Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie represents the ultimate fusion of Southern comfort and decadent indulgence, transforming the classic pecan pie into an extraordinary dessert that’ll become your family’s most requested treat. Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, and after years of disappointing store-bought pies that never captured that authentic Texas bakery magic, I’ve perfected this recipe that delivers rich, gooey perfection every single time. Tired of pecan pies with soggy bottoms, artificial flavors, or fillings that separate during baking?

This isn’t just another dessert recipe—it’s a complete chocolate and pecan experience featuring a perfectly flaky homemade crust, rich chocolate filling studded with premium pecans, and that signature Texas-sized portion that makes every slice memorable. As someone who’s spent countless hours at dishfoody.com mastering dessert techniques, I’ve discovered the secret lies in proper temperature control, quality ingredient selection, and the perfect balance between chocolate richness and pecan texture.

Today, you’ll learn my foolproof method for creating the flakiest pie crust, achieving the ideal filling consistency that sets perfectly without cracking, selecting the best pecans for maximum flavor and crunch, and mastering those professional-level presentation techniques. Whether you’re planning a special holiday dessert or want to surprise your family with something truly spectacular, this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie delivers bakery-quality results that’ll have everyone asking for your secret.

Why This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe Works

This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie succeeds where other recipes fail by focusing on three essential elements: perfect texture balance, foolproof technique, and incredible flavor depth that satisfies every sweet tooth. Unlike complicated dessert recipes that require professional pastry skills, this version uses proven home baking methods while achieving that coveted restaurant-quality finish.

• Uses premium, easily accessible ingredients – High-quality chocolate, fresh pecans, and pure vanilla create luxurious results without breaking the budget • Foolproof filling technique prevents cracking and ensures perfect consistency every time • Perfect for special occasions and holidays – impressive presentation that feeds a crowd beautifully • Make-ahead friendly – actually improves in flavor overnight and stores beautifully for days • Infinitely customizable – adjust chocolate intensity, add flavor extracts, or create stunning garnish variations

The brilliance of this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie lies in how the rich chocolate filling complements rather than overwhelms the buttery pecan flavor, creating a harmonious dessert that satisfies both chocolate and pecan pie lovers simultaneously.

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Best Chocolate for This Recipe

The foundation of exceptional Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie starts with selecting quality chocolate that provides rich flavor without excessive sweetness. Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content creates the perfect balance of sweetness and depth.

Avoid milk chocolate, which can make the filling overly sweet and interfere with the pecans’ natural nuttiness. High-quality chocolate brands like Ghirardelli, Callebaut, or even good grocery store brands work beautifully when you focus on the cocoa percentage rather than premium pricing.

Pecan Selection Tips for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Choose fresh, plump pecan halves with consistent color and size for the most attractive presentation. Taste your pecans before using—they should be sweet and buttery without any bitter or rancid flavors that can develop during improper storage.

Buy pecans from stores with high turnover, and store them in the freezer if not using immediately. Toast pecans lightly before adding to the filling for enhanced flavor and better texture contrast.

Essential Ingredient Substitutions for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

While butter provides the best flavor in the crust, vegetable shortening can create an even flakier texture if preferred. Corn syrup can be replaced with honey or maple syrup, though this will slightly change the flavor profile and color.

For egg-free versions, commercial egg replacers work adequately, though the texture will be slightly different from traditional recipes. Always use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for the best flavor development.

Ingredients & Prep for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Crust Preparation Essentials for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Remove butter from refrigeration 30 minutes before mixing to achieve the ideal texture for pastry making. Cold butter creates flaky layers, while overly soft butter makes tough, dense crusts that won’t hold their shape during baking.

Chill your mixing bowl and pastry tools if your kitchen is warm, as temperature control is crucial for achieving that perfect flaky texture that supports the rich chocolate filling.

Pie Crust Components for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed • 3-4 tablespoons ice water • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional for slight sweetness)

Chocolate Pecan Filling for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

• 1 cup light corn syrup • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar • 3 large eggs, room temperature • 2 tablespoons melted butter • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips • 1 1/2 cups pecan halves • 2 tablespoons heavy cream for richness

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Pre-Baking Prep for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F for initial crust baking, then reduce to 350°F for the filling. Prepare your pie crust by mixing flour and salt, then cutting in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.

Gradually add ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling. This resting period allows gluten to relax and butter to firm up for easier handling.

Crust Preparation Method for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Roll chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to about 12-inch diameter, turning frequently to prevent sticking. Transfer carefully to a 9-inch pie pan, trim excess leaving 1-inch overhang, and crimp edges decoratively.

Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake for 10 minutes at 425°F, then remove weights and parchment, reduce temperature to 350°F, and bake 5 more minutes until lightly golden.

Filling Assembly for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be glossy and free of lumps for the smoothest final texture.

Scatter chocolate chips evenly across the bottom of your pre-baked crust, then arrange pecan halves in an attractive pattern on top. Pour the filling mixture slowly over the pecans, allowing it to settle around the nuts naturally.

Final Baking Process for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. The filling will continue cooking from residual heat, so avoid overbaking which can cause cracking and tough texture.

Cover edges with foil strips if they brown too quickly during baking. The finished pie should have a glossy, set surface with pecans beautifully arranged and visible through the translucent filling.

Cooling Period for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for at least 3 hours before slicing. This cooling period is essential for the filling to set properly and achieve clean, attractive slices that hold their shape.

