If you’re ready to indulge in something truly unforgettable, this Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is exactly what your dessert dreams are made of. Imagine the rich, gooey sweetness of classic pecan pie perfectly balanced by chunks of dark chocolate that melt into every bite. This pie is a luscious twist on tradition, offering a delightful combination of crunchy pecans, silky chocolate, and that iconic buttery crust all baked to golden perfection. Whether for holiday gatherings or a special weekend treat, this pie is absolutely guaranteed to bring smiles and happy sighs around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe starts with simple, honest ingredients that each play a star role in flavor, texture, and appearance. From the buttery crust to the naturally crunchy pecans and rich dark chocolate, every element is essential in creating that irresistible pie.
- Homemade pie crust: The foundation of the pie, providing a tender, flaky base that holds up beautifully against the filling.
- Shelled pecans (2 and 1/2 cups or 250g): Add a satisfying crunch and nutty depth of flavor that makes pecan pie so iconic.
- Dark chocolate chips (1 cup or 180g): Introducing luscious pockets of bittersweet richness that elevate the pie to a whole new level.
- Eggs (3 large, room temperature): Help bind the filling together for that classic custard-like texture.
- Dark corn syrup (1 cup or 240ml): Provides the signature sweet and sticky goo that holds the pecans and chocolate lovingly in place.
- Dark brown sugar (1/2 cup or 100g, packed): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness and moistness to the filling.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup or 4 Tbsp, melted and slightly cooled): Infuses richness and a silky smooth mouthfeel throughout the filling.
- Pure vanilla extract (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances and rounds out all the flavors for that warm, familiar comfort.
- Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon plus coarse or flaky for topping): Balances the sweetness and highlights the chocolate’s complexity.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, cozy spice that complements both pecans and chocolate brilliantly.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Chill the Pie Dough
Start by following your favorite homemade pie crust recipe through the preparation of the dough. It’s essential to chill the dough thoroughly at this point, as a well-chilled dough is much easier to roll out and shapes beautifully without shrinking during baking. This careful step ensures the crust will be flaky and tender – the perfect base your filling deserves.
Step 2: Roll Out and Fit the Dough
Once chilled, lightly flour a clean surface and roll one portion of dough into a 12-inch circle, turning it every few rolls for even thickness. Then gently transfer it into your 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into place and trimming the edges. Flute or crimp the edges to make a charming flanged crust that not only looks lovely but also helps hold in all the delicious filling.
Step 3: Layer Nuts and Chocolate
Scatter the pecans evenly over the bottom of the crust and then sprinkle the dark chocolate chips on top. This layering means with every forkful, you’ll get a perfect harmony of crunchy nuts and luscious melting chocolate—a wonderful texture contrast that makes this Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe so special.
Step 4: Whisk the Filling Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, dark corn syrup, dark brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, sea salt, and cinnamon. Whisk until everything is fully combined and slightly thickened. This mixture brings the familiar sweet and custardy goodness with a hint of spice that will bind the whole pie filling perfectly.
Step 5: Fill and Bake
Pour your silky filling evenly over the pecans and chocolate, ensuring it seeps into all those crunchy nooks and pockets. Bake the pie at 350°F (177°C) on the lower rack for roughly 40 to 50 minutes until the top is golden and lightly browned. Keep an eye on the crust edges after about 20 minutes and shield them with foil or a pie crust shield to prevent burning. This step guarantees a perfectly baked crust and filling without bitterness.
Step 6: Cool and Add Final Touches
Once baked, transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool fully to set the filling beautifully. After cooling, add that final flare by sprinkling coarse or flaky sea salt on top; this simple touch enhances the sweet and chocolatey notes while adding a delightful crunch.
