Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie: Best Easy Recipe

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There’s something undeniably magical about a Texas chocolate pecan pie that brings families together around the dinner table. This deep-dish chocolate pecan pie combines the rich, buttery crunch of toasted pecans with velvety chocolate in a gooey, indulgent filling that’s become a Southern tradition. Whether you’re planning your holiday dessert menu or simply craving a slice of comfort, this chocolate pecan pie recipe delivers every single time.

This gooey chocolate pecan dessert takes the classic Southern pecan pie with chocolate to new heights. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special celebration, this holiday pie with pecans and cocoa features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a luxurious mixture that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and rich. Even better, you can add a splash of bourbon chocolate pecan pie flavor for an extra layer of sophistication that’ll have your guests asking for seconds.

Recipe Information

Difficulty: Medium
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Servings: 8-10 slices
Estimated Cost: Medium

Ingredients for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

For the Pie Crust:

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
• ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Chocolate Pecan Filling:

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (optional, or substitute with 1 teaspoon vanilla)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups pecan halves (about 8 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Equipment and Utensils Required

• 9-inch deep-dish pie pan
• Food processor or pastry cutter
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper
• Pie weights or dried beans
• Cooling rack
• Aluminum foil

Recipe Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Perfect Pie Crust

Step 1: Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor. Pulse 2-3 times to mix the dry ingredients thoroughly. This creates the foundation for your flaky crust that will hold up beautifully against the gooey chocolate pecan filling.

Step 2: Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and pulse 8-10 times until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. These butter pieces are crucial for creating those desirable flaky layers in your crust.

Step 3: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition. Stop when the dough just begins to come together. You should be able to pinch it and have it hold its shape without being wet or sticky.

Step 4: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a disk. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to roll out.

Step 5: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle, about ⅛-inch thick. Carefully transfer it to your 9-inch deep-dish pie pan, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving about a 1-inch overhang.

Step 6: Fold the overhang under itself and crimp the edges using your fingers or a fork to create a decorative border. Prick the bottom of the crust several times with a fork to prevent bubbling during baking.

Step 7: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Refrigerate for 15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 8: Blind bake the crust for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the parchment paper and weights. Continue baking for another 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool while you prepare the filling. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).

Creating the Rich Chocolate Pecan Filling

Step 9: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, sugar, and melted butter until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be glossy and uniform in color.

Step 10: Add the beaten eggs slowly, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking. This gradual incorporation ensures a smooth, silky filling without any lumps.

Step 11: Stir in the vanilla extract, bourbon (if using), salt, and cocoa powder. Mix until the cocoa is fully dissolved and the filling has a beautiful chocolate color throughout.

Step 12: Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few tablespoons to sprinkle on top later. The chocolate chips will melt partially during baking, creating pockets of pure chocolate bliss throughout the pie.

Step 13: Arrange 1½ cups of pecan halves in an even layer on the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust. This creates a beautiful pecan base that will rise to create that signature layered look.

Step 14: Carefully pour the chocolate filling over the pecans, making sure it distributes evenly. Use a spoon to gently press down any pecans that are floating to ensure they’re coated with the filling.

Step 15: Arrange the remaining ½ cup of pecan halves decoratively on top of the filling in a circular pattern. Sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips over the surface for extra chocolate appeal.

Step 16: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The filling will continue to set as it cools.

Step 17: If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil or use a pie crust shield during the last 20 minutes of baking.

Step 18: Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling time is essential for the filling to set properly and achieve that perfect gooey-yet-sliceable consistency.

Chef’s Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Chocolate Pecan Pie

Expert Baking Tips

Toast Your Pecans: For an even richer, nuttier flavor, toast your pecans in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes before adding them to the pie. This brings out their natural oils and intensifies their flavor, making your Southern pecan pie with chocolate even more spectacular.

Temperature Matters: Always use room temperature eggs for the smoothest filling. Cold eggs can cause the melted butter to solidify, creating lumps in your mixture that are difficult to smooth out.

Don’t Overbake: The key to a gooey chocolate pecan dessert is pulling it from the oven when the center still jiggles slightly. It will continue cooking from residual heat and set perfectly as it cools.

Prevent a Soggy Bottom: Blind baking the crust is crucial for this recipe. It creates a barrier between the wet filling and the pastry, ensuring a crisp, flaky base that won’t become soggy.

Delicious Variations

Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie: Add 3 tablespoons of quality bourbon to the filling for a sophisticated twist that’s perfect for adult gatherings. The bourbon adds depth and complexity without overwhelming the chocolate flavor.

Dark Chocolate Version: Substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate (70% cocoa) for a less sweet, more intense chocolate experience that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the pecans.

Salted Caramel Drizzle: After the pie has cooled, drizzle with homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce for an extra layer of decadence.

Espresso Enhancement: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the filling to amplify the chocolate flavor without making the pie taste like coffee.

