Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Published by Ilyas, Date :

December 10, 2025

Texas chocolate pecan pie with rich chocolate and pecans in a flaky crust

The Best Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

When I think of Texas, I can’t help but imagine wide, open spaces, warm southern hospitality, and the sumptuous scent of pecan pie wafting through the kitchen. Let me tell you, Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a heartfelt reminder of family gatherings, cozy evenings with loved ones, and even some sticky kitchen disasters that became cherished memories.

I still remember the first time I attempted to make this classic pie. It was a rainy Sunday afternoon, and I was feeling more ambitious than usual. My friends and I had decided to have a “Texas potluck,” where everyone brings their best southern dish, and naturally, I thought I’d impress everyone with this decadent pie. Everything was going well until I realized—oops! I forgot to add the sugar! Can you imagine how that pie turned out? Spoiler alert: it was a disaster.

After that little mishap, I knew I had to perfect this recipe for good. I tried it again, adding a little love and a lot of chocolate, and this time, it turned out beautifully! The filling was rich and gooey, the pecans added that lovely crunch, and oh, the aroma as it baked! Let’s just say the taste of sweet success was more gratifying than any pie I had ever tasted.

This recipe can be a cozy centerpiece for any gathering, making it extra special with its layers of deep chocolate and crunchy pecans. As I slice into it, I can still hear laughter from the table, bright conversations, and the clinking of forks as the pie gets devoured. Now, along with those special memories, I want to share the love of this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with you all.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: Truly, if I can whip this up after a long day, so can you. Just a few ingredients and a little love!
Comforting Flavor: It feels warm and cozy, like being wrapped in a soft blanket on a chilly evening.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Birthdays, holidays, or just a regular Tuesday night, this pie shines any day of the week!
Great Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is very unlikely), it tastes even better the next day!
Family-Friendly: Kids and picky eaters will gobble it up faster than you can say “pecan pie”.
Memorable Experience: You’ll create your own kitchen memories, baking alongside friends or family.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This pie is a unique twist on a classic Southern dessert. By combining rich chocolate chips with crunchy pecans in a smooth, sweet filling, you get a perfect balance of flavors. The chocolate deepens the flavor profile while the pecans give it that delightful crunch—it’s just a match made in dessert heaven! Here’s something I learned: the quality of your ingredients really matters. I personally love using semi-sweet chocolate chips that melt beautifully, while the brown sugar adds an irresistible caramel flavor.

Ingredients

1 pie crust: A flaky, buttery pie crust is essential. You can use pre-made for convenience or make your own if you’re feeling fancy.
1 cup pecans, chopped: These gems add texture and earthy flavor. Don’t hesitate to toast them for more depth!
1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark): Honestly, go for your favorite chocolate. Dark chocolate blooms beautifully in this pie!
1 cup corn syrup: This gives that chewy, gooey filling that we love. I always use light corn syrup for a more subtle sweetness.
1 cup brown sugar: This adds warmth and depth to the pie’s sweetness.
4 large eggs: These act as a binding agent, giving the filling that nice custard-like texture.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds moisture and that rich buttery flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This is the secret ingredient that elevates the entire pie!
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.

Here’s a tip—if you’re feeling adventurous, substitute a hint of espresso powder in the filling. It amplifies the chocolate flavor and gives the pie a subtle depth.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Trust me, this step is vital for an evenly baked pie.
Prepare the Pie Crust: Place your pie crust in a pie dish. If you’re using a homemade crust, roll it out, and gently press it into the dish, trimming any excess. I like to poke a few holes in the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling. Now just set it aside—don’t worry; we’ll come back to it.
Whisk Away: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is smooth. Honestly, this is the moment it starts to feel like magic. The mixture should be bright and shiny, and you might even find yourself licking the whisk (no judgment here).
Add the Good Stuff: Stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips. At this point, your kitchen should smell heavenly! Take a moment to just breathe in that sweet aroma.
Fill ‘Er Up: Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. It should be filled to about the brim, but don’t overdo it. You know, just in case it bubbles over.
Bake: Place the pie in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes until the filling is set and a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Keep an eye on it—every oven is a little different. In my own kitchen, I’ve learned I like my pie with a slightly gooey center, so you might find your perfect doneness somewhere in the 60-65 minute mark.
Cool Down: Allow to cool before slicing. Patience, my friend! Letting it cool helps the filling set up a little more. Plus, the aromas will drive your family crazy with anticipation.

Cooking this pie was filled with little moments! I remember flooding my kitchen with laughter every time my younger cousin "accidentally" dropped a pecan while trying to sneak a snack. We all have that one family member who’s just a little too eager!

Tips for Best Results

Always use fresh pecans for the best taste. If they smell slightly rancid, they need to be tossed.
If using a store-bought pie crust, set it out for a few minutes before pouring the filling; it helps with even baking.
Don’t skimp on the cooling time. Slicing into it too soon can lead to a gooey mess, and we don’t want that.
Consider drizzling melted chocolate on top for a gourmet touch, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s like a party in your mouth!

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

Nut-Free Option: You can replace the pecans with crushed graham crackers for some texture and flavor.
Chocolate Variations: Swap out semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate or milk chocolate if you prefer something sweeter.
Vegan Option: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal and use a vegan butter alternative; the filling texture may vary a bit, but it’ll be delicious nonetheless.
Spiced Crust: Feel free to add cinnamon or nutmeg to the pie crust for a warm touch.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the pie crust in a pie dish and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
Allow to cool before serving. Enjoy your delicious Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie!

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Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

If you want to elevate your pie night even further, consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Honestly, the warm, gooey texture of the pie combined with the cold cream is culinary bliss. A cup of hot coffee also complements it perfectly—the bitterness helps balance all that sweetness.

And if you’re feeling extra fancy, serve it with a glass of sweet tea—every Texas meal should end with sweet tea, right?

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, I recommend keeping them in an airtight container in the fridge. You’ll want to reheat slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds—just enough to warm them slightly without turning the pie into a gooey puddle.

Be careful with leftovers! I accidentally left mine out on the counter once for too long, thinking it would be safe, only to find a little furry surprise. Lesson learned—refrigerate properly!

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

This pie can be made ahead of time and frozen before baking. Just cover it well in plastic wrap and foil—up to 2 months in advance! When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then bake it as per the instructions. It still tastes fresh and divine.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the filling can lead to a curdled texture. Aim for a gentle whisking motion.
Not allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing will lead to a gooey mess.
Using old ingredients will affect the flavor. Make sure your pecans and chocolate chips are fresh.
Skipping the preheat can lead to uneven baking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of nut?
Definitely! Feel free to swap pecans with walnuts or even almonds. Just remember, the flavor will change.
What can I serve with this pie?
This pie pairs beautifully with whipped cream, coffee, or a side of vanilla ice cream.
How can I make it less sweet?
If you’d like to tone down the sweetness, reduce the brown sugar slightly, or choose a darker chocolate that has less sugar.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

Pie Dish
Mixing Bowls
Whisk
Measuring Cups
Rubber Spatula
Baking Sheet (just in case it overflows)

Final Thoughts

In sharing this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe, I’m inviting you into my kitchen, where the air fills with laughter, baking failures, and plenty of ooey-gooey desserts. As you embark on this journey, know that every pie you create holds the potential for memories—whether glorious or disastrous—and that truly is the spirit of cooking.

I invite you all to try this recipe out, and I can’t wait to hear about your own kitchen stories! Whether it’s your first try or your fiftieth, I encourage you to embrace it wholeheartedly. If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!