Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe – Rich & Delicious Dessert

Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a beloved culinary legend, a true icon of Southern baking that captures the heart of Texas hospitality in every sumptuous slice. Deeply woven into the fabric of regional traditions, especially during holidays and special gatherings, this pie represents comfort, celebration, and unapologetic indulgence. While the classic pecan pie holds a cherished spot in many memories, the inclusion of rich, dark chocolate transforms it into an extraordinary masterpiece.

Imagine a perfectly golden, flaky crust cradling a luscious, gooey filling, bursting with crunchy, toasted pecans and decadent chocolate chips that melt exquisitely with each bite. The symphony of textures—the delightful snap of the pecans against the smooth, sweet filling and the tender chocolate—creates an unforgettable experience. This isn’t just a pie; it’s an experience. People adore Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie for its perfect balance of sweetness, its satisfying depth of flavor, and its undeniable ability to make any occasion feel a little more special. I am so excited to share this recipe with you, ensuring your next dessert creation is a show-stopping success.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Pie Crust (One 9-inch deep-dish pie crust):
  • 1 pre-made, store-bought 9-inch deep-dish pie crust (either frozen and thawed, or refrigerated and ready to unroll), or your favorite homemade pie crust recipe. For the ultimate Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie experience, a sturdy, flaky crust is key.
• For the Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Filling:
  • 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, melted. Using unsalted butter gives us precise control over the saltiness of the final pie.
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar. This contributes to the foundational sweetness of our rich filling.
  • 1 cup (240ml) light corn syrup. This is absolutely essential for that classic gooey, chewy pecan pie texture.
  • 4 large eggs, at room temperature. Room temperature eggs emulsify better with the other ingredients, leading to a smoother, more uniform filling.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Don’t skimp on good quality vanilla; it truly elevates the flavor profile of the Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt. This balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors, making the chocolate and pecan notes pop.
  • 1 cup (about 6 ounces or 170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped semi-sweet chocolate. You can adjust this to your preference – dark chocolate for a less sweet pie, or even milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier profile. I find semi-sweet to be just right for our Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie.
  • 2 cups (about 8 ounces or 225g) pecan halves or large pieces. Toasting them lightly beforehand can add an extra layer of nutty depth, but it’s optional.

Preparing Your Pie Crust

1. Preheat Your Oven: Before we do anything else, let’s get that oven ready. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that when our pie goes in, it starts cooking immediately and evenly, which is crucial for a perfectly baked Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie. Position an oven rack in the lower third of your oven.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust: If you’re using a frozen pie crust, make sure it’s fully thawed but still cold. Gently unroll it (if it’s a roll-out type) and carefully fit it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate, if it’s not already in one. If you’re using a pre-formed crust, simply remove it from its packaging. The goal here is a neat, sturdy foundation for our incredibly decadent Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie.
3. Crimp the Edges: Now, for a touch of elegance and to prevent the crust from shrinking too much, crimp the edges of the pie crust. Use your thumb and forefinger on the outside rim and your index finger on the inside to create beautiful fluted edges. This not only looks fantastic but also helps to contain the rich, gooey filling of our Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie. If you prefer, you can use a fork to press a decorative pattern around the rim.
4. Blind Bake (Optional, but Recommended for a Crisper Crust): To prevent a soggy bottom, which is often a concern with wet fillings like our pecan pie, I highly recommend a brief blind bake. Line the crimped crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights, dried beans, or rice. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are just starting to set and look slightly dry. Carefully remove the weights and foil/parchment. If the bottom seems wet, you can bake for another 3-5 minutes without the weights. This step gives the crust a head start and makes all the difference in achieving that perfectly crisp base for your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie.
5. Cool the Crust: Once blind-baked (or if you skipped that step), set the pie crust aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling. We don’t want to pour hot filling into a hot crust; a slightly cooled crust helps everything set properly.

