If you are looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines rich, nutty flavors with a luscious chocolate twist, this Decadent Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It perfectly balances the crunchy pecan halves and gooey chocolate chips within a buttery crust that melts in your mouth. Every bite delivers a symphony of textures and tastes that feel indulgent yet comforting, making it a perfect centerpiece for any gathering or a special treat just for yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are surprisingly simple but each one plays an essential role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and color of this pie. From the flaky crust to the rich filling, every element has its place.
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base of the crust, essential for holding the delicious filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Brings out the flavors in both the crust and filling, enhancing every bite.
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cold and cubed): Ensures a flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crust; keep it cold for best texture.
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust without overpowering the filling.
- 3-4 tablespoons Ice Water: Helps bind the dough together while keeping it tender and flaky.
- 1 cup Light Corn Syrup: Creates that signature chewy texture and sweetness in the filling; you can try maple syrup for a subtle twist.
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar: Adds depth and warmth, balancing the richness of the chocolate.
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Gives the pie its beloved chocolate flavor while keeping the sweetness balanced.
- 3 large Eggs: Bind the filling ingredients and lend a creamy richness.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla adds aromatic complexity that elevates the entire pie.
- 1 cup Pecan Halves: Classic Southern nuts contributing crunch and buttery flavor.
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melts into pockets of luscious chocolate throughout the pie; dark chips work great for a bolder profile.
How to Make Decadent Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by combining the flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork it, as you want a tender crust. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to make rolling easier and improve the texture.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Pecan Filling
While the dough chills, mix the corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until smooth and fully combined. The cocoa powder adds a beautiful depth of chocolate flavor that you don’t want to skip. Stir in the pecan halves and chocolate chips evenly so every slice gets a generous crunch and gooey chocolate pockets.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Transfer it carefully, pressing gently to fit and trimming any excess dough. Pour the prepared filling into the crust, smoothing the top to ensure even baking. This step is all about creating a perfect balance between crust and filling.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for about 60 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. You want that gooey texture that makes this pie irresistible. To avoid overbaked edges, you can tent the crust with foil halfway through baking.
Step 5: Cool and Rest
Once out of the oven, let your pie cool completely on a wire rack. This resting time is key because it helps the filling thicken and the flavors to develop fully, making every bite a delightful experience.
How to Serve Decadent Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream complements the warm, chocolaty goodness perfectly. If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkle some toasted pecan halves or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. These touches make the pie look as fantastic as it tastes.
Side Dishes
While this pie is a full dessert star on its own, it pairs wonderfully with fresh seasonal fruit or a light citrus salad to balance the richness. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of tawny port can also elevate your serving experience to a new level of indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve slices on a rustic wooden board with a few extra pecans and chocolate chunks scattered around. You can also cut mini pie bites using a muffin tin for bite-sized delights at parties. Presentation can turn this classic recipe into an unforgettable centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Decadent Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay delicious for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy that chocolate-pecan magic well beyond the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to save the pie for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months and makes for a convenient, ready-made treat whenever a chocolate craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, gently reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can change the texture. Reheating this way ensures the pie’s gooey filling and crunchy pecans remain just how you love them.
FAQs
Can I make this Decadent Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend. The texture might vary slightly, but the rich flavors will remain just as delightful.
Is it possible to use different nuts in this pie?
Yes, you can swap pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts depending on your preference. Each nut brings a unique flavor and texture, making the pie your own special twist on the classic.
Can I prepare the crust in advance?
Definitely. You can make the pie crust dough a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just let it come to a cool room temperature before rolling it out to ensure ease of handling.
How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?
To avoid browned or burnt crust edges, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield halfway through baking. This simple trick keeps the crust perfectly golden without sacrificing doneness.
What’s the best way to store leftover pie?
Refrigerate leftover pie tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container. This keeps the pie fresh and prevents it from absorbing any fridge odors for up to 4 days.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough that you give this Decadent Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe a try—you’re going to fall head over heels for it. Its rich flavors, perfect balance of textures, and that beautiful chocolate twist make it a treasured dessert. Once you make it, expect to hear requests for this pie at every family gathering and holiday celebration. Get ready to enjoy every glorious bite!
Print
Decadent Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (8 slices)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Decadent Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie combines the rich flavors of chocolate and pecans in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for holiday celebrations or any special occasion, this pie features a luscious filling made from corn syrup, brown sugar, and cocoa powder, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and nutty texture everyone will love.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Use a gluten-free blend if needed.)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Enhances the flavor of the crust.)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cold and cubed) (Keep it cold for best results.)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar (Sugar alternatives can be used.)
- 3–4 tablespoons Ice Water (Ensure it’s very cold for optimal texture.)
Filling
- 1 cup Light Corn Syrup (Maple syrup can add a different flavor.)
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar (Either light or dark works well.)
- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Use unsweetened for accurate sweetness balance.)
- 3 large Eggs (Binds the filling and adds richness.)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Opt for pure extract for best results.)
- 1 cup Pecan Halves (Swap with walnuts or hazelnuts if desired.)
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (Dark chocolate chips can intensify the flavor.)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and granulated sugar. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add 3 to 4 tablespoons of ice water, tossing with a fork until the dough just begins to come together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
- Preheat Oven and Roll Out Dough. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges decoratively.
- Make the Filling. In a medium bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, brown sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. Stir in the pecan halves and semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Fill and Bake the Pie. Pour the prepared filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly. Place the pie on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. The filling should be set and slightly jiggly in the center but not liquid. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Cool and Serve. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling time helps the filling to fully set, ensuring clean slices. Serve at room temperature or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use cold butter and ice water for a flakier pie crust.
- Light corn syrup gives a classic sweetness, but maple syrup can add a rich flavor twist.
- Allow pie to cool completely to achieve the best texture and flavor.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pecans and add extra chocolate chips or chopped fruit.
- Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
