Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bliss

Featured in Bake Something Special.

This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a decadent twist on the Southern classic. A flaky crust holds a rich, gooey filling made with light corn syrup, cocoa, brown sugar, and chopped pecans, accented by semisweet chocolate chips. With a buttery texture and nutty, chocolatey flavor, this dessert is perfect for any festive gathering or family dinner. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence. Tips like chilling the crust and adding whole pecans on top ensure that this pie is just as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether baked for holidays or a casual weekend treat, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Rose
Updated on Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:20:51 GMT
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This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie transforms the classic Southern pecan pie into a decadent chocolate-infused masterpiece that delivers both gooey richness and nutty crunch in every bite. The marriage of chocolate and pecans creates an irresistible dessert perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.

I first created this pie for a Thanksgiving dinner when I couldn't decide between chocolate or pecan pie. The combination turned out so spectacular that it's now requested at every family gathering, and I've been perfecting it for over a decade.

Ingredients

  • Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Provides the buttery foundation look for all-butter varieties for best flavor
  • Light corn syrup: Creates that signature gooey texture essential for authentic pecan pie
  • Brown sugar: Adds depth and molasses notes that white sugar alone cannot provide
  • Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar and ensures proper sweetness
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor without excess sweetness
  • Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that luscious mouthfeel
  • Large eggs: Work as the binding agent that helps the filling set properly
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances both the chocolate and nut flavors significantly
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor
  • Chopped pecans: Provide texture and that distinctive nutty flavor
  • Semisweet chocolate chips: Melt partially during baking creating pockets of chocolate throughout
  • Whole pecans for garnish: Create a beautiful presentation that signals what's inside
  • Whipped cream: Cuts through the richness and adds a lovely contrast

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Pie Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, pressing firmly against bottom and sides. Crimp edges decoratively using your thumb and forefinger for a professional finish. The crimp serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, preventing filling from escaping. Place the prepared crust in refrigerator while making filling to prevent shrinkage during baking.
Make the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, add corn syrup first then whisk in brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder until completely lump-free. The order matters here as adding cocoa directly to wet ingredients can cause clumping. Add melted butter that has cooled for about 5 minutes, then eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Incorporate vanilla extract and salt, whisking until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth. Take care not to overbeat which can introduce too much air.
Add the Good Stuff:
Using a silicone spatula, fold in chopped pecans and chocolate chips gently but thoroughly. Ensure even distribution throughout the filling. The pecans should be in smallish pieces so they distribute well but still provide texture in every bite. The chocolate chips will partially melt during baking, creating pockets of chocolate throughout the pie.
Assemble the Pie:
Remove chilled crust from refrigerator and pour filling carefully into center, allowing it to spread naturally toward the edges. Fill to about 1/4 inch below crust rim to prevent overflow. If using, arrange whole pecans in a circular pattern on top, pressing them slightly into the filling. This not only creates a beautiful presentation but also provides textural contrast.
Bake to Perfection:
Place pie on center rack of preheated oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. The filling will rise slightly and develop a thin crust on top while remaining slightly jiggly in center. You'll know it's done when the center moves as a unit rather than in waves when gently shaken. If crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil after 25 minutes.
Cool and Serve:
Allow pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours at room temperature. The filling continues to set during this time through carryover cooking. For cleanest slices, refrigerate for an additional 1 to 2 hours before serving. Bring back to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving with freshly whipped cream.
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Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie | lovelylifewithrose.com

The cocoa powder is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power accidentally when I ran out of chocolate chips one Thanksgiving and substituted cocoa powder. The result was a more evenly distributed chocolate flavor that perfectly complemented the pecans rather than competing with them.

Storage Tips

This decadent pie stays fresh when covered and refrigerated for up to 5 days, though it rarely lasts that long in my house. The flavor actually improves after 24 hours as the chocolate and pecan notes meld together more thoroughly. For freezing, cool the pie completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Label with date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Flavor Variations

While the classic recipe is perfect as is, several delicious variations have emerged from my test kitchen over the years. Adding 2 tablespoons of bourbon or dark rum introduces a sophisticated flavor dimension that pairs wonderfully with both chocolate and pecans. For coffee lovers, dissolving 1 tablespoon of espresso powder into the melted butter creates a mocha version that's absolutely divine. During holiday season, adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne creates a Mexican chocolate variation that gets rave reviews.

Serving Suggestions

This pie stands magnificently on its own, but a few accompaniments can elevate it further. Freshly whipped cream with just a touch of vanilla is the classic pairing. For more indulgence, offer vanilla bean ice cream alongside warm slices, allowing it to melt slightly into the filling. For a beautiful presentation at dinner parties, dust plates with cocoa powder before placing slices, then garnish with chocolate curls and a single perfect pecan half.

Historical Context

Texas has a long tradition of pecan cultivation, being one of the largest producers in the country. This recipe honors those roots while incorporating chocolate, another beloved Texas tradition. While traditional pecan pie dates back to the late 1800s in the South, the chocolate variation likely emerged in the mid-20th century when home bakers began experimenting with classic recipes. This adaptation respects the traditional gooey texture and pecan abundance while adding a chocolate dimension that feels both innovative and perfectly natural.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?

Yes, dark chocolate chips or chunks can be used for a richer flavor profile.

→ Do I need to blind-bake the crust?

Blind-baking is optional but helps create a firmer bottom layer. Bake for 5–10 minutes before adding the filling.

→ How do I prevent the crust from overbrowning?

Tent the edges with aluminum foil halfway through baking to keep the crust from getting too dark.

→ Can I add bourbon to the filling?

Yes, stirring in a tablespoon of bourbon adds a Southern-inspired flavor twist to the pie.

→ What’s the best way to slice the pie cleanly?

Refrigerating the pie for at least two hours after cooling helps the filling firm up, making it easier to slice neatly.

→ Can I substitute the nuts?

Absolutely! Mix in walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts for a different texture and flavor.

Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Gooey pecan pie with chocolate in every bite. A Texas classic for any celebration.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Southern

Yield: 8 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
02 1 cup light corn syrup
03 1/2 cup brown sugar
04 1/4 cup granulated sugar
05 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
06 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
07 3 large eggs
08 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
11 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
12 Whole pecans for garnish (optional)
13 Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, pressing it evenly into the dish. Flute or crimp the edges for a classic look. Chill the crust while preparing the filling to help it hold its shape during baking.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder until well blended. Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk again until fully combined and smooth. Let the melted butter cool slightly to avoid scrambling the eggs.

Step 03

Stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips until evenly distributed in the filling mixture.

Step 04

Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. If desired, arrange whole pecans on top in a decorative pattern. Leave some space at the top to prevent overfilling and spillover during baking.

Step 05

Place the pie on the center rack of your oven and bake for 50–55 minutes. The center should be just set and slightly puffed. If the crust edges brown too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Step 06

Cool the pie completely at room temperature to allow the filling to firm up. For clean slices, refrigerate the pie for a couple of hours before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream as desired.

Notes

  1. Allowing the pie to cool completely ensures clean slices and a better texture.
  2. Use a mix of walnuts and pecans for a variation.
  3. Stir in one tablespoon of bourbon for a Southern-inspired flavor.
  4. Blind-bake the crust for 5–10 minutes if a firmer bottom layer is preferred.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch pie plate
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains nuts (pecans)
  • Contains gluten (pie crust)
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 470
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~