Chocolate Pecan Pie

Table of Contents

I can still remember the first time I tasted Chocolate Pecan Pie. It was during a chilly fall evening at Grandma’s house, where a fragrant aroma of buttery crust and toasted nuts wafted through the air like a warm hug. As I entered her cozy kitchen, I was immediately enveloped by the sweet smell melding with that touch of nostalgia. She served the pie warm, each forkful oozing with that rich chocolate filling, the crunch of pecans perfectly counterbalancing the lusciousness. That first bite was a revelation—extravagantly sweet yet somehow comforting, a slice of happiness that became a tradition in our family. Trust me when I say, this Chocolate Pecan Pie is going to wrap you and your loved ones in a cocoon of cozy sweetness too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This pie comes together faster than you can say “chocolatey goodness,” making it perfect for busy days or unexpected guests.
• Decadently Delicious: With a rich blend of chocolate and pecans, every bite is a scrumptious delight that will thrill your taste buds.
• Crowd-Pleasing: This pie is sure to impress! It’s a guaranteed hit at potlucks, holidays, or just a cozy night in.
• Made with Love: Homemade desserts always carry a special touch. This pie can be your new signature dish to share with friends and family.
• Customizable: The recipe is flexible, allowing you to tweak flavors to fit your personal taste!

Ingredients

• Pie Crust: A pre-made crust works great or you can make your own! Either way, it’s the delicious base that holds all that sweet filling together.
• 1 cup pecans, chopped: Toasting them just slightly beforehand brings out their nutty flavor. Your house will smell divine!
• 1 cup chocolate chips: Choose your favorite flavor—dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate! Each variation brings a unique twist.
• 3/4 cup corn syrup: This adds that signature gooey sweetness. If you want a rich flavor, go for dark corn syrup.
• 3/4 cup brown sugar: This adds depth and a hint of caramel goodness to every bite!
• 1/2 cup butter, melted: Butter brings richness—after all, we want the filling to be ultra-decadent, right?
• 3 large eggs: These are essential for binding everything together while providing that lovely custardy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because everything is better with a splash of vanilla!
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors of the pie and balance the sweetness.

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a perfectly baked pie, golden and crisp on the outside.

2. Mix It Up

In a large bowl, mix the melted butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Take a moment here—the aroma is already intoxicating!

3. Stir in Chocolate & Pecans

Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Imagine the delightful smell of chocolate mingling with the nuttiness of pecans—it’s a little slice of heaven!

4. Fill the Crust

Pour the delicious filling into the pie crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula, letting your love and excitement for baking shine!

5. Bake

Pop it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set. The smell will wrap around you like a cozy blanket.

6. Cool Down

Allow to cool before serving. This waiting period allows the filling to firm up just right—patience is key!

Pro Tips for Success

• Make sure your pie crust is chilled: This helps it hold its shape while baking.
• Avoid overmixing: A gentle hand will ensure the filling stays smooth and decadent.
• Check for doneness: The filling should be set but slightly jiggle in the center; it firms up as it cools.
• Chill for deeper flavors: If you can, let it sit in the fridge for a few hours—or overnight! The flavors meld beautifully.

Flavor Variations

• Add a splash of bourbon: For an adult twist, a tablespoon of bourbon infuses a warm depth to the pie.
• Seasonal spices: Sprinkle in a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg for a hint of holiday cheer.
• Nut alternatives: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you want to experiment a bit!

Serving Suggestions

Slice the pie and serve it warm with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A warm drink like spiced chai or a rich coffee pairs beautifully—imagine cozying up with the flavors dancing together!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can make this pie a day in advance, as it stores well! Just cover it with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. It can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator to maintain its deliciousness.

Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (not likely!), crumble the pie onto yogurt for a delightful breakfast treat or mix it into a fun twist on brownies!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this pie! Just wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It can last up to a month in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For the best warm-up, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain that delicious texture. The microwave works too—just do so in short intervals to avoid making it gooey!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can work too. Just toast them lightly for extra flavor.

Is it necessary to cool the pie before serving?
Yes, cooling helps it set. A warm pie is delightful, but the texture benefits from some time to firm up!

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can try substituting with a sugar alternative, but keep the ratios consistent for the best results!

What’s the best way to store it?
Wrap it securely in the refrigerator or freeze for longer storage. Just be sure to let it cool completely first.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Chocolate Pecan Pie feels like crafting a warm memory—filled with love, laughter, and those cozy aromas that wrap around you on a chilly day. I hope this recipe becomes a cherished part of your family traditions, just as it has for mine. So, roll up your sleeves, get your loved ones involved, and let’s make some deliciousness together! Enjoy every warm slice. Happy Baking!

Warmly,
Chef Emily from vibingRecipes.com