If you crave a dessert that perfectly blends chocolate and the nutty crunch of pecans, the Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is your ultimate indulgence. This Southern classic elevates the traditional pecan pie with luscious chocolate, creating a gooey, rich filling that melts in your mouth. Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or a sweet treat any day, this pie promises flavor, texture, and visual appeal in every slice.
The magic of the Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie lies in its balance of flavors: sweet yet not cloying, chocolatey yet nutty, and luxuriously smooth yet with a satisfying crunch. With a buttery, flaky crust holding a decadent chocolate-pecan filling, this dessert is guaranteed to impress even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re a dessert enthusiast, a home baker, or simply looking for a Southern-style sweet to wow your guests, this pie delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
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Rich Flavor Explosion: Combining cocoa and pecans ensures a nutty chocolate experience in every bite.
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Perfect for Holidays: A show-stopping dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
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Homemade Goodness: Made from scratch with fresh, quality ingredients.
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Deep-Dish Delight: Offers a thick, gooey center that keeps everyone coming back for more.
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Simple Yet Elegant: Easy-to-follow steps create a bakery-worthy dessert.
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Versatile Dessert: Pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or espresso.
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Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Crunchy pecans on top, smooth chocolate filling inside.
Ingredients for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
For the Pie Crust:
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup ice water
Tips & Substitutions: Use high-quality butter for the flakiest crust. For a nutty twist, replace part of the flour with almond flour.
For the Filling:
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1 cup light corn syrup
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1 cup brown sugar
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1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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4 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 cups pecan halves
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1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Notes: Dark chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bars can be substituted for a more intense chocolate flavor. Toast pecans lightly to enhance their nutty aroma.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pie Crust
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In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
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Add cold butter cubes and blend using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough forms a disk. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat the Oven
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll Out the Dough
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Roll chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Prick the bottom lightly with a fork to prevent bubbling.
Prepare the Filling
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In a medium bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and eggs until smooth.
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Stir in vanilla extract, pecans, and chocolate chips. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Assemble and Bake
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Pour the filling into the prepared crust.
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Bake for 50–60 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
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Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Pro Tips for Perfect Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
How Do I Prevent the Pie from Overcooking?
Bake until edges are set and the center jiggles slightly. Overbaking dries out the filling and reduces richness.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes! Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie can be baked a day in advance. Cover loosely with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.
What Makes This Pie Extra Chocolatey?
Using a combination of cocoa powder and chocolate chips creates depth in chocolate flavor. For a fudgier texture, add 2 tablespoons of melted chocolate to the filling mixture.
Best Ways to Serve
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Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic Southern indulgence.
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Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for extra flair.
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Serve alongside coffee or hot cocoa to enhance its rich flavors.
Nutrition (Per Serving – 1/8 Pie)
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Calories: 450 kcal
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Fat: 25 g
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Saturated Fat: 12 g
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Carbohydrates: 55 g
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Sugar: 36 g
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Protein: 6 g
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Fiber: 3 g
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Cholesterol: 80 mg
Storage & Leftovers
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Room Temperature: Covered, up to 2 days.
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Refrigerator: Wrapped in foil or plastic wrap, 4–5 days.
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Freezer: Slice into portions, wrap in plastic and foil, freeze up to 2 months.
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Reheating: Warm in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes to regain gooey texture.
FAQs About Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
Q: Can I make this pie gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour and ensure the crust is handled gently to prevent crumbling.
Q: Can I replace pecans with walnuts?
A: Absolutely. Walnuts provide a similar texture and flavor, though pecans are more traditional for a Southern-style chocolate pie.
Q: Is it possible to make mini chocolate pecan pies?
A: Yes. Use muffin tins for individual pies, bake 25–30 minutes, and reduce filling slightly to prevent overflow.
Q: How do I keep the crust from becoming soggy?
A: Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes or brush with a thin layer of melted chocolate before adding the filling.
Variations for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
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Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and dairy-free chocolate chips.
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Boozy Chocolate Pecan Pie: Add 2 tablespoons bourbon or dark rum to the filling for adult indulgence.
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Salted Caramel Twist: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the baked pie for a sweet-salty contrast.
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Mini Pies & Tartlets: Perfect for parties or portion control.
Conclusion
The Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of Southern culinary tradition with a chocolatey twist. Its rich, nutty, and gooey texture makes it perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try this recipe today, and share your creation on social media with friends and family to spread the joy. Unlock the full potential of your dessert game with this decadent Southern classic!