Some days just call for a dessert that feels like a big, warm hug. This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is that dessert for me. Grandma Viola always said this was her "cure for a gray day" pie, and she was right. It's an ooey-gooey, over-the-top, blissfully rich treat that's all about pure comfort.
When I first made this texas chocolate pecan pie recipe with chocolate chips that melt into the filling for a rich, gooey twist to a holiday favorite, I knew it would become a staple in our house. I learned the basics from Grandma Viola, who made traditional pecan pie every year. A few years ago, I decided to add chocolate, and now this southern living texas chocolate pecan pie version is the one everyone requests.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Ingredients for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- How to Make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- My Top Tips for This Recipe
- Making Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with My Family
- Substitutions for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Variations on Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Equipment for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Storage Tips for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Adam's Tip for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- FAQ about Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Easy to make: You don't need advanced baking skills. Just mix the ingredients, pour them into a crust, and bake. This is one of those easy pie recipes that anyone can master.
- Rich and satisfying: The gooey fudge center combined with the crunchy pecan layer gives you two textures in every bite. It's a rich dessert pairing that chocolate lovers dream about.
- Perfect for any occasion: This Texas chocolate pecan pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion, from fall dessert recipes chocolate gatherings to regular weeknight dinners when you need comfort food.
Ingredients for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
This southern chocolate pecan pie recipe uses straightforward ingredients you probably already have. The chocolate mixture and chopped pecans work together to create a filling that's both rich and balanced. I usually use semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can also use bakers chocolate or ghirardelli chocolate depending on what you have available.
What You'll Need
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
For the Chocolate Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Chocolate chips and butter: These create the melted chocolate filling that makes this pie different from traditional pecan pie. It's what transforms this into a true chocolate fudge pecan pie recipe.
- Brown sugar and corn syrup: The corn syrup binder holds everything together and gives the pie its signature texture that makes it one of the best pies recipes.
- Pecans: The chocolate chips and pecans work together to give you both richness and crunch in every slice of this scratch dessert.
How to Make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and place your unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Melt the butter and chocolate chips together in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Whisk brown sugar, eggs, and salt in large bowl to blend. This is the base of your rich and decadent texas chocolate pecan pie.
- Add the corn syrup and vanilla extract to the egg mixture and stir well.
- Stir in melted chocolate mixture and chopped pecans, making sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Pour the filling into your prepared pie crust.
- Bake until set for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the filling has a slight jiggle in the center.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling firm up properly.
Hint: Use crust edge protection by covering the edges with aluminum foil or a pie shield halfway through baking. This prevents the crust from getting too dark while the filling finishes cooking.
My Top Tips for This Recipe
Let the pie cool completely before you cut into it. I know it's hard to wait, but cooling for at least two hours makes a real difference. The filling sets properly, and you'll get clean slices instead of a runny mess. If you're making this chocolate fudge pecan pie recipe ahead of time, you can even chill it in the fridge overnight. Just like with our best German chocolate cake recipe, which is one of our famous chocolate desserts, proper cooling time helps everything set up right.
Making Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with My Family
Last week, Adam was helping me make this texas pecan chocolate pie. He watched me pour the chocolate into the bowl and asked, "Is this going to be like brownies?" I explained that it's similar but with pecans and a pie crust. He thought about it for a minute and said, "So it's like a brownie pie?"
When we finally tried a slice after dinner, Adam took one bite and announced, "This is better than regular pecan pie." Grandma Viola was sitting at the table with us and nodded. "The chocolate was a good idea," she said. "But don't forget where you learned to make the base recipe." I won't, Grandma. This has become one of our favorite pecan pie treats.
Substitutions for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a less sweet version, or try ghirardelli chocolate for higher quality in your bellyfull chocolate pecan pie.
- Pecans: Walnuts work if you don't have pecans. The chocolate nuts combination is what matters most.
- Corn syrup: You can use maple syrup or honey, though the texture might change slightly.
- Pie crust: Use a store-bought crust to save time, or make your own if you prefer homemade for this Texas-style pecan pie.
Variations on Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Bourbon version: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling for an adult twist on this southern living chocolate fudge pecan pie. Check out this bourbon pecan pie recipe for more ideas.
- Extra chocolate: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the filling for an even richer chocolate fudge pecan pie version.
- Salted caramel: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over slices before serving for extra flavor in this easy wow dessert.
Equipment for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- 9-inch pie dish: Glass or ceramic works best because it bakes evenly and you can see when the bottom crust is done. Essential for any pecan pie easy approach.
- Medium saucepan: You'll need this to melt the chocolate and butter together without burning them.
- Whisk and large mixing bowl: These help you blend the eggs and sugar without lumps.
- Pie crust shield or foil: Protects the crust edges from over-browning during the long baking time.
