If you have a sweet tooth and love the rich, buttery taste of pecan pie enhanced by the deep allure of chocolate, then you are going to adore this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on a classic Southern favorite that combines the crunch of toasted pecans, the gooey richness of a chocolate-infused filling, and a perfectly flaky homemade crust. Every bite feels like a warm hug straight from the heart of Texas and will have your friends and family begging for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe a memorable treat. Each component plays a vital role—from the buttery crust that cradles the filling to the luscious chocolate and toasted pecans that create its unique flavor and texture.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your crust, ensuring a tender yet sturdy base.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor and balances sweetness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Adds richness and creates a flaky crust texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough without overpowering.
- 1/4 cup ice water: Helps bind the dough gently for easy rolling.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Provides the perfect sticky sweetness and structure for the filling.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like richness with a hint of molasses flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Infuses that unmistakable chocolate richness.
- 4 large eggs: Binds everything together into a smooth, luscious custard.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and adds warmth.
- 2 cups pecan halves: The star of the show, offering crunch and nutty delight throughout the pie.
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: For extra bursts of chocolatey goodness in every bite.
How to Make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by combining the flour, salt, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until your mixture resembles coarse crumbs—a key step to achieving a tender, flaky crust. Gradually add ice water and mix just until the dough comes together. Form it into a disk, wrap it up, and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill and rest.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your oven is ready the moment your pie is assembled, which helps set the filling perfectly.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Be sure to trim any excess dough and prick the bottom with a fork to keep it from puffing up during baking—this little trick keeps your crust evenly crisp.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs until smooth and glossy. Stir in the vanilla extract, pecan halves, and chocolate chips to create a luscious, rich filling that is bursting with texture and flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the decadent filling into your prepared crust, spreading it evenly to ensure every slice gets a perfect balance of nutty and chocolate goodness. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly—this signals a perfectly gooey interior.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Patience is key here. Let your pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to firm up—this makes slicing easier and guarantees every bite is satisfying and neat.
How to Serve Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
For a show-stopping presentation, garnish your slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a light dusting of cocoa powder will add an extra touch of elegance and texture.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with a simple cup of strong coffee or a smooth dessert wine. If you’re serving a dessert spread, fresh berries or citrus segments provide a lovely contrast to the pie’s richness and help refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual mini pies in ramekins using the same filling recipe for a fun twist. You could also drizzle melted chocolate or caramel on top just before serving for added flair and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and the flavors tend to marry even more after resting overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie after baking and cooling by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months—just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, place a slice in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! While homemade crust adds a special touch, a quality store-bought crust saves time and tastes great. Just be sure to prick the crust before baking to avoid bubbling.
What can I substitute for corn syrup?
Maple syrup or honey can work as natural alternatives to light corn syrup, though it may slightly change the flavor and texture, lending a more complex sweetness.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is ready when the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly but is not liquid. It will firm up as it cools, so don’t overbake!
Can this pie be made dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter in the crust with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version. This won’t compromise the flaky texture much at all.
What’s the best way to slice Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe?
Use a sharp, serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts to get neat slices and enjoy a beautiful presentation every time.
Final Thoughts
This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is truly a must-try for anyone who loves the rich flavors of chocolate and pecans with a homemade touch. It’s comforting, indulgent, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your dessert rotation. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and prepare to wow everyone with this irresistible Southern delight!
Print
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Description
This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe offers a decadent twist on the classic Southern dessert, blending rich chocolate and crunchy pecans in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfectly sweetened with light corn syrup and brown sugar, this pie delivers a luscious filling with a hint of cocoa and vanilla, baked to a golden perfection. It’s an indulgent treat ideal for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you crave a comforting chocolate nut pie.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecan halves
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in ice water, mixing until the dough forms a cohesive ball. Shape into a disk, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and relax the dough.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking while the dough chills.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer it into the pan and trim any excess dough from the edges. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust to avoid bubbling during baking.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup light corn syrup, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 4 large eggs until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then fold in 2 cups pecan halves and 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the prepared filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the filling is set and the top is slightly puffed. The center should still jiggle a bit when gently shaken.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the filling to firm, making it easier to slice and enhancing the texture. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier crust flavor.
- Maple syrup can be used instead of light corn syrup for a unique sweetness and flavor profile.
- For a dairy-free option, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
- The pie filling will still jiggle slightly when done baking; it will firm up completely after cooling.
- To avoid a soggy bottom crust, make sure to chill the dough well before baking.
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