Mixed Nuts: Replace half the pecans with walnuts or macadamia nuts for a different texture and flavor profile.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

Room Temperature Storage: Cover the cooled pie loosely with aluminum foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. The filling will remain gooey and delicious.

Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature or warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Instructions: This chocolate pecan pie recipe freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the pie crust up to 3 days in advance. Keep it wrapped in the refrigerator, or freeze it for up to 1 month. The assembled, unbaked pie can also be frozen and baked directly from frozen—just add 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

This deep-dish chocolate pecan pie is heavenly on its own, but here are some serving ideas that take it to the next level:

Classic Pairing: Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melting into the warm, gooey pie is pure bliss.

Whipped Cream Topping: Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream, optionally flavored with a touch of bourbon or vanilla extract.

Coffee Companion: This pie pairs exceptionally well with a strong cup of black coffee or espresso, which cuts through the richness beautifully.

Holiday Table: This holiday pie with pecans and cocoa is perfect alongside other Thanksgiving and Christmas desserts. Check out my Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey for the perfect main course, or try my Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls as a delicious side dish.

Complete the Meal: Round out your holiday spread with my Glazed Carrots and Turkey Cranberry Sliders for leftovers the next day.

Nutrition Information (Per Slice)

• Calories: 520
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 56g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 38g
• Protein: 6g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and based on 10 servings.

The History and Heritage of Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

The Texas chocolate pecan pie is a beautiful marriage of two Southern traditions: the classic pecan pie and rich chocolate desserts. Pecans are native to North America and have been a staple in Southern cooking for centuries, particularly in Texas where pecan trees grow abundantly. The addition of chocolate to the traditional pecan pie is a relatively modern innovation, but it has quickly become a beloved variation that appears on holiday tables throughout the South.

Texas is the second-largest pecan-producing state in the US, and Texans take their pecan pie seriously. This chocolate variation adds decadence to an already beloved dessert, creating something that’s become synonymous with celebration and comfort. The gooey texture, reminiscent of the best Southern pecan pies, combined with rich chocolate creates an unforgettable dessert experience.

Why This Recipe Works

This Texas chocolate pecan pie recipe succeeds because it balances several key elements perfectly. The corn syrup creates that signature gooey texture while preventing crystallization. The combination of melted chocolate chips and cocoa powder provides both texture and intense chocolate flavor throughout every bite. The pecans add crunch and a buttery, nutty flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.

The blind-baked crust ensures you never have to deal with a soggy bottom, while the lower temperature baking allows the filling to set slowly and evenly without overcooking. The result is a pie with a crisp crust, a set-but-gooey filling, and a beautiful presentation that looks as impressive as it tastes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cracked Filling: This usually happens from overbaking. Remember, the center should still jiggle slightly when you remove it from the oven. Also, avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking, as temperature fluctuations can cause cracking.

Runny Filling: If your pie hasn’t set after cooling completely, it was likely underbaked. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate—use an oven thermometer to verify. The pie needs the full baking time for the eggs to set the filling properly.

Tough Crust: This results from overworking the dough or using warm butter. Keep everything cold, handle the dough as little as possible, and don’t skip the chilling time.

Burnt Edges: Protect your crust edges with a pie shield or aluminum foil ring during the last 20 minutes of baking if you notice they’re browning too quickly.

Elevate Your Baking Skills

Making this Texas chocolate pecan pie is more than just following a recipe—it’s about mastering techniques that will serve you well in all your baking endeavors. Learning to make a proper pie crust from scratch, understanding when a custard-based filling is properly set, and achieving that perfect balance of textures are skills that will make you a confident baker.

Don’t be intimidated by the multiple steps. Each one builds on the last, and once you’ve made this pie once or twice, you’ll find the process becomes intuitive. The reward—that first slice of perfectly gooey, chocolatey, pecan-studded pie—is absolutely worth every minute of effort.

For more delicious dessert inspiration, check out my Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow for a quick sweet treat, or explore more of my recipes on Pinterest where I share cooking tips and beautiful food photography.

Conclusion

This best Texas chocolate pecan pie recipe is everything a holiday pie should be: impressive, delicious, and surprisingly achievable for home bakers. The combination of crunchy pecans, rich chocolate, and that signature gooey filling creates a dessert that’s become a tradition in many Southern homes—and soon it can be a tradition in yours too.

Whether you’re making this chocolate pecan pie recipe for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because you’re craving something special, it’s guaranteed to become a requested favorite. The beautiful presentation, incredible flavor, and that perfect texture make every slice a celebration.

Have you tried this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below with your results, any variations you tried, or questions you might have. Don’t forget to share photos of your beautiful pie on social media and tag me—I absolutely love seeing your baking creations!

If you’re looking for more comforting recipes to warm your soul, try my Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup, Mexican Noodle Soup, or Thai Chicken Soup for cozy meal options that pair perfectly with a slice of this decadent pie for dessert.

Pin this recipe on Pinterest so you’ll have it ready for your next celebration!

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