Storage Tips for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Room temperature: Cover loosely and store for up to 2 days on the counter.
- Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The pie firms up more when chilled.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
This is one of those make ahead desserts that actually gets better after a day. The flavors develop more, and the texture becomes even better. If you're planning a holiday meal, bake this holiday dessert classic the day before and store it in the fridge. It's as reliable as our mini blueberry muffins when it comes to preparing things ahead. It's also perfect for Texas food lovers who want authentic southern desserts.
Adam's Tip for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
"Mom says you have to wait for it to cool all the way, but I think it's better when it's still a little warm and the chocolate is melty. Just don't tell her I said that."
FAQ about Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
What is a chocolate pecan pie?
Chocolate pecan pie is a twist on the classic pie that includes chocolate (usually chocolate chips or baking chocolate) in the filling. The chocolate melts during baking and creates a richer, fudgier version of traditional pecan pie. It's basically the ultimate pecan pie for chocolate lovers and has become one of the most popular chocolate pecan pie recipe variations. Some people also call it a chocolate pecan chess pie, though that's technically a slightly different style.
What is Dolly Parton's favorite pie?
Dolly Parton has said her favorite pie is classic southern pecan pie. While she prefers the traditional version, this chocolate variation follows the same southern baking traditions with an added chocolate element that many people love. It's one of those praline pecan pie or butter pecan pie recipe variations that honors the original while adding something new.
How to tell if chocolate pecan pie is done?
Your pie is done when the edges are firm and the center still jiggles slightly when you gently shake the pan. The filling continues to set as it cools. If you overbake it, the filling can become dry instead of maintaining that gooey texture you want. This is true for any pecan pie recipe chocolate variation.
What are the ingredients for a pecan pie?
Traditional pecan pie includes eggs, sugar (usually brown sugar), corn syrup, butter, vanilla, salt, and pecans. For a Texas-style pecan pie with chocolate, you add melted chocolate chips or baking chocolate to the base recipe, which creates a richer, more decadent version. Indulge in the ultimate dessert with this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie that combines all these ingredients perfectly.
Conclusion
I hope every bite of this rich and decadent Texas chocolate pecan pie feels like the comforting hug you deserve! This holiday dessert classic works for any occasion where you want to serve something special. The combination of chocolate and pecans creates something people always enjoy, and it's easy enough to make regularly but impressive enough for special dinners.
Serve it just a little warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and let it melt your worries away. If you're looking for more crowd-pleasers, check out our fruit pizza sugar cookie recipe or Grandma's secret one-hour sourdough discard rolls. Let me know how your pie turns out! Enjoy.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie:
recipe
Easy Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
Equipment
- 1 9-inch pie dish
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Large mixing bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Pie crust shield (or aluminum foil) This is our secret weapon to stop the edges from burning!
Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust Store-bought is perfectly fine, sweetie! It's our little shortcut
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- First things first, my little kitchen helper! Let's get our oven warm and cozy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place your [1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust] into a 9-inch pie dish. This is where you always do such a great job crimping the edges to make them look pretty!
- In a small saucepan, we'll melt the [½ cup unsalted butter] and [1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips] together over very low heat. This part is best for a grown-up, but you're the best stirrer! Keep stirring gently until it's all smooth and glossy, then we'll set it aside to cool down a bit
- In our big mixing bowl, let's whisk together the [1 cup packed brown sugar], [3 large eggs], and [¼ teaspoon salt]. We whisk just until it's all blended. Remember how we sing our "whisking song" so the eggs don't get bored?
- Now, let's stir in the [¾ cup light corn syrup] and [1 teaspoon vanilla extract]. This is the sticky, sweet part that gives the pie that classic, gooey texture Grandma Viola always talked about.
- Okay, here comes the magic! Gently stir in that cooled, melted chocolate mixture we made, along with all the [1 ½ cups chopped pecans]. Make sure every little pecan gets coated in that yummy chocolate
- Now, let's pour the entire filling right into our prepared pie crust. It's going to look so rich and delicious already!
- Time for the oven! We'll bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a tiny, slight jiggle when you gently shake it
- This is always the hardest part, isn't it, my official taste-tester? We have to let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This lets the filling set up properly so we get those perfect, clean slices. It's worth the wait, I promise!
Notes
- Crust Protection: If you see the pie crust edges getting too dark (especially in the last 20 minutes), gently cover just the edges with a pie shield or some strips of aluminum foil.
- How We Serve It: This pie is absolutely heavenly when served just a little warm (you can pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds) with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Storage: We keep leftovers covered loosely on the counter for up to 2 days, or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. (Though it never lasts that long in our house!)
- Fun Variations: For a grown-up version (not for my helper!), you could add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the filling. For an even richer chocolate flavor, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder when you whisk the eggs and sugar.
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