If you are a fan of rich, nutty, and delightfully chocolaty desserts, this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is sure to steal your heart and become a new favorite. Combining the classic, buttery pecan pie texture with a luscious chocolate twist, this recipe offers a beautifully balanced flavor and an irresistible creamy filling baked in a crisp graham cracker crust. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday celebration or just a cozy weekend treat, this pie embodies comfort and indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to achieving that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each item in this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe plays a vital role — from the creamy condensed milk that ensures a smooth filling to the crunchy pecans that add a satisfying bite.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Provides sweetness and a creamy consistency that forms the pie’s luscious base.
- Water: Helps balance the thickness of the filling for an even bake.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Brings rich chocolate flavor without extra sweetness, perfect for depth.
- Large eggs: Act as a binding agent to set the filling and add body.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- Chopped pecans: Add crunch and nutty flavor, making each bite interesting and textured.
- Prepared graham cracker crust: Offers a buttery, slightly sweet foundation that perfectly complements the filling.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F so it’s at the optimal temperature when your pie is ready to go in. This ensures an even baking process that sets the filling without overcooking or cracking.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, water, unsweetened cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and silky smooth. Then gently fold in the chopped pecans, distributing them evenly for a consistent nutty crunch in every slice.
Step 3: Bake the Pie
Pour the chocolate and pecan mixture into your prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. This texture will firm up beautifully as it cools, creating that perfect gooey yet sliceable pie.
Step 4: Cool and Chill
Transfer your pie to a wire rack to cool completely before placing it in the refrigerator. Chilling overnight is ideal because it allows the flavors to meld and the filling to firm up, resulting in a pie that slices cleanly and tastes even more decadent.
How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, dust a little powdered sugar or cocoa powder over the top, or add a dollop of whipped cream right before serving. A sprinkle of toasted pecan halves not only adds texture but also a lovely visual contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair this pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a well-rounded dessert experience that balances the rich chocolate and nut flavors with cool creaminess and sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving individual mini Chocolate Pecan Pie portions in ramekins for an elegant touch or stack small slices with layers of whipped cream and chopped pecans in clear dessert glasses for an eye-catching parfait-style treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover pie should be covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil and stored in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, allowing you to indulge in its rich flavor multiple times.
Freezing
This Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer to enjoy your pie slightly warm, you can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as it can affect the texture of the filling.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade crust instead of a graham cracker crust?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust, whether traditional pastry or even a chocolate cookie crust, works perfectly. Just make sure it’s pre-baked if needed to avoid a soggy bottom.
Is it necessary to chill the pie overnight?
While you can serve it sooner, chilling overnight is recommended because it helps the filling set fully and the flavors marry, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?
You can swap pecans for walnuts if you prefer, though pecans are traditional for their slightly sweeter, buttery flavor that complements chocolate beautifully.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is ready when the edges are set and the center jiggles only slightly when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can lead to cracking and dryness.
Can this pie be made vegan or dairy-free?
This classic recipe relies on eggs and condensed milk, but for a vegan version, you’d need to use substitutes like coconut condensed milk and an egg replacer—just keep in mind that texture and flavor will vary.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe because it truly is a showstopper with its luscious chocolate filling and satisfying nutty crunch. It’s a dessert that feels both comforting and special, perfect for sharing around the table with loved ones. Once you make it, I’m sure it will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
Print
Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes plus overnight chilling
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie combines the classic buttery graham cracker crust with a luscious chocolate custard filling studded with crunchy pecans. Perfectly baked to a silky, set texture, it’s an indulgent dessert ideal for holiday dinners, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for a homemade treat. The subtle hint of vanilla enhances the deep chocolate flavor, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 (14-oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Crust
- 1 (10-inch) prepared graham cracker crust
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature for even baking of the pie.
- Mix Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, water, unsweetened cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully combined. Then gently fold in the chopped pecans to evenly distribute them throughout the chocolate custard.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the prepared chocolate-pecan mixture into the 10-inch graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly to the edges.
- Bake Pie: Place the pie on the middle oven rack and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. The pie will firm up as it cools.
- Cool and Chill: Transfer the pie to a wire rack to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the filling to fully set for the best texture and taste before serving.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake; the pie should still have a slight wobble in the center when you take it out of the oven as it will firm up while cooling.
- Chilling the pie overnight improves sliceability and flavor depth.
- Substitute the pecans for walnuts if preferred.
- Use a prepared graham cracker crust to save time, or make your own from scratch if desired.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider topping the pie with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of sea salt before serving.
