chocolate pecan pie

Craving a sweet, nutty, and chocolatey treat? This chocolate pecan pie brings together rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate with the crunchy goodness of toasted pecans, all wrapped in a flaky pie crust.

It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion—be it a family gathering, holiday feast, or a simple indulgence for yourself. With a hint of bourbon or vanilla extract, this pie strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and depth of flavor, leaving everyone asking for more.

Ingredients List

Creating the ultimate chocolate pecan pie requires the right combination of ingredients to bring out the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:

Pie Ingredients

• 1 frozen (9-inch) deep-dish pie crust, thawed
• 1 ½ sticks (12 tablespoons) salted butter, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 ½ cups sugar
• 3 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ¾ cups chopped pecans or walnuts (your choice)
• 1 ½ tablespoons bourbon or vanilla extract (for added flavor)
• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark, depending on your preference)

Optional Garnish

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)

Required Kitchen Tools

When making a delicious chocolate pecan pie, having the right tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here are the essential items you’ll need:

1. Electric Mixer: To beat the butter, flour, sugar, and eggs into a smooth, well-combined mixture, an electric mixer will make this step quicker and easier.
2. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key to the perfect pie. Ensure you have both liquid and dry measuring cups to get the right amounts of ingredients.
3. Pie Plate: A deep-dish pie plate is important to ensure your pie has enough space for all the rich filling without overflowing.
4. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a large mixing bowl for the filling and a small bowl for your beaten eggs.
5. Spatula: For stirring the ingredients and scraping the sides of your bowls to make sure everything is mixed evenly.
6. Oven Thermometer: To ensure your oven is at the right temperature for baking, an oven thermometer can help maintain an accurate heat level.

Having these tools on hand will ensure a seamless pie-making experience.

Pie Preparation

Making this chocolate pecan pie is easy, and the result is a decadent, gooey masterpiece. Follow these simple steps to prepare the filling and bake the pie to perfection.

Mixing the Ingredients

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). While the oven heats up, place your thawed deep-dish pie crust in a deep pie plate, ensuring that the edges are neatly tucked into the plate.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature butter, flour, and sugar. Use your electric mixer to beat the mixture until it’s well-blended and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs: Beat the 3 large eggs in a separate bowl, then gradually add them into the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well to combine.
4. Add the Nuts, Bourbon, and Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chopped pecans (or walnuts, if you prefer), bourbon (or vanilla extract), and chocolate chips. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the prepared filling into the pie shell. Leave about 1/4 inch of space at the top of the crust to prevent overflow during baking. If the filling seems too much for the crust, you can set aside a small portion of the filling.

Baking the Pie

Once the pie is filled and ready, it’s time to bake it to golden perfection. The slow baking process ensures the filling sets while maintaining its rich, smooth texture.

Baking Time and Temperature

1. Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven at 275°F (135°C). Bake for about 90 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is slightly golden. If the pie starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil to prevent over-baking.
2. Check for Doneness: The pie is done when the filling has slightly firmed up, but it should still have a slight wobble in the center. You can check this by gently tapping the side of the pie plate—if it jiggles, it needs more time.
3. Cool Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. This step is crucial to let the filling set properly. Once cooled, slice and serve.

Serving and Decoration

This chocolate pecan pie is delicious on its own, but with a few extra touches, you can take it to the next level.

Suggested Toppings and Coatings

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich pie.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm pie, creating a comforting and indulgent dessert.

Feel free to experiment with additional toppings like chocolate shavings or caramel sauce for a gourmet touch.

Storage Instructions

After baking, you can enjoy this pie for several days, or save it for later. Here’s how to store it properly:

How to Keep Chocolate Pecan Pie Fresh

To keep your chocolate pecan pie fresh, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the pie has fully cooled before refrigerating.

Freezing Chocolate Pecan Pie

If you’d like to keep the pie for a longer time, you can freeze it. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, let the pie thaw at room temperature for a few hours before serving.

Conclusion

This chocolate pecan pie is the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey flavors, with a buttery, flaky crust. If you’re making it for a special occasion or simply satisfying your dessert cravings, this pie is sure to be a hit.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll master this recipe in no time. Serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and enjoy a slice (or two) of heaven. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in this irresistible treat!