Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie

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Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie

A Southern Classic with a Rich, Chocolatey Twist

This Chocolate Pecan Pie is a showstopping dessert that deserves a place on every holiday table. Featuring a buttery, flaky crust, a smooth chocolate filling, and toasted pecans that add a delightful crunch, this pie strikes the perfect balance between rich and sweet. Each bite delivers layers of flavor — buttery, nutty, and deeply chocolatey — making it an unforgettable treat for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Deep, chocolate flavor: A mix of bittersweet and semi-sweet chocolate keeps the filling rich without being overly sweet.
  • Perfect texture: The combination of gooey filling and crisp pecans creates a delicious contrast.
  • Make-ahead friendly: This pie can be prepared in advance, saving you time during busy holidays.
  • No alcohol needed: We use apple cider and vanilla extract for a warm, smooth flavor in place of bourbon.

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 single pie crust (homemade or store-bought, thawed if frozen)

For the Filling

  • 2½ cups pecans, divided
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1½ ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1½ ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • ¾ cup light corn syrup
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider (or substitute with milk or cream)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

  1. Roll the dough into a 12-inch circle and gently fit it into a 9-inch pie plate.
  2. Fold and crimp the edges, then chill the crust in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Line the crust with parchment paper or foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 20 minutes.
  5. Remove the weights and parchment, then bake for another 5–10 minutes until golden. Let it cool on a wire rack.

2. Toast the Pecans

  1. Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the pecans evenly on a baking sheet and toast for 8 minutes, stirring once.
  3. Let them cool completely, then finely chop 1 cup and set aside the rest for topping.

3. Make the Chocolate Filling

  1. In a small saucepan, melt butter and both chocolates over medium heat, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted chocolate mixture, corn syrup, eggs, brown sugar, cocoa powder, apple cider, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the Pie

  1. Evenly spread the chopped pecans over the cooled pie crust.
  2. Pour the filling over the pecans and gently arrange the remaining whole pecans on top.
  3. Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the center is just set when lightly jiggled.

5. Cool and Serve

  1. Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set.
  2. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for the Best Chocolate Pecan Pie

  • Prevent burning: If the pie darkens too quickly, loosely cover it with foil halfway through baking.
  • For extra richness: Use dark corn syrup or add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
  • Make ahead: You can bake the pie up to 3 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Freezing option: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Storage

  • Room temperature: Up to 1 day, covered.
  • Refrigerator: Up to 5 days, wrapped tightly.
  • Freezer: Up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

This pie is wonderfully indulgent on its own, but even better paired with:

  • Freshly whipped cream
  • Vanilla or butter pecan ice cream
  • A drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce

The Perfect Holiday Pie

This Chocolate Pecan Pie combines classic Southern charm with a modern chocolate twist. Whether it’s the star of your Thanksgiving table or a sweet addition to your Christmas dessert spread, it’s guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy every chocolate lover at the table.

 

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