Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie – Ultimate Southern Dessert You’ll Love

Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is the kind of dessert that makes you pause mid-bite and go, “Hold up…what is this delicious sorcery?” It’s where the rich, buttery charm of a Southern pecan pie meets the melty decadence of chocolate. This is no everyday pie—it’s the “famous aunt brings it to Thanksgiving and won’t share the recipe” kind of pie.

The best part? You don’t need to spend all day baking to make it happen. Whether you’re planning for a holiday, need something impressive for a potluck, or just want to sneak a forkful straight from the fridge at midnight (hey, no judgment), this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie hits the sweet spot. And yes, it has chocolate and pecans. That’s like wearing stretchy pants to Thanksgiving—you know it’s gonna be good.

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What is Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie?

Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a Southern classic with a little chocolate swagger. Imagine your traditional pecan pie: sticky, sweet, and packed with that nutty crunch. Now imagine someone came along, melted some semi-sweet chocolate into cream, and gave it a swirl right through the middle. That’s this pie. It’s still got the gooey center, the toasty pecans, and the flaky crust, but with added richness that makes each bite a little more indulgent.

It’s typically baked in a buttery 9-inch crust and often served at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or whenever someone needs a pick-me-up that doesn’t come from a self-help book. It’s that sweet, comforting “welcome home” kind of dessert with just enough chocolate to make it feel like a treat without overshadowing the nutty goodness we all love in a pecan pie.

Reasons to Try Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Honestly, Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie doesn’t need a sales pitch—but here’s one anyway. First, it’s ridiculously simple to throw together. You’re not spending three hours separating eggs or rolling out crust if you don’t want to (hi, store-bought!). Second, it’s got layers of flavor—crunchy, melty, sweet, and just a touch of salt that keeps it all in balance.

Third, it’s versatile. Need a dessert for Friendsgiving? Boom. Want to bring the showstopper to your church potluck? Done. It also travels well, freezes like a dream, and holds up for days in the fridge. And don’t even get me started on how good it is cold with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Bonus: it’s vegetarian-friendly, and if you’re into bourbon, you can sneak some into the filling and make it sing. Basically, it’s pie with personality—and we could all use more of that.

Ingredients Needed to Make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

• 1 ½ cups pecan halves
• 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust (or go homemade if you’re feeling fancy)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions to Make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grab your 9-inch pie crust—whether it’s a buttery homemade version or store-bought (no shame in that game). Gently press the crust into your pie pan, making sure it fits snugly without any air pockets underneath. If you’re into a decorative finish, crimp the edges with your fingers or the back of a fork. This crust will act as the cozy home for all that gooey, chocolatey filling to come. If you’re new to crust work, check out our Chicken Pot Pie Casserole for more crust-handling tips.

Step 2: Toast and Layer the Pecans
To boost the flavor, toast your pecan halves in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly browned—this step is optional, but it brings out that warm, nutty taste. Once they’ve cooled slightly, evenly layer them across the bottom of the pie crust. The pecans should mostly cover the base, giving every slice that perfect crunch.

Step 3: Mix the Sweet and Sticky Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup light corn syrup, and ¼ cup melted unsalted butter. Whisk until it looks like a golden syrupy mixture. Next, add 2 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Keep whisking until smooth and fully blended. This filling is the heart of your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie—sweet, rich, and just a little salty to keep things balanced. If you’re looking for a slightly different take, try swapping in maple syrup or honey like we do in some of our Thanksgiving casseroles for a natural twist.

Step 4: Pour the Filling Over the Pecans
Slowly pour your filling mixture right over the pecans. The liquid will seep down and fill in all the spaces between the nuts, giving your pie that classic, sticky Southern texture. Make sure everything’s covered and the pecans are nestled just beneath the surface. If you notice some pecans float to the top—don’t worry, that’s totally normal.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate for the Swirl
Now for the fun part—the chocolate! In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and ¼ cup heavy cream. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until the mixture is silky smooth. Usually, it takes about 40–60 seconds total. If you’re not into microwaves, you can do this gently over the stove using a double boiler. Want to switch things up? Check out our Broccoli Mac and Cheese for another creamy technique that works wonders.

