If you love the rich, gooey sweetness of traditional pecan pie but crave a little something extra to tantalize your taste buds, you are going to adore this Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe. It marries the deep, bittersweet notes of dark chocolate with the buttery crunch of pecans, all nestled in a flaky homemade crust that just melts in your mouth. Each slice feels like a cozy celebration of flavor, perfect for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a dessert that speaks volumes without saying a word. This pie is pure magic from start to finish and guaranteed to become a beloved classic in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe, the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each one plays an essential role to build a symphony of flavors and textures. From the rich, melty dark chocolate to the caramel sweetness of the dark corn syrup, and the warm hint of cinnamon, every component is simple but crucial. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to make this showstopper dessert.
- Homemade pie crust: Using your own crust means flaky, buttery perfection that supports the filling beautifully and adds a personal touch.
- 2 1/2 cups shelled pecans: For that essential crunch and nutty flavor that defines pecan pie.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips: They melt into luscious pockets of bittersweet goodness throughout the pie.
- 3 large eggs: At room temperature to help bind the filling with smooth, creamy texture.
- 1 cup dark corn syrup: Adds sticky sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish to the filling.
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar: Provides deep molasses notes that complement the nuts and chocolate perfectly.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Adds richness and helps create a silky filling.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Balances sweetness and makes every flavor pop.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers a subtle hint of spice that gives the pie wonderful depth.
- Coarse or flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top: A finishing touch that adds texture and an irresistible contrast to the sweetness.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Begin by following your homemade pie crust recipe through to chilling the dough completely. Chilling is key because it helps the dough relax and makes rolling it out much easier, ensuring your crust comes out flaky and tender — the perfect foundation for your filling.
Step 2: Roll Out and Place the Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough evenly into a 12-inch circle, turning it to keep the thickness consistent. Transfer it gently to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it in so it hugs the sides with a neat, fluted edge. No need to prebake here — the crust will bake with the filling and soak up all those delicious flavors.
Step 3: Layer the Pecans and Chocolate
Spread the shelled pecans evenly across the bottom of your crust, then sprinkle the dark chocolate chips over them. These layers provide lovely texture contrasts and pockets of luxurious chocolate in every bite.
Step 4: Whisk the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, dark corn syrup, packed dark brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, sea salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until everything is well combined and the mixture looks a bit thickened. This rich custard is what holds the pecans and chocolate together beautifully.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the filling over the nuts and chocolate in the crust. Bake the pie at 350°F (177°C) for 40 to 50 minutes until the top is a lovely golden brown. About 20 minutes into baking, protect the crust edges with a pie shield or tent the pie with foil to prevent over-browning. The filling should still have a slight wobble when done — it will set as it cools.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
Once out of the oven, let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling is essential for the filling to set to that perfect sliceable consistency. Before serving, sprinkle the top with coarse or flaky sea salt for an irresistible sweet-salty kick.
Step 7: Store Leftover Pie
Cover any leftovers loosely with plastic wrap. The pie keeps well at room temperature for 1 to 2 days or refrigerated for 4 to 5 days, maintaining that luscious texture and full flavor.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream is the classic way to serve this pie, but don’t stop there! Freshly shaved dark chocolate or even a sprinkle of espresso powder works wonders for an extra punch of flavor that highlights the chocolate notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe with something light and fresh to balance its richness. A simple mixed green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or a bowl of fresh berries can provide a wonderful textural and flavor contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this dessert into servings for a crowd by baking mini tartlets with the same filling or using phyllo cups for bite-sized treats. You can even drizzle salted caramel or dark chocolate sauce over individual slices for an elegant presentation that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe keeps beautifully, so if you’re lucky enough to have any, simply cover and store it on your countertop for a day or two, or pop it in the refrigerator to enjoy within the week. The flavors often deepen after a day, making each bite even better.
Freezing
If you want to make this pie ahead of time, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge to preserve its texture and flavors.
Reheating
To enjoy your pie warm, reheat slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the crust crisp and the filling gooey but set.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?
Absolutely! While homemade crust adds a lovely touch, store-bought pie crusts work fine for this Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe and can save time. Just choose a high-quality crust for the best texture.
Is dark corn syrup essential?
Dark corn syrup provides that signature chewy, sweet texture with a hint of molasses flavor that light corn syrup doesn’t. If unavailable, you can substitute with a combination of light corn syrup and molasses, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your homemade crust with a gluten-free pie crust or use a store-bought gluten-free crust. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free, making this recipe adaptable to various dietary needs.
What type of dark chocolate is best?
Choose a semi-sweet or bittersweet dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for the best balance of richness and sweetness. Higher cocoa percentages can be used if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor.
Why does the pie filling sometimes crack?
Cracks can happen if the pie is baked at too high a temperature or cooled too quickly. Make sure to bake at 350°F (177°C) and allow the pie to cool slowly at room temperature so the custard sets gently without cracking.
Final Thoughts
This Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Its irresistibly rich filling, crunchy pecans, and melty chocolate make every bite feel special. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or just because, this pie promises smiles all around. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly move to the top of your favorites list. Happy baking and even happier eating!