Crafting the Irresistible Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Filling

6. Melt the Butter: In a medium-sized, microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan over low heat, melt the 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter. We want it completely liquid and smooth. Be careful not to brown it unless you specifically want a nutty, browned butter flavor, which can be lovely but isn’t traditional for this particular Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe. Once melted, set it aside to cool slightly.
7. Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and light corn syrup. Whisk these two together thoroughly until they are completely incorporated and smooth. The corn syrup is the magic ingredient here, providing that signature gooey, almost caramel-like consistency that we all adore in a classic Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie.
8. Incorporate the Eggs: Add the 4 large eggs, one at a time, to the sugar and corn syrup mixture. Whisk vigorously after each addition until the egg is fully integrated. We want a smooth, homogenous mixture, not scrambled eggs! Using room temperature eggs helps prevent a curdled appearance and ensures a beautifully smooth filling. Continue whisking until the mixture is light yellow and slightly frothy, which indicates that you’ve incorporated enough air for a tender filling.
9. Add the Flavorings: Now, pour in the slightly cooled melted butter. Whisk it in until fully combined and the mixture is glossy and smooth. Follow this with the pure vanilla extract and the salt. Give everything another good whisk to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed throughout what will become our amazing Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie filling.
10. Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate) and the pecan halves. I like to spread them out a bit in the bottom of the crust first, and then pour the filling over them, to ensure a good distribution throughout the pie. However, folding them into the batter directly also works perfectly. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans is what truly defines this incredible Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie.
11. Pour into the Crust: Carefully pour the entire luscious filling into your prepared and slightly cooled pie crust. Make sure the pecans and chocolate chips are relatively evenly distributed. Don’t worry if some float to the top; that’s perfectly normal and creates a beautiful topping once baked.

Baking Your Masterpiece: The Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

12. Initial Bake: Place the pie on the lower third rack in your preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. We’ll start with a higher temperature to help set the crust and the outer edges of the filling. Bake for 10-15 minutes at this temperature.
13. Reduce Heat and Continue Baking: After the initial 10-15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking for another 35-45 minutes. The total baking time usually ranges from 45 to 60 minutes, but ovens vary, so keep a close eye on your pie.
14. Monitor for Browning: If you notice the edges of your pie crust browning too quickly, gently cover them with a pie shield or strips of aluminum foil. This prevents over-browning while the center of the pie finishes cooking. We want a golden-brown crust, not a burnt one!
15. Check for Doneness: How do you know when your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is perfectly baked? The edges should be set, and the center should still have a slight wobble, like gelatin. If you insert a knife about 1 inch from the crust, it should come out clean. However, the very center (about a 2-3 inch diameter) should still be slightly jiggly. This indicates a gooey center without being raw. If it’s completely firm, it might be overbaked and less gooey. The pecans on top should look beautifully toasted and fragrant, and the entire kitchen will smell absolutely divine.
16. Cool Completely: This step is arguably the most important for achieving the perfect texture. Once baked, carefully remove the Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for at least 3-4 hours, or even longer, before slicing and serving. As tempting as it is to dig in immediately, the filling needs this time to set up properly. If you slice it too soon, the gooey center will run everywhere, and you won’t get those beautiful, clean slices. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to this glorious Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie.

Serving Your Perfect Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

17. Slice and Serve: Once your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is thoroughly cooled and set, it’s time for the moment you’ve been waiting for! Use a sharp, thin knife, wiping it clean between slices for the cleanest cuts.
18. Optional Accompaniments: This pie is fantastic on its own, but it’s also heavenly served with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence. The rich, sweet, and nutty flavors of the Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie pair beautifully with these creamy additions.
19. Storage: Store any leftover Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you plan to keep it longer, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, it’s best to refrigerate it, where it will last for up to 5 days. Just bring it back to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. For longer storage, slices can be individually wrapped and frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bring them to room temperature or gently warm them in a low oven.

