Get ready to discover the ultimate Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie, a dessert that perfectly balances rich, fudgy chocolate with the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. This recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Southern baking tradition, guaranteed to become a centerpiece on your holiday table or a decadent treat for any occasion. We’ve perfected this recipe to ensure a gooey, never-runny filling and a crisp, buttery crust every single time. Forget searching for other recipes; you’ve found the one.
Why This is the Best Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
This isn’t just any pie; it’s a masterclass in texture and flavor. The filling is a rich, decadent blend of dark chocolate and sweet, buttery caramel notes, all packed into a flaky crust. What truly sets this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie apart is the method that ensures the pecans stay crisp and the filling sets up perfectly. It’s the kind of dessert that has guests begging for the recipe. For another holiday favorite, don’t miss this incredible sweet potato souffle recipe.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Chocolate Pecan Pie
The magic of this pie lies in using high-quality, simple ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the final, delicious masterpiece.
The Chocolate
We use semi-sweet chocolate chips for a deep, rich flavor that isn’t overly sweet. The chocolate melts into the filling, creating a fudgy layer at the bottom that is simply irresistible. You could also use a chopped dark chocolate bar for a more intense flavor.
The Pecans
Whole pecan halves are essential for that classic look and texture. We toast them lightly before adding them to the pie, which enhances their nutty flavor and ensures they stay crisp, even after baking in the gooey filling.
The Filling
A classic combination of light corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, and eggs creates the iconic gooey texture. A splash of vanilla extract and a pinch of salt are non-negotiable for balancing the sweetness and elevating all the other flavors.
How to Make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Step-by-Step
Making this iconic Southern dessert is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for pie perfection.
- Prepare the Crust: Start by pressing your 9-inch pie crust into a pie plate. Crimp the edges for a decorative finish. Place it in the freezer while you prepare the filling. This simple step helps prevent a soggy bottom.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Add Chocolate & Pecans: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the toasted pecan halves. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling into your chilled pie crust. Bake on the center rack of a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 50-60 minutes. To prevent the crust from browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil for the last 20 minutes of baking.
- Cool Completely: The most crucial step! Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 4 hours. This allows the filling to set properly. Slicing it warm will result in a runny mess.
Pro Tips for a Flawless Pie
Want to ensure your pie is absolutely perfect? Here are a few expert tips.
- Toast Your Pecans: Don’t skip this step! Toasting the pecans for 5-7 minutes brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: The pie is done when the center is set but still has a slight jiggle. An instant-read thermometer should register 200°F (93°C).
- Let It Cool: We can’t stress this enough. The pie needs several hours to set. Patience is key to getting that clean, beautiful slice. If you love baked goods, you should also try these Paula Deen pumpkin bars.
Delicious Variations to Try
While the classic recipe is a showstopper, feel free to put your own spin on it.
- Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie: Add two tablespoons of your favorite bourbon to the filling for a warm, complex flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and pecans.
- Spiced Pecan Pie: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a cozy, spiced version perfect for autumn.
- Nut Medley: Swap out half the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty crunch.
Storing and Serving Your Pie
This pie is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled. Once cooled and set, you can store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully! To freeze, wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. For a show-stopping presentation, serve each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. If you’re planning a full dessert spread, these crème brûlée cheesecake cupcakes are another fantastic option.
Frequently Asked Questions about Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
Absolutely! A high-quality refrigerated or frozen store-bought pie crust works wonderfully for this recipe and is a great time-saver. Just be sure to follow the package directions for pre-baking or preparing it, if necessary.
The pie is done when the edges are set and puffed up, and the center has a slight jiggle to it, similar to gelatin. If you gently shake the pan, the center shouldn’t be liquidy. For perfect results, an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read 200°F (93°C).
Yes, because this pie contains eggs in its custard-like filling, it should be refrigerated. After the pie has cooled completely to room temperature, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
We recommend semi-sweet chocolate chips as they provide a rich flavor that balances the sweetness of the corn syrup filling. However, you can also use dark chocolate (60-70% cacao) for a deeper, less sweet flavor, or even milk chocolate if you have a big sweet tooth.
A runny filling is usually caused by one of two things: underbaking or not letting it cool completely. It’s crucial to bake the pie until the center is set (with just a slight jiggle) and to let it cool for at least 4 hours at room temperature to allow the filling to fully set.
The Ultimate Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie (The Ultimate Gooey Recipe)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Press the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges. Place the crust in the freezer while you make the filling.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, light corn syrup, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Whisk in the lightly beaten eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips and toasted pecan halves into the filling until they are evenly incorporated.
- Remove the pie crust from the freezer and pour the filling into it, spreading it evenly.
- Bake on the center rack for 50 to 60 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool completely, for at least 4 hours, before slicing and serving. This step is crucial for the filling to set.
Notes
Storage: Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Serving: Delicious at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Pin This Recipe!
If you loved this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe, please share it! Pin the image below to your favorite dessert board on Pinterest to save it for later. Your shares help us bring more delicious recipes to you!