Step 6: Swirl the Chocolate into the Filling
Once your chocolate mixture is melted and glossy, drizzle it evenly over the top of your filled pie. Then, using a butter knife or the back of a spoon, swirl the chocolate into the filling using gentle figure-eight motions. You don’t need to be precise—just aim for a pretty marbled effect. This step not only looks gorgeous but guarantees a little chocolate in every bite. It’s the signature swirl that turns a regular pecan pie into a Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie masterpiece.

Step 7: Bake Until Set and Slightly Jiggly
Carefully place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The edges will puff slightly, and the center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. That jiggle means it’s set but not overdone. To test it, insert a toothpick near the center—it should come out mostly clean but a bit sticky. If the crust is browning too quickly, loosely tent the pie with foil halfway through.

Step 8: Cool Completely Before Serving
Once baked, remove the pie and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This is crucial—if you slice it too soon, the filling may ooze. Once cool, the pie will set perfectly and slice like a dream. For even cleaner slices, pop it into the fridge for an hour before serving. Planning a big meal? Pair it with our Chicken Mashed Potato Bowls or Cattle Drive Casserole for a crowd-pleasing combo.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy Every Bite
Slice and serve as-is, or take it over the top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Want to really impress? Drizzle with caramel or a sprinkle of sea salt. And don’t forget—this pie makes phenomenal leftovers. One bite of this gooey, chocolate-swirled beauty, and you’ll understand why Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a dessert worth repeating.

What to Serve with Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

A slice of Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is pretty much perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to turn it into a full dessert experience, try pairing it with something creamy or cold. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic—you know, that hot-and-cold magic.

Or go for whipped cream if you like it light and fluffy. A little bourbon caramel drizzle? Now you’re speaking our language. If you’re entertaining, this pie also pairs really nicely with a cup of strong coffee or a bold red wine. Hosting a Southern-style dinner? Finish off with this pie after something hearty like our Cattle Drive Casserole or Chicken Pot Pie Casserole. It’s the kind of sweet ending that leaves people talking—like in a good way.

Key Tips for Making Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Toasting your pecans before baking? Game-changer. Just a few minutes in a skillet brings out their nutty flavor. If you want a pie that slices clean, let it cool completely—or even chill it for an hour in the fridge. If your pie is browning too fast on top, tent it with foil halfway through baking.

Want a deeper, more complex flavor? A tablespoon of bourbon in the filling goes a long way without making it taste like a drink. And don’t skip the swirl! It’s not just pretty—it makes sure you get chocolate in every bite. Finally, use real vanilla extract if you can. That fake stuff isn’t invited to the Texas pie party.

Storage and Reheating Tips Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Once baked and cooled, Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie can be stored in the fridge, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap, for up to 4 days. If you’re making it ahead for a holiday, bake it the day before—this pie loves a little chill time. Want to freeze it? Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it’ll keep for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, a few seconds in the microwave will warm each slice, or pop the whole pie into a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes if you want to serve it warm. Just don’t overdo it—nobody wants rubbery pecan pie. Bonus tip: cold leftover pie with hot coffee is absolutely a breakfast food. Fight me.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade crust?
Absolutely! If you’ve got the time and love working with pastry, go for it. But store-bought works like a charm too.

What if I don’t have corn syrup?
You can sub in maple syrup or honey, though the texture might be slightly different. Still delicious though.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, it slices better when chilled. Make it a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge.

Can I skip the chocolate?
Sure, but then it’s just regular pecan pie. Still tasty, but the chocolate is what gives it that Texas-sized flair.

Is it kid-friendly?
Completely. Just skip the optional bourbon if you’re making it for the younger crowd.

Final Thoughts

Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is that one dessert that always gets people reaching for seconds. It’s rich, buttery, perfectly sweet, and swirling with chocolatey goodness. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, planning a holiday feast, or just baking something special because it’s Wednesday (why not?), this pie delivers all the cozy Southern feels with a touch of flair.

And if you’re a fan of comfort food that wows without the stress, be sure to check out recipes like Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Casserole and Jiffy Corn Casserole for your next big meal. Now, go grab your pie dish and make something sweet happen.

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