I’ve always believed that chocolate makes everything better, and pecan pie is no exception. When these two flavors come together, magic happens in your mouth—rich, fudgy chocolate mingling with buttery pecans in a flaky crust. It’s comfort food with a touch of luxury. My favorite part? That moment when the fork breaks through the crackly top into the gooey center. Want to know the secret to getting that perfect texture and avoiding the dreaded soggy bottom? There’s a simple trick most recipes miss…
Why You’ll Love this Chocolate Pecan Pie
While traditional pecan pie is already a crowd-pleaser, this chocolate version takes the classic to an entirely new level. I’m talking about rich, fudgy goodness that marries perfectly with the nutty crunch of pecans.
The cocoa powder transforms what you know about pecan pie, creating something decadently different yet familiar.
What’s not to love? It’s simple to make (just mix and bake), requires basic ingredients you might already have, and creates that gorgeous shiny top that cracks slightly when you cut into it.
The combination of textures—gooey chocolate filling with crunchy pecans—is truly something special.
What Ingredients are in Chocolate Pecan Pie?
This chocolate pecan pie recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a decadent dessert that’s both rich and satisfying.
- 1 uncooked 9-inch pie crust
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2/3 cup dark corn syrup
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Quality matters when it comes to the cocoa powder and pecans—the better the cocoa, the richer your chocolate flavor will be, and fresh pecans provide the best crunch and nutty flavor for this indulgent pie.
How to Make this Chocolate Pecan Pie
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the uncooked 9-inch pie crust in your pie pan.
Take a moment to crimp those edges—this not only makes your pie look prettier but also creates a sturdy edge to hold all that gooey filling.
Step 2: Create the Base Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 eggs, 1 cup white sugar, and 2/3 cup dark corn syrup until well combined.
This creates the sweet, sticky foundation that will hold everything together. The eggs give the filling structure while the corn syrup provides that classic pecan pie glossiness.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Component
Melt 1/2 cup butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, then stir in 1/4 cup cocoa powder until completely smooth.
This chocolate mixture is what transforms a traditional pecan pie into something truly special—rich and decadent with deep chocolate notes.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Pour the melted chocolate-butter mixture into your egg mixture and add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
Stir well until everything is fully incorporated. The vanilla enhances both the chocolate and pecan flavors, bringing everything into harmony.
Step 5: Add the Star Ingredient—Pecans
Gently fold in 1 cup chopped pecans, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Want to know a little secret? Toasting the pecans beforehand can intensify their flavor, though the recipe works perfectly with raw pecans too.
Step 6: Fill and Bake
Pour your chocolate pecan mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until the center is just slightly jiggly but mostly set.
For a more consistent texture and perfectly mixed filling, consider using a quality stand mixer to combine your ingredients thoroughly.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Allow your pie to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing—though longer is better.
The filling continues to set as it cools, transforming from a runny mixture into that perfect slice-able consistency we all crave in a good pecan pie.
What to Serve with Chocolate Pecan Pie
This rich, decadent pie deserves some thoughtful accompaniments to round out the experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates the perfect hot-cold contrast when the pie is still slightly warm.
For a more sophisticated touch, try a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream with just a hint of bourbon whisked in.
Coffee is a natural partner—the slight bitterness cuts through the sweetness beautifully. For something stronger, a small glass of port or dessert wine makes this an extra-special after-dinner treat.
If you’re looking for something to balance the richness, a simple fruit salad with citrus notes provides a revitalizing counterpoint.
And for the ultimate indulgence? Drizzle the sliced pie with a little warm caramel sauce just before serving.
Chocolate Pecan Pie Substitutions and Variations
- Chocolate variations: Use dark chocolate chips (1/2 cup) instead of cocoa powder for gooier texture.
- Fancy finish: Arrange whole pecans in a pattern on top before baking, or brush with egg wash sprinkled with sea salt.
- Holiday special: Add dried cranberries and orange zest for a festive touch.
Leftovers and Storage for this Chocolate Pecan Pie
This decadent chocolate pecan pie actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld overnight. Store any leftovers loosely covered with foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the entire pie for up to 3 months. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
When ready to enjoy again, let refrigerated slices come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. For frozen pie, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
To refresh and restore that just-baked quality, warm individual slices in a 300°F oven for 5-10 minutes. This helps maintain the gooey filling while preventing the crust from becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
This chocolate pecan pie takes a beloved Southern classic and transforms it with the rich depth of cocoa.
What makes this recipe truly special is its simplicity—just a few minutes of mixing before the oven does all the work.
The contrast between the flaky crust, fudgy middle layer, and crunchy pecans creates a textural masterpiece that’s impossible to resist.
Perfect for holiday gatherings or whenever you need an impressive dessert that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this pie lies in its versatility—elegant enough for special occasions yet comforting enough for a simple Sunday dinner when you’re craving something sweet and substantial.