Name: Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 9 inch homemade pie dough crust (or 1 store bought rolled unbaked pie crust, from a 14 ounce package); 2 cups chopped pecans; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 large eggs; 3/4 cup light corn syrup; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted; Whipped cream (optional); Chocolate shavings (optional)

If you love classic Southern desserts with a twist, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe. I’m telling you, it’s that perfectly gooey, chocolatey, nutty pie that just melts in your mouth and makes any day feel like a celebration. When I first tried this recipe, I couldn’t believe how the rich chocolate added a whole new depth to the traditional pecan pie I grew up with. Stick around—I’m sharing all my tips to help you nail this beauty on your first try!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Chocolate Flavor: The cocoa powder and melted chocolate give a luscious, deep chocolate taste that sets this pie apart.
Perfectly Gooey Filling: Achieve that classic pecan pie texture that’s thick but still melt-in-your-mouth soft.
Simple Ingredients: You’ll find everything in your pantry already, and it’s easy to pull together without fuss.
Great Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s always the star at holiday tables or casual get-togethers.

A slice of dark brown pecan pie with a golden crust sits on a white plate with a thin brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The pecan filling is textured and chunky, topped with a small swirl of white cream and tiny chocolate bits. A woman's hand holds a silver fork, lifting a piece of the pie with crust and filling visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chocolate Pecan Pie, decadent pecan pie with chocolate, easy chocolate pecan pie recipe, traditional Southern pecan pie with chocolate, gooey chocolate pecan pie

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe balances nutty pecans, sweet brown sugar, and rich chocolate for a truly indulgent experience. Knowing a bit about each ingredient helps you pick the freshest and tastiest options.

Flat lay of a simple white ceramic pie plate with a smooth, unbaked homemade pie dough crust pressed inside, a small pile of whole pecans, a small white bowl of packed brown sugar, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of unsweetened cocoa powder, three large whole eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of light corn syrup, a small white bowl holding melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, a dollop of fresh whipped cream on a white ceramic dish, and a few delicate dark chocolate shavings on the side, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Chocolate Pecan Pie, decadent pecan pie with chocolate, easy chocolate pecan pie recipe, traditional Southern pecan pie with chocolate, gooey chocolate pecan pie

Pie dough crust: I love making mine from scratch, but a quality store-bought rolled crust works wonders when you’re in a hurry.
Chopped pecans: Fresh pecans are key — avoid those pre-roasted ones with added salt to keep flavors balanced.
Brown sugar: Use packed brown sugar for rich caramel notes that complement the chocolate.
All-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the filling so it sets properly without being rubbery.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: This adds that deep chocolate tone; Dutch-processed cocoa works beautifully if you have it.
Eggs: They bind all the filling ingredients together and give the pie its luscious texture.
Light corn syrup: Classic pecan pie TLC — it adds sweetness and that characteristic glossy finish.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and smoothness to the filling.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the pie’s flavor with a subtle warmth.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance all that sweetness.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted): The chocolate you’ll melt into the filling for that irresistible fudgy touch.
Whipped cream and/or chocolate shavings: The perfect finishing touch when serving.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love to make this recipe my own depending on the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to experiment—you might discover new favorites just like I did.

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie: I discovered that adding 2-3 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling introduces a smoky depth that makes the pie extra special for holiday dinners.
Dairy-Free Twist: Swap the butter with coconut oil and use a dairy-free pie crust for a luscious vegan option that still shines.
Different Chocolate Types: Whether white, milk, or dark chocolate chips, each brings a unique flavor—my personal favorite is semi-sweet for perfect balance.
Nut Variations: Try mixing pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds for a crunchy surprise.

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Crust Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lightly coating your 9-inch pie plate with nonstick spray. Roll out your pie dough gently and press it evenly into the plate. I like to use my fingers to tuck the dough in, smoothing it all the way up the sides—this helps prevent shrinking during baking. Flute or crimp the edges for that classic homemade look. No need to pre-bake the crust here; it will bake perfectly with the filling.

Step 2: Layer Pecans for Crunch

Sprinkle the chopped pecans in an even layer over the crust. This step is crucial because the nuts form a delicious crunchy blanket under the gooey filling. When I skip scattering them this way, the texture isn’t quite as satisfying.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Chocolate Filling

In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, cocoa powder, eggs, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, salt, and melted semi-sweet chocolate until smooth and combined. I find it easiest to melt the chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between, so it doesn’t burn. This rich mixture is where all the magic happens, so make sure everything is well incorporated.

