Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert! This incredible Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie isn’t your average pie; it’s a wonderfully gooey and fudgy treat that combines the best of a brownie with a classic pecan pie. Its rich, decadent center and crunchy pecan topping create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Best of all, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare. This guide will walk you through every easy step to create this showstopper in your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for so many reasons. The deep, rich chocolate flavor makes it utterly irresistible and a wonderful twist on classic recipes.
- Unbelievably Fudgy Center: Unlike traditional recipes, this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie has a gooey, brownie-like filling that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
- Crunchy Pecan Topping: A generous layer of toasted pecans provides the perfect textural contrast to the smooth, rich filling.
- Incredibly Easy to Make: Using a premade crust and simple ingredients means you can whip this up with minimal effort.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: It’s an elegant dessert for holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas, but simple enough for a weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie. Everything you need is simple and easy to find at your local grocery store.
- 1 9-inch deep dish premade pie crust
- 1 (12 oz) jar hot fudge sauce
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cups chopped pecans
- 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Notes & Substitutions
- Pie Crust: A premade refrigerated or frozen crust saves time, but feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe for this fudgy pecan pie.
- Hot Fudge Sauce: Brands like Smucker’s or Hershey’s work great. Choose a thick, high-quality sauce for the best texture.
- Chocolate Chips: Mini semi-sweet chips are ideal, but you can use regular-sized ones or even dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans work best for the filling and topping, but pecan halves can be used for a decorative topping if you prefer.
- Sugar: Light brown sugar adds a wonderful caramel note, but granulated sugar can be used in a pinch.
Equipment to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this fantastic fudgy pecan pie. You likely already have everything you need in your kitchen drawers.
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Foil-lined baking sheet
- Spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl or the fudge jar itself (if glass)
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie
Let’s get baking! Following these simple steps will give you a perfect chocolate chip pecan pie every time. This process is beginner-friendly and so rewarding.
- Prep Your Oven and Crust: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your 9-inch deep-dish pie crust onto a baking sheet lined with foil. The foil makes cleanup a breeze in case of any bubbly overflow.
- Warm the Fudge Sauce: Next, prepare your hot fudge sauce. Remove the lid and any foil film from the jar. Microwave it for about 40 seconds, or until it’s warm and pourable. Pour the warmed sauce into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the Filling: To the fudge sauce, add the three large eggs, packed light brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, pure vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is completely combined, smooth, and glossy. Don’t overmix; just whisk until no streaks remain.
- Fold in Goodies: Now, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips and one-third of your chopped pecans (about 1 cup). Using a spatula for this step prevents you from overmixing the batter.
- Assemble the Pie: Carefully pour the rich chocolate filling into your prepared pie crust. Use your spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining two cups of chopped pecans evenly over the top of the filling. This creates the beautiful, crunchy top layer that makes this chocolate pecan pie so special.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet with the pie into your preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know the pie is done when the center is set and doesn’t jiggle too much when you gently shake it. The edges should be puffed and the top golden brown.
- Cool Completely: This is a very important step! Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool for at least 2-3 hours ensures the fudgy center sets properly for clean slicing.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Here are a few tips to ensure your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie turns out perfectly.
- For a Flaky Crust: If using a frozen crust, let it thaw, but keep it cold. Prick the bottom with a fork a few times before filling.
- Avoid Burnt Edges: If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with strips of aluminum foil or a pie shield for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
- Prevent Cracking: Don’t overbake the pie. A slight wobble in the very center is okay, as it will continue to set while it cools. Cooling it slowly at room temperature, away from drafts, also helps prevent cracks.
Common Mistakes
- Overmixing: Whisk the filling just until combined. Overmixing can make the texture tough.
- Not Cooling: Slicing into a warm pie will result in a soupy mess. Patience is key for that perfect fudgy set!
Serving, Storage & Variations
This chocolate pecan pie is divine on its own, but a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream takes it over the top. A drizzle of caramel sauce is also a fantastic addition.
Storage
Store leftover Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can serve it chilled or let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. To freeze, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Variations
- Chocolate Swap: Use dark chocolate fudge sauce and bittersweet chocolate chips for a deeper flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Add a half-cup of toasted coconut to the filling.
- Mini Pies: Pour the filling into mini tartlet shells and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided below is an estimate for one slice of Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie (assuming the pie is cut into 8 slices). Actual values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used. This information is provided as a courtesy and should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 453 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 29 g |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fat | 36 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Cholesterol | 59 mg |
| Sodium | 343 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
FAQ
Here are answers to some common questions about this delicious chocolate pecan pie recipe.
How does this pie differ from a traditional pecan pie?
This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie has a dense, fudgy, brownie-like base from the hot fudge sauce, whereas traditional pecan pie has a gooier, translucent, corn syrup-based filling.
Historically, pecan pie recipes, which some food historians trace to a pecan custard pie in Texas cookbooks from the 1870s, have evolved. Learn more about the sweet history of pecan pie.
Can I use a homemade pie crust?
Absolutely! A homemade buttery, flaky crust would be a wonderful foundation for this rich filling. Just be sure to use a deep-dish plate.
What’s the best way to tell if the pie is set?
Gently shake the pie. The edges should be firm and set, while the very center should have only a slight jiggle. It will firm up completely as it cools.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this Texas-style pie. Simply use your favorite store-bought or homemade gluten-free pie crust.
Conclusion
With its rich, fudgy center and crunchy pecan topping, this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a truly unforgettable dessert. It’s the perfect blend of familiar comfort and decadent indulgence, all wrapped up in a simple, beginner-friendly recipe. I know you and your loved ones will adore every single bite of this amazing pie. If you try it, please come back and leave a comment and rating below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Happy baking
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie: A Gooey, Fudgy Delight
Equipment
- Oven
- Foil-lined cookie sheet
- Microwave
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Pie Ingredients
- 1 9-inch deep dish premade crust
- 1 jar hot fudge sauce 12oz jar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 cups chopped pecans
- 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F and place the pie shell onto a foil-lined cookie sheet.
- Microwave the hot fudge sauce in its jar for 40 seconds, then pour it into a large mixing bowl.
- Whisk in the eggs, brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is smooth.
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips and one-third of the chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pie crust and top with the remaining pecans.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the center is set, then allow the pie to cool completely.