For best flavor development, refrigerate overnight before serving. The chocolate and pecan flavors meld beautifully during this resting period, creating even more delicious results.

Pro Tips for Perfect Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Avoiding Common Baking Mistakes with Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Never skip the blind baking step, as this prevents soggy bottoms that can ruin the entire dessert. Don’t overmix the filling, which can incorporate too much air and cause cracking during baking.

Use room temperature eggs for smoother mixing and more even texture. Cold eggs can cause the filling to separate or create lumps that won’t smooth out during baking.

Essential Tool Recommendations for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

A glass pie dish allows you to monitor bottom crust browning and ensures even heat distribution. Pie weights or dried beans are crucial for proper blind baking results that prevent shrinkage and puffing.

A bench scraper makes pastry handling easier and cleaner. An offset spatula helps with smooth filling distribution and professional-looking presentation techniques.

Storage & Serving Guidelines for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie keeps at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days covered with plastic wrap. For longer storage, freeze whole pies for up to 3 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Slice with a sharp, thin knife wiped clean between cuts for the most attractive presentation. Serve with lightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgent experience.

Flavor Variations for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Double Chocolate Indulgence

Transform your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie into chocolate lover’s paradise by adding cocoa powder to the crust and incorporating chopped dark chocolate along with the chocolate chips. A chocolate cookie crust made from crushed chocolate wafers creates even more intense chocolate flavor.

Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled pie surface for restaurant-quality presentation that impresses every guest and adds extra richness to every bite.

Bourbon Pecan Enhancement

Create an adult version of Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie by adding 2-3 tablespoons of high-quality bourbon to the filling mixture. The alcohol cooks out during baking, leaving subtle vanilla and caramel notes that complement both chocolate and pecans beautifully.

Soak pecans in bourbon for 30 minutes before arranging in the crust for even more concentrated flavor throughout the dessert.

Salted Caramel Twist

Elevate your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with homemade salted caramel swirled through the filling or drizzled over the finished pie. Replace part of the corn syrup with caramel sauce for deeper flavor complexity.

Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the surface before baking for that perfect sweet-salty balance that’s become so popular in modern dessert trends.

Serving Suggestions for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie serves beautifully as the grand finale to holiday meals, dinner parties, or any special occasion that deserves something extraordinary. Consider pairing with vanilla bean ice cream, freshly whipped cream, or even coffee ice cream for adult sophistication.

Classic accompaniments include strong coffee, dessert wines, or even a glass of cold milk for those who prefer simple pleasures. The pie also pairs wonderfully with fresh berries for color contrast and palate-cleansing acidity.

For elegant presentation, dust individual slices with powdered sugar, add a mint sprig garnish, or serve alongside seasonal fruit compotes that complement the rich chocolate and pecan flavors.

FAQs About Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Can I make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie ahead of time? Absolutely! This pie actually improves in flavor when made 1-2 days ahead. Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer storage. The flavors meld beautifully and the texture becomes even more perfect.

How do I prevent my Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie filling from cracking? Avoid overbaking by checking for doneness early and removing when the center still jiggles slightly. Use room temperature eggs and don’t overmix the filling, which can incorporate excess air leading to cracks during baking.

What’s the best way to store leftover Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie? Cover loosely with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For best texture, bring refrigerated pie to room temperature 30 minutes before serving.

Can I freeze Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie? Yes! Wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for optimal texture and flavor.

How do I know when my Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is properly baked? The center should be just set but still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. The surface should be glossy and golden brown. Overbaking creates tough, cracked filling that loses its signature gooey texture.

Is Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie safe for people with nut allergies? No, this recipe contains pecans and should be avoided by anyone with tree nut allergies. There’s no suitable substitution that maintains the authentic character of pecan pie.

Conclusion

This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie has become the crown jewel of desserts in the dishfoody.com collection, transforming special occasions into unforgettable memories with its perfect balance of rich chocolate and buttery pecans. The combination of flaky homemade crust, gooey chocolate filling, and crunchy pecan topping creates a dessert experience that satisfies every sweet craving while impressing even the most discerning dessert lovers.

Fire up your oven and create this spectacular dessert for your next special gathering—your guests will be talking about it for years to come! Join the thousands of home bakers in the dishfoody.com community who’ve made Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie their signature dessert for holidays, celebrations, and any time life calls for something truly extraordinary.

Ready for more show-stopping desserts? Try our Toffee Apple Pie with Vanilla Custard or explore our Frosted Coffee Brownies Recipe for additional recipes that’ll make your kitchen the destination everyone hopes to visit during dessert time.

Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Print Recipe

A decadent twist on a Southern classic, this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie combines rich chocolate with crunchy pecans in a buttery crust.

• Author: ssam
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 55 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern / American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

• 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• 2. In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
• 3. Stir in pecan halves and chocolate chips.
• 4. Pour mixture into the unbaked pie crust and spread evenly.
• 5. Bake for 50–55 minutes, until filling is set and slightly puffed.
• 6. Cool completely before slicing to allow filling to firm up.
• 7. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Notes

• For a richer flavor, toast pecans before adding them to the filling.
• You can substitute dark chocolate chips for a bolder taste.
• Pie can be baked a day ahead and stored covered at room temperature.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 38g
• Sodium: 260mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie, Southern dessert, holiday pie