Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie – A Southern Delight

If you’re looking for the ultimate Southern dessert, look no further than this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie! This rich, gooey pie combines the classic caramelized flavor of traditional pecan pie with the irresistible decadence of melted chocolate. With its crispy, buttery crust and nutty, chocolatey filling, this pie is a showstopper at any gathering—especially during the holidays!

So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s bake a pie that’s guaranteed to impress. 🤩

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Classic with a Twist – It has all the deep, buttery goodness of traditional pecan pie with a chocolatey upgrade!
✔ Easy to Make – Just mix, pour, and bake—no fancy equipment needed.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a Sunday dinner, this pie is always a hit!
✔ Sweet, Crunchy & Gooey – The crunch of pecans, the silky smooth chocolate, and the caramelized filling create an irresistible texture combo.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

For the Filling:

• 1 cup light corn syrup (adds gooey texture)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (sweetens the filling)
• ½ cup packed brown sugar (deepens the caramel flavor)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (rich and buttery goodness)
• 3 large eggs (binds the filling together)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances flavor)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (balances the sweetness)
• 1½ cups pecan halves (adds crunch and nutty flavor)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for that fudgy texture!)

Optional Garnish:

• Whipped cream (adds a light, airy contrast to the rich filling)
• Extra pecans or chocolate shavings (for extra indulgence!)

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure an even bake.

2️⃣ Prepare the Crust

• Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
• Trim and flute the edges for a decorative touch.
• Keep the crust chilled while preparing the filling to maintain its structure.

3️⃣ Make the Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  ✅ Light corn syrup
  ✅ Granulated sugar
  ✅ Brown sugar
  ✅ Melted butter
  ✅ Eggs
  ✅ Vanilla extract
  ✅ Salt
• Mix until smooth and well combined.

4️⃣ Add the Pecans & Chocolate

• Stir in the pecan halves and chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

5️⃣ Assemble the Pie

• Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.

6️⃣ Bake the Pie

• Place the pie dish on a baking sheet (to catch any spills).
• Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set but the center still jiggles slightly.
• Tip: If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie crust shield.

7️⃣ Cool & Serve

• Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing—this helps the filling set properly.
• Garnish with whipped cream, extra pecans, or chocolate shavings for an extra special touch!

🌟 Expert Tips for the Best Chocolate Pecan Pie

✔ Don’t Overbake! – The pie should have a slight jiggle in the center when removed from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
✔ Use High-Quality Chocolate – Semi-sweet chocolate chips work well, but you can also chop a chocolate bar for an even richer texture.
✔ Toast the Pecans – For extra flavor, toast the pecans at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes before adding them to the filling.
✔ Let It Cool Completely – This pie needs time to set! Cool for at least 2 hours before serving for perfect slices.
✔ Make It Ahead – This pie tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.

🍽 What to Serve with Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

This pie is already rich and indulgent, but here are a few ways to take it up a notch:

🍦 A scoop of vanilla ice cream – The cold, creamy ice cream melts into the warm pie… pure heaven!
☕ A cup of coffee or espresso – The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the pie perfectly.
🥃 Bourbon or Whiskey – If you’re feeling fancy, a small pour of bourbon enhances the deep caramel notes in the pie.

🍫 Best Chocolate to Use for Pecan Pie

The type of chocolate you use can make a big difference in the final flavor and texture of your pie! Here are some options:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Classic choice, slightly sweet with deep cocoa notes.
• Dark Chocolate (60-70% cocoa) – Enhances the rich, bittersweet contrast with the pecans.
• Milk Chocolate – Sweeter and creamier but can make the pie extra sweet.
• Chocolate Chunks – For pockets of gooey melted chocolate throughout the pie.
• Mini Chocolate Chips – Distribute more evenly, ensuring every bite has chocolate.

🔥 Pro Tip: Chop a high-quality chocolate bar instead of using chips for a smoother melt!

