I still remember the first time I made a pecan pie after moving to the U.S. The holiday kitchen buzzed with warmth, and that perfect slice felt like a little slice of home. This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe is my ultimate, foolproof way to bring that comfort to your table. From start to finish, it takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes, including chilling time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This is a foolproof guide that guarantees a beautiful, delicious Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie every time.
- The secret to avoiding a soggy bottom means your crust stays crisp and perfect under the rich filling.
- Time-saving tweaks make it a practical choice for busy cooks who want to impress without stress.
- The addition of chocolate elevates it to a decadent Southern classic that everyone will love.
What Makes a Pecan Pie “Texan”?
Texas-style pecan pie is all about the rich, sweet filling loaded with toasted pecans, delivering that classic Southern crunch. Adding chocolate melts the boundaries of tradition, creating a luscious, deeply satisfying flavor blend. This pie balances nutty crunch with smooth, bittersweet chocolate, making it a standout treat for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the All-Butter Pie Crust
- 1 cup all purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, chilled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons (or more) ice water
For the Chocolate Pecan Filling
- 4 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (packed) dark brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 1/2 cups pecan pieces, lightly toasted
Ingredient Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitution | Effect on the Pie |
|---|---|---|
| Light vs. Dark Corn Syrup | Use dark corn syrup instead of light | Dark syrup deepens the flavor and adds richness, making the filling more intense. |
| Bourbon (1-2 tbsp) | Add bourbon to filling | Adds a warm, boozy note that complements the pecans and chocolate beautifully. |
| Cayenne Pepper (pinch) | Add a pinch of cayenne pepper | Introduces a subtle spicy kick, balancing the sweetness without overpowering. |
How to Make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie (Step-by-Step)
This step-by-step guide will help every baker bring this classic pie to life, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home cook.
Step 1: Make the All-Butter Pie Crust (From Scratch)
- Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and chilled butter pieces in a food processor. Using short on/off pulses, process until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of ice water over the mixture and process just until moist clumps form. Add more water by teaspoonfuls if the dough looks dry.
- Gather the dough into a ball, then flatten it into a disk. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the cold ingredients firm up the dough.
Step 2: The Secret to a Crisp Crust: How to Blind Bake
Blind baking the crust is key to preventing sogginess under that delicious filling. Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to a 13-inch round and transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the overhang to 1 inch, fold under, and crimp the edges decoratively.
Line the crust with parchment paper or foil and fill it with pie weights. If you don’t have weights, dried beans or uncooked rice work well. Bake for about 15 minutes until the edges set and start to color. Remove the weights and lining, then bake for another 5-7 minutes until the bottom feels dry and firm. This method locks in a crisp crust that won’t soak up the filling juices.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Pecan Filling
- Stir the chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate and butter together over low heat in a heavy saucepan until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whisk together the brown sugar, eggs, and salt in a large bowl until blended smoothly. Slowly whisk in the corn syrup and then the chocolate mixture.
Tip: To prevent the eggs from scrambling, temper them by slowly whisking in a small amount of the hot chocolate mixture before combining everything.
- Sprinkle the lightly toasted pecan pieces evenly over the blind-baked crust.
- Pour the filling gently over the pecans, making sure they stay evenly distributed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is puffed but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Time-Saving Hack: Using a Store-Bought Crust
If you’re short on time, a high-quality store-bought pie crust works well. Simply unwrap and place it in your pie dish. Fold and crimp the edges creatively to add a decorative touch. Blind bake using the same technique: line with foil and fill with weights (or beans/rice) and bake until just set and lightly golden. This shortcut saves prep time but still delivers delicious texture and flavor.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pie Every Time
- Check doneness by gently shaking the pie; the center should be set with a slight jiggle, not liquidy.
- Prevent burnt pecans and edges by shielding with a pie shield or lightly tenting foil after 40 minutes.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This resting time is crucial for clean, non-runny slices.
- Use chilled butter and ice-cold water to maintain flaky crust layers.
How to Store & Freeze Your Pecan Pie
Store the pecan pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days to keep freshness.
To freeze, wrap the baked pie tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the unbaked pie (wrapped well) and bake it from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie warm or at room temperature for the richest flavor. For an extra special touch, pair it with bourbon-infused whipped cream or drizzle with salted caramel sauce. These add-ons elevate the dessert and complement the nutty, chocolaty filling perfectly.
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a food processor, pulse flour, butter, sugar, and salt until coarse crumbs form. Drizzle in ice water just until the dough clumps; gather, flatten into a disk, wrap, and chill 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Roll dough to a 13-inch round, fit into a 9-inch glass pie dish, trim to a 1-inch overhang, fold under, and crimp.
- Melt chocolate and butter together in a small heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth; let cool slightly.
- Whisk brown sugar, eggs, and salt in a large bowl, then whisk in corn syrup and the melted chocolate mixture. Scatter pecans in the unbaked crust, pour in filling, and bake until crust is golden and the filling is puffed and mostly set, about 55 minutes.
- Cool completely on a rack before slicing.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (Troubleshooting)
What kind of chocolate is best for this pie?
Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate works best, offering balanced sweetness and rich flavor. Using chopped chocolate bars melts smoothly into the filling, creating a silky texture, while chocolate chips hold their shape better and add little pockets of chocolate in the filling.
My pie filling is runny. What went wrong?
A runny filling usually means the pie was underbaked or not cooled completely. The center should be set but slightly jiggly when done. Cooling fully for at least 2 hours is essential to let the filling firm up properly.
How do I prevent the top from cracking?
Small cracks are normal, but large ones can result from overbaking or oven temperature that’s too high. Check your pie early during baking. If it browns too fast, cover the top loosely with foil to slow further browning and cracking.
Conclusion
This foolproof Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe delivers that perfect balance of a crisp all-butter crust, rich chocolate, and toasty pecans every time. It’s the kind of dessert that invites warmth and celebration, whether for holidays or everyday moments. What’s your favorite holiday pie? Have you ever tried a chocolate pecan pie? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below!
For more cozy recipes, check out my More Thanksgiving Recipes. Let’s keep cooking simple, comforting, and joyful together.
