Delicious Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Last weekend, I decided to make a rich dessert that truly celebrates Texas flavors. That’s when this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie came to life. It’s a sweet and chocolatey twist on the traditional pecan pie we all know and love. The moment it came out of the oven, the house smelled like toasted pecans and melted chocolate. Every bite felt warm, smooth, and nutty. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone stop talking for a moment just to enjoy it.

This recipe combines everything great about Southern baking, buttery crust, rich filling, and that hint of chocolate that makes each slice special. If you’ve tried my Texas Sheet Cake, then you already know how bold Texas-style desserts can be. And if you’re a fan of Pecan Pie Balls, this pie is their big cousin, baked to perfection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pie has the best mix of textures, creamy, crunchy, and silky all at once. The chocolate melts into the filling creating a deep and rich base that balances the sweetness of the corn syrup and sugar. The pecans roast as the pie bakes, turning golden and crispy on top. It’s elegant enough for special holidays but simple enough to make on a quiet weekend.

You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled from the fridge if you like a fudgier bite. It’s also one of those desserts that tastes even better the next day as the flavors blend together.

This is the kind of pie that looks beautiful on a table with pecans arranged like jewels, and that soft, dark chocolate underneath.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Chocolate Pecan Filling:

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 ½ cups pecan halves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

Start with the crust. In a bowl mix the flour and salt together. Add the cold butter and use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to mix until you get a crumbly texture. The butter should stay cold to keep the crust flaky. Slowly add the ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough starts to come together. Form it into a disc and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Roll and Shape the Crust

Take the chilled dough out and roll it into a circle on a lightly floured surface. It should be big enough to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Place it gently into the dish and trim the edges. Use your fingers to crimp the sides or use a fork for a classic edge. Set the crust aside while you make the filling.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the chocolate chips and stir until smooth. The mixture should be shiny and silky. Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble the eggs when added to the filling later.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together corn syrup, both sugars, eggs, vanilla and salt. Pour in the melted chocolate mixture and whisk until smooth. Add the pecan halves last and stir gently so they are evenly coated in the chocolate mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared crust. Use a spoon to spread the pecans evenly across the top. As the pie bakes, the pecans will rise slightly and create that beautiful, glossy layer on top.

Step 6: Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for about 50 to 55 minutes. The filling should look set but slightly jiggly in the center. If the crust edges start to brown too fast, cover them with foil halfway through baking. Once done, let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This step helps the filling firm up and hold its shape.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Cut into generous slices and serve as is or with a scoop of ice cream on top. The pie is amazing both warm and chilled. The chocolate layer tastes like fudge and the pecans add that sweet crunch that makes every bite more interesting.

Tips for the Best Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

• Use fresh pecans for the best flavor. Stale ones can make the pie taste bitter.
• Toast the pecans for a few minutes before adding them to the filling. It enhances their nutty flavor.
• Let the pie cool completely before slicing or it might be too runny.
• If you want an extra glossy top, brush the pecans lightly with melted butter before baking.

Flavor Variations

• Dark Chocolate Twist: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a deeper flavor.
• Bourbon Kick: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for a grown-up touch.
• Nut Mix: Mix pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.
• Mini Pies: Make individual mini pies using the same filling and bake them for about 25 minutes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: The pie can sit covered on the counter for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. The texture becomes firmer but still tastes delicious.
• Freezer: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Let them thaw overnight in the fridge.

This pie is great for holidays because you can bake it a day ahead and simply warm it slightly before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, you can use a pre-made crust if you want to save time. Just make sure it’s thawed before adding the filling.

2. Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light?
Yes. Dark corn syrup adds a stronger caramel taste, which pairs beautifully with chocolate.

3. How do I know when the pie is done?
The edges should look set, and the center should jiggle slightly. It will continue to set as it cools.

4. Can I make this pie without corn syrup?
You can replace it with honey or maple syrup, but the texture will be slightly different.

5. What’s the best way to serve it?
Warm with ice cream or whipped cream on top is always a winner.

Final Thoughts

This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is pure comfort in every bite. It’s sweet, nutty, and loaded with chocolate flavor that melts right into the buttery crust. It’s a showstopper for any time you crave a slice of homemade happiness. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this pie is simple to make and always a crowd favorite.