Step 4: Pour and Bake to Perfection

Carefully pour the filling over the pecans in the crust, making sure all the nuts get coated. Place your pie on the center rack of the oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes. Around 30 minutes in, I cover the pie edges with foil or a crust protector to prevent over-browning—that little trick saved me from a burnt crust so many times! The pie is done when the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the center barely jiggles if you gently shake the pan.

Step 5: Cool Before Serving

This is a biggie — let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. If you cut it too soon, the filling won’t set properly and might be too runny. I usually leave mine at least 2 hours and even chill it in the fridge for an extra firm slice.

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Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Use Room Temperature Eggs: This helps the filling combine smoothly without lumps or curdling.
Protect the Crust Early: Use foil or a crust shield after 30 minutes to prevent browning too fast, especially if your oven runs hot.
Melt Chocolate Gently: Microwave in short bursts and stir between to avoid burning and keep silky texture.
Let It Cool Properly: Patience pays off in sliceable, gorgeous pieces—don’t rush this part!

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

A single slice of pecan pie sits on a white plate with a thin gold rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The pie slice has three clear layers: a golden, thin crust at the base; a rich, dark brown filling with visible bits of pecans creating a crunchy texture in the middle; and a dollop of white whipped cream on top, sprinkled lightly with small pecan pieces. A woman's hand holds a fork near the plate, and the background is softly blurred with light tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chocolate Pecan Pie, decadent pecan pie with chocolate, easy chocolate pecan pie recipe, traditional Southern pecan pie with chocolate, gooey chocolate pecan pie

Garnishes

I’m usually all about simple garnishes that enhance the pie without overpowering it. I love topping slices with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few delicate chocolate shavings for that elegant touch. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top to balance the sweetness—trust me, it elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this pie as part of a dessert spread, I recommend pairing it with freshly brewed coffee or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. My family also loves it alongside spiced chai tea or a cool glass of milk! The creamy beverages really complement the nutty, chocolatey richness of the pie.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday or party presentations, I like serving the pie on a rustic wooden board with scattered whole pecans and a small bowl of whipped cream on the side. For birthday celebrations, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over each slice before serving, which adds an extra layer of indulgence guests rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, I always cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Leftover slices taste even better chilled, but if you prefer it room temperature, just set it out 30 minutes before eating.

Freezing

This Chocolate Pecan Pie freezes really well. I slice it before freezing, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When I want a sweet treat, I just thaw slices overnight in the fridge—it’s like having fresh pie on demand, which has saved me so many times during busy holiday seasons.

Reheating

To warm slices, I pop them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered loosely with foil to prevent drying out. This brings back that freshly-baked feel without melting the filling too much. Avoid microwaving—it can make the filling too soft or rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust for the Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! While I love making my own crust, a good quality store-bought rolled crust works just fine and saves time. Just be sure to thaw it properly if frozen and handle gently while pressing it into your pie plate to avoid tears.
What’s the best way to avoid a soggy pie crust?

Sprinkling the chopped pecans evenly across the crust before adding the filling helps create a barrier that protects the crust from getting soggy. Also, covering the crust edges with foil during baking prevents burning while letting the crust bake through.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the entire pie the day before serving. Just bake it, let it cool completely, then refrigerate overnight. Bring the pie to room temperature before serving or warm slices slightly for the best taste and texture.
What’s the difference between this and a traditional pecan pie?

This Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe amps up the classic with cocoa powder and melted chocolate for a rich, decadent flavor that’s irresistible. It adds a smooth, fudgy texture while keeping the essential gooey pecan filling you love.
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

Definitely! While pecans give that traditional vibe and great texture, walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work well if you want to mix things up. Just chop them roughly to keep a nice crunch.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe transforms an already beloved dessert into something downright luxurious and special. Every time I make it, friends and family beg for the recipe, and I’m always happy to share because I know it’ll bring them that same smile it brings me. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the perfect harmony of chocolate and pecans that melts together into something simply unforgettable. Trust me, once you make it, this pie will be a go-to staple in your baking lineup.