🥃 How to Add Bourbon for an Extra Southern Kick

Want to make this pie even more decadent? Try adding bourbon! The warm, caramel-like notes of bourbon perfectly complement the chocolate and pecans.

👉 How to Add It:

• Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon into the filling mixture before adding the pecans and chocolate.
• It adds depth of flavor without overpowering the sweetness.

💡 Best Bourbons for Baking: Use a smooth, slightly sweet bourbon like Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, or Buffalo Trace.

🔥 How to Tell When Your Pie is Done Baking

Getting the perfectly set, gooey filling can be tricky! Here’s how to know when your pie is ready:

✔ The edges are set, but the center slightly jiggles when you gently shake the pie.
✔ The internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C) when tested with a food thermometer.
✔ The top looks puffed up and golden brown—it will settle as it cools.

❗ Common Mistake: Don’t overbake! The center will continue to firm up as the pie cools.

🍂 How to Make This Pie for Thanksgiving & Holidays

This pie is a holiday favorite, but here’s how to prep it ahead of time for stress-free entertaining!

🥧 Make It 1-2 Days Ahead:

• Bake the pie up to 2 days before and store it covered in the fridge.
• Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

❄ Freeze for Later:

• Bake and cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• To serve: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

🥄 Serving Ideas for the Holidays:

• Top with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
• Pair with pumpkin pie or apple crisp for a dessert spread!
• Serve with spiced whipped cream (just add cinnamon and nutmeg).

🔄 Variations & Customizations

Want to switch it up? Try these fun twists on the classic recipe!

🥜 Nutty Variations:

• Toast the pecans for a deeper flavor.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or use a mix of nuts.

🍯 Sweetener Swaps:

• Use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for a natural alternative.
• Swap brown sugar for dark brown sugar for extra molasses richness.

🍊 Flavor Enhancements:

• Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm spice kick.
• Mix in orange zest for a citrusy twist.

🥥 Coconut Chocolate Pecan Pie:

• Stir in ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist!

🏆 How This Pie Compares to a Classic Pecan Pie

✨ Verdict: If you love traditional pecan pie but want something more indulgent, the Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a must-try!

🎥 Step-by-Step Video Guide (If Available)

Want to see the process in action? Watch this step-by-step video tutorial to learn how to make the perfect Chocolate Pecan Pie!

📌 Insert Video Link Here

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📝 More Texas-Inspired Desserts You’ll Love

🍑 Southern Peach Cobbler – Juicy peaches with a golden, buttery crust!
🎃 Pumpkin Chess Pie – A spiced pumpkin twist on a classic custard pie.
🍪 Texas Sheet Cake – A rich, fudgy chocolate cake with a glossy icing!
🥜 Salted Caramel Pecan Bars – All the pecan pie flavors in an easy bar form.

🏺 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Room Temperature:

• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator:

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freezer:

• Wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes before serving.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! A homemade buttery pie crust works beautifully and adds even more flavor. Try my flaky pie crust recipe for the best results!

Can I make this pie without corn syrup?

Yes! Substitute the corn syrup with 1 cup of maple syrup or honey for a natural alternative. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, but it will make the pie sweeter. If using milk chocolate, consider reducing the granulated sugar by ¼ cup.

What if my pie filling is too runny?

• Make sure you baked it long enough! The center should jiggle slightly but not be liquid.
• Let it cool completely—this helps it firm up.
• If your eggs weren’t fully incorporated, the filling may not have set properly. Always whisk the filling thoroughly before baking.

🥧 Final Thoughts

If you love classic pecan pie and crave rich chocolate, this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a match made in dessert heaven. It’s buttery, nutty, gooey, and full of chocolatey goodness—a true Southern treat that never disappoints!

💬 Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to share your pie photos on Pinterest & Instagram—I love seeing your creations!

Happy Baking! 🥧🍫✨

🍰 More Decadent Pie Recipes to Try:

• Classic Southern Pecan Pie 🥜
• Bourbon Chocolate Chess Pie 🥃🍫
• Salted Caramel Apple Pie 🍏🍯

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