The culinary journey we’ve just embarked on culminates in a dessert that is nothing short of legendary. This isn’t just any sweet treat; it’s a showstopper, a conversation starter, and quite frankly, a masterpiece of flavor and texture. From the moment the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll understand why this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe stands head and shoulders above the rest. It perfectly encapsulates that delightful balance of sweet and savory, rich and comforting, gooey and crunchy. The deep, intense chocolate notes are beautifully complemented by the earthy, buttery crunch of toasted pecans, all nestled in a flaky, tender crust. It’s a dessert that speaks of warmth, generosity, and pure indulgence. When you serve this pie, you’re not just offering a slice of something delicious; you’re offering a slice of pure joy, a moment of blissful decadence that will linger long after the last bite. It’s the kind of dessert that makes ordinary moments extraordinary and special occasions truly unforgettable. Every bite offers a symphony of sensations – the initial slight give of the crust, the soft resistance of the gooey filling, followed by the satisfying crunch of the pecans, all coated in a rich, sweet chocolate embrace.

What truly makes this recipe a must-try is its remarkable ability to impress with minimal fuss. While it presents itself as a sophisticated, gourmet dessert, the steps are straightforward and accessible, even for novice bakers. There’s an undeniable charm in creating something so incredibly delicious and visually stunning from scratch, knowing that the simple ingredients have transformed into something truly magical under your hands. This pie is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience, a memory in the making. It’s the perfect end to a festive holiday meal, a comforting companion on a chilly evening, or simply a delightful treat to share with loved ones during a casual get-together. Its robust flavors stand up beautifully to any occasion, ensuring that it’s always a welcome sight on any dessert table. The gooey interior, studded with generous amounts of both chocolate and pecans, provides a deeply satisfying texture that is utterly unique and incredibly addictive.

Elevating Your Experience: Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

To truly savor the full potential of this magnificent dessert, consider how you serve it. While phenomenal on its own, a warm slice of this pie truly shines when paired with a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream melting into the warm, gooey chocolate and pecan filling creates an unparalleled harmony of temperatures and textures. Alternatively, a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps infused with a hint of bourbon or vanilla, adds a touch of airy elegance that beautifully contrasts with the pie’s richness. For those who enjoy a beverage pairing, a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk makes for a classic and comforting combination. If you’re feeling adventurous, a small pour of a good quality bourbon or a sweet dessert wine can surprisingly enhance the pie’s deep, caramelized notes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with serving temperatures; while warm is often preferred, a chilled slice can offer a firmer, equally delightful experience, showcasing the pie’s dense, fudgy texture.

The beauty of a classic recipe like this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie also lies in its adaptability. While I adore the original, feel free to put your own spin on it! For a different nutty profile, you could swap some of the pecans for toasted walnuts, cashews, or even a mix of your favorite nuts. If you’re a chocolate connoisseur, experiment with different types of chocolate chips – dark chocolate for a more sophisticated, less sweet bite, milk chocolate for extra creaminess, or even white chocolate for a sweeter contrast. A tiny pinch of sea salt sprinkled over the top before baking can magically enhance the chocolate and caramel notes, adding a subtle counterpoint to the sweetness. For an adult twist, a tablespoon of bourbon or dark rum added to the filling can introduce a wonderful depth of flavor. You could also play with the crust, perhaps a shortbread crust for a buttery foundation, or even a spiced crust with a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg. The possibilities are endless, and each variation promises a new delightful discovery.

Now, it’s your turn! I genuinely hope you feel inspired to bring this incredible recipe to life in your own kitchen. There’s immense satisfaction in baking something so utterly delicious, and I promise you, the effort is more than worth the incredible reward. Gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to delight your taste buds and those of your loved ones. Once you’ve experienced the magic of this pie, you’ll understand why I’m so enthusiastic about it. I absolutely cannot wait to hear about your baking adventures. Please don’t hesitate to share your experiences, your photos, and any creative variations you come up with. Tag me, share your stories, and let’s celebrate the joy of baking together. Happy baking, my friends!