If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a delightful twist on the classic Southern favorite. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans creates a treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a holiday, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this pie will surely bring smiles to the table.

What I love about this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is how easy it is to whip up. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that tastes like it came from a bakery. Plus, it’s always a hit with friends and family—everyone loves that beautiful swirl of chocolate over the pecans!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll be on your way to pie perfection in no time!
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the irresistible combination of chocolate and pecans.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a weeknight treat, this pie fits right in.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and let it chill—perfect for busy days.
Decadent Flavor: The rich filling paired with chocolate makes every bite a little piece of heaven.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients for this delicious Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie! You probably have most of these in your pantry already.

1 ½ cups pecan halves
1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust (or homemade)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup light corn syrup
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup heavy cream

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

Add Some Spice: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutty Twist: Swap out some pecans for walnuts or even hazelnuts for a different nutty experience.
Chocolate Lovers Dream: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer taste.
Fruit Infusion: Add some chopped dried cherries or cranberries for a fruity contrast.

How to Make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Crust

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your pie pan with the crust; if you’re using homemade dough, roll it out and place it into the pan. Crimp those edges however you like—it adds a nice touch!

Step 2: Layer the Pecans

Next, evenly spread those lovely pecan halves at the bottom of your prepared crust. This creates a delightful base that holds all the goodness we’re about to add!

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is smooth. This mixture will create that gooey filling that everyone loves. Once ready, pour it over the pecans so they are fully coated—this step is key for flavor!

Step 4: Melt the Chocolate

Now comes the fun part! In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine semi-sweet chocolate chips with heavy cream. Microwave this mixture in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s perfectly smooth. This silky chocolate will add richness to our pie.

Step 5: Create the Swirl Effect

Drizzle your melted chocolate over the pecan filling in the pie. Take a knife or spoon and gently swirl it through—this creates that beautiful marbled effect we all adore!

Step 6: Bake the Pie

Place your masterpiece in the oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when done. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean; this means it’s ready!

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Let your pie cool completely for at least two hours before slicing into it. Patience is key here! Serve as is or pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.

Enjoy baking this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie! It’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to desserts!

Pro Tips for Making Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Creating the perfect Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a delightful journey, and these tips will ensure your pie turns out beautifully every time!

Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh pecans not only enhance the flavor but also provide a satisfying crunch that elevates the overall texture of the pie.
Don’t Overmix the Filling: Mixing the filling just until combined prevents air bubbles from forming, which can lead to an undesirable texture in your final pie.
Check for Doneness Carefully: The filling should be set with a slight jiggle in the center. Overbaking can dry it out, while underbaking can lead to a gooey filling.
Let It Cool Completely: Allowing the pie to cool for at least 2 hours helps it set properly, making slicing much easier without losing that beautiful shape.
Experiment with Chocolate Types: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, feel free to experiment with dark chocolate or even milk chocolate for a different flavor profile!

How to Serve Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Serving this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to make your dessert truly shine!

Garnishes

Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich filling.
Chopped Pecans: Sprinkling some chopped pecans on top not only enhances visual appeal but also adds an extra crunch.

Side Dishes

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the rich chocolate and pecan flavors, making each bite indulgent.
Fresh Berries: A side of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries brings a refreshing tartness that cuts through the richness of the pie.
Coffee or Tea: Serving a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea alongside your pie not only warms up the experience but also enhances its flavors with contrasting notes.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a fresh and tangy contrast, making it an excellent sidekick to your decadent dessert.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie will be an unforgettable treat for any occasion! Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a delicious dessert any day of the week. You can prepare it in advance, store leftovers, and even freeze it for future cravings!

Storing Leftovers

Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Label with the date for easy reference.

Reheating

To reheat, remove from the freezer and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
For a warm slice, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Enjoy warm on its own or with your favorite topping!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delightful pie.

Can I make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie without corn syrup?

Yes! You can substitute corn syrup with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor profile while maintaining sweetness.

How do I prevent my Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie from being too runny?

Ensure that you bake the pie until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean, indicating it’s ready.

What can I serve with Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie?

This pie pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for added indulgence.

How long does Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie last?

When properly stored in the refrigerator, this pie will stay fresh for up to 3 days. If frozen, it can last up to 3 months.

Can I use different nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! While pecans give this pie its signature taste, feel free to experiment with walnuts or almonds if you prefer. Just keep in mind that they may alter the flavor slightly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie! It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors and sweet memories. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this pie is sure to impress. Enjoy making it as much as you’ll enjoy eating it!