.
Dark Chocolate Chips: Use high-quality dark chocolate for a rich, deep flavor that pairs wonderfully with the nuts.
Granulated Sugar: Regular white sugar balances out the richness of the chocolate and creates a sweet filling.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor—delicious!
Unsalted Butter: Always use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it enhances the overall flavor beautifully.
Eggs: Large eggs bind everything together, creating a luscious texture in every bite.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates flavors and adds an aromatic sweetness to the filling.
Pie Crust: You can use store-bought or homemade; just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold all that deliciousness!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, unroll it carefully into your pie dish; if homemade, roll it out evenly.
Melt Chocolate and Butter Together: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or microwave), melt butter and dark chocolate until smooth. Stir occasionally until combined and glossy.
Mix Sugars and Eggs Together: In another bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until lightened in color and slightly frothy.
Combine Mixtures for Filling: Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to prevent scrambling those lovely eggs.
Add Pecans for Crunchy Goodness: Gently fold in toasted pecans into your luscious chocolate filling until they are evenly distributed throughout.
Bake Until Perfectly Set: Pour your filling into the prepared crust and bake in your preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly but set around the edges. Let cool before slicing!
Now that you’ve created this masterpiece of a chocolate pecan pie, prepare yourself for some serious compliments! Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent experience. Your friends will think you’re a pastry chef—just don’t let them know how easy it was!
You Must Know
- Chocolate pecan pie is not just a dessert; it’s an experience
- The rich chocolate mingles with crunchy pecans, creating a symphony of flavors that will dance on your palate and leave you craving more
- Don’t be surprised if it disappears faster than you can say “slice of heaven.”
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the crust while the oven warms up, then bake it for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This sequence ensures a perfectly baked crust and gooey filling.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding a splash of bourbon or vanilla extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. You can also swap half of the chocolate with caramel for a delightful twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chocolate pecan pie in the fridge, covered for up to four days. To reheat, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or enjoy cold—it’s delicious either way!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect chocolate pecan pie, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
- This helps create a smoother filling
- Always toast your pecans beforehand to enhance their flavor and crunchiness
- Lastly, let the pie cool completely before slicing to avoid a gooey mess!
Sharing my first experience making chocolate pecan pie still brings a smile to my face. I nervously served it at my family gathering, and everyone went back for seconds—success!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pie crust for chocolate pecan pie?
Absolutely! A store-bought crust saves time without sacrificing taste.
What’s the best way to crush pecans?
Use a food processor or place them in a zip-lock bag and crush with a rolling pin.
How do I know when my chocolate pecan pie is done?
The filling should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven.
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Chocolate Pecan Pie is a decadent dessert that perfectly combines rich chocolate and crunchy pecans in a buttery crust. This pie is not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying, making it the ideal centerpiece for any gathering. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled straight from the fridge, this treat is sure to impress and delight. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to create this classic dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pecan nuts (toasted)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (high-quality)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your pie crust in a pie dish.
- Melt the butter and dark chocolate together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and frothy.
- Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously.
- Fold in the toasted pecans until evenly distributed.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust and bake for 50-60 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (80g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
