Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate and crunchy pecans, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a beloved dessert that brings together the best of both worlds: the nuttiness of pecans and the richness of chocolate. It’s a staple at family gatherings and holidays, sure to impress your guests!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy pecans
- A delightful blend of textures with a flaky crust
- Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a sweet indulgence
The Perfect Balance of Flavor
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a true testament to the art of dessert-making. The combination of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans creates an irresistible flavor profile that is both indulgent and satisfying. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the silky chocolate filling and the toasted pecans, making it a standout choice for dessert enthusiasts.
The use of unsweetened cocoa powder adds depth to the chocolate flavor without overwhelming sweetness, allowing the natural nuttiness of the pecans to shine through. This balance of flavors ensures that your palate is treated to a complex yet harmonious experience, making this pie a memorable addition to any dessert table.
A Flaky Crust to Complement the Filling
The foundation of any great pie lies in its crust, and this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is no exception. The flaky pie crust serves as the perfect vessel for the rich filling, providing a contrast in texture that enhances the overall experience. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, and sugar, this crust is easy to prepare and yields delicious results.
Chilling the dough before rolling it out ensures that the butter remains cold, which is key to achieving that coveted flaky texture. When baked, the crust becomes golden and crisp, complementing the gooey chocolate filling without becoming soggy. This attention to detail in the crust elevates the entire pie, making it a standout dessert.
Versatile and Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is its versatility. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a sweet indulgence, this pie fits the bill perfectly. Its rich flavors and appealing presentation make it a crowd-pleaser, ensuring that everyone will want a slice.
Additionally, this pie can be made ahead of time, allowing for easy preparation when entertaining guests. Simply bake it the day before your event, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator. This way, you can focus on other aspects of your gathering while still serving an impressive and delicious dessert.
Ingredients
For the pie crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the filling
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Combine all ingredients thoroughly for a delicious filling.
Instructions
Prepare the pie crust
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water, a tablespoon at a time, until mixture forms a ball.
Pre-bake the crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 10 minutes.
Prepare the filling
In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
Assemble the pie
Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set. Let cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy your delicious Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie!
Tips for Perfecting Your Pie
To achieve the best results with your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie, consider using high-quality chocolate and fresh pecans. The flavor of the chocolate significantly influences the overall taste, so opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips that melt beautifully into the filling. Fresh pecans will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
It's also important to monitor the baking time closely. Baking the pie until the filling is just set ensures that it will slice cleanly while maintaining a gooey center. If the edges of the crust start to darken too much, you can cover them with foil to prevent burning while the filling finishes baking.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
After baking, allow your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie to cool completely before slicing. This step is crucial as it helps the filling set up properly, making it easier to serve. You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for up to four days. For the best flavor and texture, bring it to room temperature before serving.
When it comes to serving, this pie pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy elements enhance the chocolate and pecan flavors, making each bite even more decadent. For an extra touch, consider drizzling some chocolate sauce on top for an indulgent presentation.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, store-bought pie crust can save time and still taste great!
→ How do I store leftover pie?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it well.
→ What can I substitute for corn syrup?
You can use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for corn syrup.
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a decadent dessert that combines rich chocolate and crunchy pecans, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
Created by: Olivia Hayes
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the pie crust
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the filling
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups pecans, chopped
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in water, a tablespoon at a time, until mixture forms a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the chilled dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork and bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.
In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir in chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the filling is set. Let cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 6g