Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is the kind of dessert that fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia, making it a delightful addition to family gatherings or holiday feasts. Imagine the sweet aroma of melting chocolate mingling with the rich scent of roasted pecans as it bakes. This pie combines the classic flavors of pecan pie with a luscious chocolate twist, making it a showstopper at any occasion. Whether it’s a festive celebration or a cozy weekend dinner, this pie is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.
What Makes Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Special
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is not just another dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that evokes the heart of Southern cooking. With every bite, you’ll experience the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and rich chocolate notes. Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:
- A delightful fusion of chocolate and pecans
- Perfect for holidays and family gatherings
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
- A comforting dessert that pairs well with coffee or tea
Gather These Ingredients
To create this indulgent pie, you’ll need to gather a few essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that decadent texture and flavor. Remember, you can always swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch but in this recipe, we keep it purely scrumptious.
- 1 pie crust
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
These ingredients come together to create a dessert that is rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Step by Step to Create Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
Making this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is as easy as pie — literally! Follow these straightforward steps to achieve a pie that’s not only delicious but also beautiful to present.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven warms up, the anticipation of deliciousness begins.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The rich scent of caramelized sugar and butter will fill your kitchen.
- Gently stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips. Feel free to sneak a bite of the chocolate while you’re at it — it’s a must!
- Pour the velvety filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly to ensure each slice is full of flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed. The top should develop a beautiful golden hue, while the chocolate creates a subtle sheen.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool before serving. Once cooled, you’ll witness the filling settle to a fudgy perfection.
Prep ~ 20 minutes, Cook ~ 70 minutes, Total ~ 90 minutes, Servings ~ 8, Kcal ~ 350 (estimate).
Prepare in Advance
One of the beauties of Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is that it can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient choice for busy occasions. You can prepare the filling and pour it into the pie crust, covering it and storing it in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven straight from the fridge and you’re all set. This gives you the flexibility to enjoy more time with your loved ones while still serving a fantastic homemade dessert.
How to Store Leftovers
If you find yourself with any leftover Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie, no need to fear! Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; it can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and gently reheat it in a warm oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes until it’s just warm.
Perfect Pairings
Wondering what to serve alongside your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie? Here are some delightful ideas:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast
- Fresh whipped cream to enhance the dessert’s richness
- A warm cup of coffee to complement the chocolate
- A light, fruity salad to balance the sweetness
- Cinnamon-spiced apples for an extra burst of flavor
Flavor Twists and Substitutions
Feel free to make this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie your own by trying out some of these variations:
- Swap in dark chocolate chips for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Use walnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty taste.
- Add a tablespoon of instant coffee to the filling for a mocha twist.
- Top with a sprinkle of sea salt before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
- Experiment with different pie crusts, like graham cracker or almond flour, for a gluten-free option.
Cook’s Notes and Secrets
Here are a few tips to help you achieve perfect results with your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie:
- Make sure your ingredients are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to let the filling set properly.
- If your edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- A toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean when the pie is done.
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie FAQs
- Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
- Yes, a store-bought pie crust works perfectly fine if you’re short on time. Just follow the directions on the package for pre-baking if necessary.
- How do I know when the pie is done baking?
- The pie is done when the filling is set and slightly puffed up, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Can I make this pie without eggs?
- While eggs are a key ingredient for the filling’s texture, you can substitute with a flaxseed or chia seed mixture if you need to make it eggless.
- Is it better to serve the pie warm or cold?
- Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie can be served either warm or chilled, depending on your preference. Both options are delicious!
- How long does baked pie last in the fridge?
- Baked Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a delightful dish that brings sweetness to any occasion, filled with the warm flavors of chocolate and pecans. It’s a dish that carries with it the memories of family gatherings and comforting evenings spent together. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and make this pie soon for a deliciously rewarding experience!
Print
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Total Time: 90 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful fusion of chocolate and pecans, perfect for family gatherings or holiday feasts.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
- Gently stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool before serving.
Notes
Can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to two days before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: pecan pie, chocolate dessert, Southern dessert, holiday dessert, family gathering
