Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe (2024)

This easy Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe combines the sweetness of caramelized dark brown sugar and pecans found in a traditional pecan pie, with the richness of melted bittersweet chocolate chips. A hint of bourbon in the ooey gooey filling and a buttery flaky crust, makes this deliciously decadent dessert a great addition to your holiday table!

The Best Chocolate Pecan Pie

I love a good recipe twist, especially if chocolate is involved. If you enjoy the sweet caramel flavor of a classic pecan pie recipe, you’ll definitely fall in love with this chocolate pecan pie!

The addition of chocolate adds depth of flavor while toning down the overwhelming sweetness of the classic dessert.

The rich, semi-sweet chocolate balances the flavor of the sweet pecan filling which is reminiscent of a soft, indulgently fudgey, molten brownie and hot fudge chocolate pudding. Nutty and toasty pecans add the perfect crunch, and although an optional ingredient, the caramel notes of bourbon will make you feel like a pastry chef made this holiday treat in a restaurant kitchen.

This tasty pecan chocolate pie is made with my easy to make and totally foolproof homemade pie crust recipe, which can be made ahead of time. To top the pie, fluffy whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream are great options.

Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Ingredients

• Pie Shell: This is my absolute favoritehomemade pie crust. I’ve been baking pies with the same homemade pie dough recipe for years! It’s flaky, it’s buttery and perfectly tender. This easy recipe makes one 10-inch double pie crust or two 10-inch single pie crust.
• Pecans: I use coarsely chopped pecans instead of keeping them whole. You can use pecan halves as well. Toasting the nuts intensifies their nutty flavor as it draws their natural oils. This recipe uses very few ingredients so it’s important to use good quality ingredients.
• Chocolate Chips: Choose from bittersweet chocolate chips, semisweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips. You can also use chocolate bars, chopped up into bite size pieces.
• Light Corn Syrup: Which is like a bad word these days! So, why do you need corn syrup? Corn syrup such as Karo syrup has a viscous, sticky and gooey consistency that prevents crystallization and makes the pie filling creamy, luscious and smooth. This is important when you are making a pie so full of nuts. This ingredient is the only sweetener of its kind with a completely neutral taste. Other syrups like maple syrup, honey or agave nectar have a distinct flavor. I have made this pie with golden syrup which changes the taste a bit; however, the results were amazing. You can use dark corn syrup also.
• Brown Sugar: I use dark brown sugar because of its strong molasses taste which adds flavor to the rich chocolate pie filling.
• Butter: I usually bake with unsalted butter but salted butter can be used also.
• Eggs: I use organic large eggs. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature to prevent them from solidifying the melted butter used in the filling.

How To Make Chocolate Pecan Pie?

1. Make the pie crust: I provide the recipe for my favorite homemade pie crust for your convenience.
2. Roll out the pie crust: This recipe makes one (9-inch) pie. In a lightly floured surface, roll dough to to make a circle of about 12-inches. Carefully place the dough on a 9-inch pie plate. With a sharp knife, trim off any excess dough at the edge of the crust. Fold the edge under and crimp.
3. Pre-bake the crust: Blind baking the pie shell prevents the pie from becoming soggy. Place the unbaked pie crust on a baking sheet then, line the pie shell with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated 425 degrees F. When done, lower the oven temperature.
4. Prepare the filling: Whisk the eggs, brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla extract, melted butter, bourbon and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until well blended. Stir in the pecans and chocolate chips and mix to combine.
5. Bake.

Do I Have to Add Bourbon to This Pie Recipe?

No. Bourbon is an optional ingredient; however, if you decide to use bourbon or any other type of spirit, rest assured that the alcohol evaporates while the pie bakes leaving only flavor!

Can I Use Maple Syrup or Honey Instead of Corn Syrup?

It seems like the only time of the year I use corn syrup is during the holidays so I have never worried too much about it. This pie recipe has been tested with light corn syrup. I cannot guarantee the results if you make it with any other type of syrup. That being said, I heard some people had success when using maple syrup with a bit of molasses. If you try using any other syrup, let me know how the pie turned out!

Make Ahead, Storing and Freezing

Making Ahead

This chocolate pecan pie is not only easy to make but, you can make it ahead of time which is very helpful during the holiday season when you have to juggle regular life with all sorts of commitments and holiday gatherings. Let’s break it down for you:

• If you choose to make pie crust from scratch, you can make the pie dough and store it in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the pie dough for 3 months which is incredibly helpful if you like to plan ahead (I wish I was that organized!) Wrap the dough tightly with plastic wrap and place it in a freezer safe resealable bag.
• Mix the filling ingredients without adding the pecans and chocolate chips a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• The entire pie can be baked 2 days in advance and be kept in the refrigerator tightly wrapped. Remove from the fridge 1-2 hours before serving.
• If you make this pie the night before serving time, cool the pie completely on a wire rack and keep it at room temperature until serving time. You can also freeze the baked pie for 3 months. It will keep well as long as it’s stored properly. More information below.

Do You Need to Refrigerate Chocolate Pecan Pie?

According to the USDA, yes you need to refrigerate chocolate pecan pie! They instruct that any pie containing eggs must be refrigerated, except some store bought pies which contain preservatives. I personally only keep this pie at room temperature, in a cool area if I make it the night before I need to serve it.

Leftover pie should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can you Freeze Chocolate Pecan Pie?

Yes, chocolate pecan pie freezes well. Wrap it with a few layers of plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

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