Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
If you’re ready to bring a piece of Lone Star tradition into your own kitchen, this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is the one dessert you absolutely cannot miss. Imagine a crisp, chocolatey crust filled with a luscious, glossy filling bursting with crunchy pecans and pockets of melted chocolate—each bite a heavenly balance of creamy, toasty, and rich flavors. Whether you serve it for special holidays or whenever that sweet craving strikes, this irresistible classic is the kind of southern comfort you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something magical about taking a handful of pantry staples and creating a dessert that tastes like pure nostalgia. Every ingredient in this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie adds a special something, from the rich flavor base to the signature gooey texture.
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These make an intensely chocolatey crust that supports every bite; you can use graham crackers and cocoa for a twist.
- Unsalted butter: Melted and mixed into the crust, this gives the pie a lush base and helps everything bind together.
- Large eggs: Essential for holding the filling’s silky, custardy texture.
- Light corn syrup: Provides that classic, glossy, pecan-pie sheen and helps the filling set just right.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the pie achieve a perfect, sliceable consistency.
- Packed brown sugar: Brings a touch of molasses that deepens the flavor profile beautifully.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Enhances the overall richness and gives the filling its familiar chocolate base.
- Chopped pecans: The heart and soul of this pie, delivering toasty, nutty bites throughout.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt into pockets of decadence you’ll crave in every forkful.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the rich flavors and ties the chocolate with the nuts perfectly.
- Salt: Just a pinch wakes up all the sweet, toasty, and chocolatey notes.
- Optional toppings: Whole pecans, chocolate chunks, ganache drizzle—these take the finished pie from homey to show-stopping.
How to Make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s fully heated by the time you’re ready to bake. This helps the pie cook evenly and gives the crust a gentle but crisp finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
Mix the chocolate cookie crumbs (or graham crackers and cocoa if you’re customizing) with melted butter until it resembles damp sand. Press this mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan, making sure to cover the bottom in an even layer. Pop it in the fridge while you move on—the chilling step locks in the crust’s firmness so it won’t fall apart later.
Step 3: Whisk the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until frothy. Add the corn syrup, both sugars, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt, then whisk until completely smooth and glossy. This combination creates that iconic shiny top and velvety bite signature to Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie.
Step 4: Fold in Nuts and Chocolate
Time to turbocharge the filling! Gently stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Each bite will then offer bits of crunch and oozy chocolate, exactly as a perfect Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie should.
Step 5: Assemble the Pie
Take your chilled crust and pour the luscious filling right over it. Sprinkle more pecans on top for irresistible texture and extra visual flair. This is where the pie comes to life even before baking.
Step 6: Bake
Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges will set, and the center will still have a slight wiggle. That’s how you know you’ll get the perfect gooey, but sliceable filling. Let the pie cool completely on a rack—patience pays off with the best texture!
Step 7: Top and Chill
If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle with ganache or melted chocolate and decorate with whole pecans or chocolate chunks. Chill until fully set. This step not only makes the Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie gorgeous, but it guarantees clean, Instagram-worthy slices.
How to Serve Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
Garnishes
Garnishing this pie is half the fun and lets you show off those Southern dessert skills. Top with glossy ganache, scatter extra pecan halves for rustic charm, or shower with chocolate shavings for pure decadence. A dollop of whipped cream, or even a little sea salt, can elevate each bite even further.
Side Dishes
This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie loves a partner. Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream for classic contrast, or coffee ice cream to highlight the deep cocoa notes. Bright berries or a simple fruit compote offer a fresh and colorful side that balances the dessert’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn pie into a party? Cut it into bars for a finger-friendly dessert tray, serve it sundae-style layered with ice cream and pecan praline, or offer tiny squares nestled in cupcake papers for a potluck. However you slice it, Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is always a crowd pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. They’ll stay delicious at room temperature for up to 2 days, or a day or two longer if kept in the fridge. The flavors continue to meld and intensify as they rest!
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie! Cool it completely, wrap it well in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—your future self will thank you.
Reheating
To serve warm, reheat slices gently in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave. This step revives that gooey, fresh-from-the-oven magic, especially when paired with ice cream.
FAQs
Can I make this pie gluten free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free chocolate cookies or graham crackers for the crust. Double-check all your ingredients to make sure they’re free from gluten, and you’ll have a Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie everyone can enjoy.
Do I have to use light corn syrup?
Light corn syrup is classic for that shiny finish and chewy texture, but you can substitute with golden syrup or even maple syrup for a slightly different flavor. Results may vary, but your filling will still be delicious.
Should the pie jiggle in the center when baked?
Yes! The Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is ready when the edges are set but the middle still has a slight wobble. It will firm up completely as it cools, creating that dreamy, sliceable texture.
Can I use whole pecans instead of chopped?
Whole pecans make a gorgeous top, but chopped pecans within the filling give more crunch in every bite. For the best of both worlds, use chopped pecans inside and arrange whole ones on top.
How do I get clean slices?
Let the pie cool thoroughly and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts. Slow and steady slicing will give you beautiful, bakery-worthy pieces.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience your first bite of this unforgettable Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie. With its twisty chocolate crust, generous pecans, and gooey chocolate center, it’s the kind of pie you’ll come back to again and again. Gather your friends, pour a cup of coffee, and let every slice spark a new memory around your table!
Print
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 9×9-inch pie 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie. This delightful dessert combines the sweetness of corn syrup and sugars with the crunch of pecans and a hint of cocoa, all nestled in a chocolate cookie crust.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (or graham crackers + 2 tbsp cocoa)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings:
- Whole pecans
- Chocolate chunks
- Ganache drizzle
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Crust: Mix cookie crumbs and melted butter. Press into a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan and chill.
- Make Filling: Whisk eggs in a large bowl. Add corn syrup, sugars, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Add Pecans and Chocolate: Fold in pecans and chocolate chips.
- Fill Crust: Pour the filling over the crust. Sprinkle additional pecans on top.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until set. Let cool.
- Add Toppings: Top with ganache or melted chocolate, whole pecans, and chocolate chunks. Chill before slicing.
Notes
- You can customize the toppings with whipped cream or ice cream for serving.
- This pie is best served chilled for a refreshing treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of pie)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie, Pecan Pie Recipe, Chocolate Pecan Pie
