If you’re looking for a dessert that combines sweet and nutty flavors with a rich, chocolatey twist, then you’ve stumbled upon a gem: Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie. This recipe is one of my all-time favorites, perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday gathering. The combination of crunchy pecans and velvety chocolate makes every slice feel like a warm hug, and trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

This pie is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, you can whip up this delightful treat in no time. Plus, it’s great for meal prep; you can bake it ahead of time and let it chill until you’re ready to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have this pie ready to bake without any fuss.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves chocolate and pecans! This pie will quickly become a family favorite.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it the day before your gathering, so you can enjoy more time with loved ones.
Decadent Flavor: The rich combination of chocolate and pecans creates an indulgent dessert that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is as easy as pie! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Pie Crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup ice water

For the Filling:

1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups pecan halves
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Variations

This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe is flexible and allows for some fun variations! Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

Add Some Spice: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Go Nut-Free: Swap out the pecans for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a tasty alternative.
Chocolate Overload: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for an even richer taste.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

How to Make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by mixing together the flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. This step ensures every bite of your crust is perfectly balanced. Next, add in the cold butter pieces and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Finally, stir in the ice water until just combined. Form this dough into a disk and chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling helps prevent shrinkage during baking.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While your dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key for achieving that golden-brown crust while allowing the filling to set perfectly.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

Once your dough has chilled, roll it out on a floured surface to fit your 9-inch pie pan. Make sure it’s even and not too thick. Pricking the bottom with a fork helps prevent bubbles from forming during baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

In another bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract followed by those lovely pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips. This filling is what makes this pie truly special!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour that luscious filling into your prepared crust. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until it’s set in the middle. The aroma will fill your kitchen—get ready for some hungry faces!

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let your pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling period allows flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring clean slices when you serve. Enjoy your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with friends or family—it’s bound to become a cherished tradition!

Pro Tips for Making Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Creating a perfect Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is all about the details, and with a few handy tips, you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills!

Use cold ingredients: Starting with cold butter and ice water helps create a flaky crust. This temperature control prevents the butter from melting before baking, ensuring a deliciously tender pie.
Don’t skip the chilling step: Chilling the dough not only makes it easier to roll out but also helps maintain its structure while baking. A well-chilled crust will hold its shape beautifully.
Check for doneness: Baking times can vary, so keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. The filling should be puffed and set in the center but may still have a slight jiggle; it will firm up as it cools.
Let it cool properly: Allow your pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling time helps the filling to set perfectly, making each slice clean and beautiful.
Experiment with chocolate types: While semi-sweet chocolate chips are classic, feel free to mix in dark chocolate or milk chocolate for different flavor profiles. Each variation brings its own delightful twist to this beloved dessert.

How to Serve Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Serving your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie can be just as fun as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can elevate this dish from delicious to spectacular.

Garnishes

Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and creamy texture that complements the pie’s richness.
Chocolate shavings: Sprinkle some chocolate shavings on top for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Caramel drizzle: A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweet notes in the pie while adding a beautiful presentation element.

Side Dishes

Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the pie and adds a burst of color to your dessert spread.
Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with warm pecan pie, creating a comforting contrast that many crave.
Coffee or tea: Offering coffee or herbal tea alongside your dessert can help cleanse the palate and enhance flavors, making for a delightful end to any meal.
Chocolate sauce: Serve with warm chocolate sauce on the side for those who want an extra indulgent experience—perfect for chocolate lovers!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie will surely become a favorite at gatherings and family dinners alike! Enjoy every moment of this sweet creation!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is not only a delightful dessert but also perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or weeknight treats.

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pie in the refrigerator.
Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

Slice the pie into portions before freezing for easy serving later.
Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, let slices thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices on low power until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie that may help you!

Can I use other types of nuts in Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can experiment with walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

How do I ensure my Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie sets properly?

To ensure your pie sets well, be sure to bake it until the filling is firm in the center. You can gently shake the pan; if it wobbles slightly but doesn’t ripple, it’s done!

Can I make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie ahead of time?

Yes! This pie actually tastes better after resting. Prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.

What should I serve with Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie?

A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream complements this pie beautifully and adds a nice contrast to its rich flavors.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie brings joy and sweetness to your gatherings! It’s a special treat that combines rich chocolate and crunchy pecans, creating an experience that everyone will love. Enjoy baking, and don’t hesitate to share this delicious recipe with friends and family – they’ll thank you for it!

Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 8
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie, a luscious dessert that seamlessly blends rich chocolate with crunchy pecans. Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to festive gatherings, this pie is sure to impress your guests and become a cherished favorite. With its easy preparation and make-ahead convenience, you can focus on enjoying quality time with loved ones while treating them to this decadent sweet. Every slice offers a warm hug of comfort and satisfaction that will leave everyone wanting more!

Ingredients

Scale

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup ice water
1 cup light corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups pecan halves
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

Prepare the pie crust by mixing flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in ice water until just combined. Form into a disk and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll out chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan; prick the bottom with a fork.
In a separate bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs until smooth. Mix in vanilla, pecans, and chocolate chips.
Pour filling into the prepared crust and bake for 50-60 minutes until set.
Allow to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.