Step 7: Store Leftovers Properly
Cover any leftover slices and store them at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. This pie stays moist and flavorful, making it a fantastic treat to enjoy again later.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
The best way to dress up your Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra touch of elegance and texture, add some shaved dark chocolate or a sprinkle of toasted pecans on top. These garnishes elevate the presentation and complement the pie’s richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
This rich, indulgent pie pairs beautifully with a light, refreshing side like fresh berries or a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette. The contrast helps balance the meal with bright and tangy notes, creating a harmonious finish that keeps the palate excited.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions of this pie in mini tart pans or jar desserts. Layer a piece of pecan pie with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce in a glass for an eye-catching dessert parfait. Whether for a casual get-together or a festive occasion, creative presentation turns this classic into a showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pie can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days, perfect for quick snacks or spontaneous dessert cravings. For longer storage, refrigerate and enjoy within 4-5 days to keep the filling firm and fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie either baked or unbaked. For the baked pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. For unbaked pie, assemble it, then wrap and freeze similarly; bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
Reheating
To reheat slices, warm them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. Reheating this way brings back that freshly baked magic and keeps your Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe tasting just like the first day you made it.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?
Absolutely! While homemade crust adds extra love and flakiness, using a quality store-bought crust is a convenient time-saver and will still yield delicious results in your Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe.
What type of dark chocolate is best for this pie?
Opt for dark chocolate chips or chunks with at least 60-70% cocoa content. This level balances sweetness and bitterness perfectly, enhancing the deep flavors without overpowering the pecans.
How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?
After about 20 minutes in the oven, cover the crust edges with a pie shield or aluminum foil tent. This protects them from excessive browning while the filling finishes baking beautifully.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it overnight before baking, which allows the flavors to meld wonderfully. Just be sure to let it come close to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
Is dark corn syrup essential in the recipe?
Dark corn syrup contributes to the traditional sweet, sticky texture of pecan pie filling, and it also adds a subtle molasses flavor. While alternatives exist, sticking to dark corn syrup helps achieve authentic results in this Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is a celebration of classic flavors with a modern, indulgent twist that’s perfect for any time you want to impress or simply treat yourself. The combination of crunchy pecans and rich dark chocolate wrapped in a flaky crust creates dessert magic in every bite. So go ahead, bake this up, share it with friends and family, and enjoy the smiles that only a slice of this pie can bring.
Print
Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie combines the rich, gooey sweetness of traditional pecan pie with the deep, intense flavor of dark chocolate. A homemade flaky pie crust is filled with a luscious mixture of pecans, dark chocolate chips, and a spiced, buttery filling made with dark corn syrup and brown sugar. The pie is baked to perfection, topped with a sprinkle of coarse sea salt to enhance the flavors, making it an indulgent dessert perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- Homemade pie crust (recipe makes 2 crusts; use one or freeze the second)
Pie Filling
- 2 and 1/2 cups (250g) shelled pecans
- 1 cup (180g) dark chocolate chips
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup (240ml) dark corn syrup
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed dark brown sugar (or light brown sugar)
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Coarse sea salt or flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Prepare Pie Dough: Follow your homemade pie crust recipe through step 5 to prepare the dough. Chill the dough thoroughly before proceeding to ensure ease of handling and rolling.
- Preheat Oven and Roll Dough: Adjust your oven rack to the lower third position and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). On a floured surface, roll out one disc of the chilled dough into a 12-inch diameter circle, turning it about a quarter turn every few rolls to maintain an even thickness.
- Fit Dough into Pie Dish: Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie dish, tucking it in with your fingers to smooth out and flange the edges by fluting or crimping. There is no need to prebake the crust.
- Prepare Filling Base: Evenly spread the pecans inside the pie crust. Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips evenly over the pecans. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, dark corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, sea salt, and ground cinnamon until fully combined and slightly thickened.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the filling mixture evenly over the pecans and chocolate chips in the pie crust. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, until the top is lightly browned. After 20 minutes of baking, place a pie crust shield over the edges to prevent over-browning or tent the entire pie with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Cool and Finish: Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. The filling will set as it cools. Once cooled, sprinkle coarse or flaky sea salt over the top if desired. Slice and serve, optionally topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
- Store Leftovers: Cover leftover pie and store at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for 4-5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- You can use a homemade or store-bought pie crust depending on your preference and time.
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for best mixing results.
- Adjust the amount of sea salt sprinkled on top according to your taste preference to balance sweetness.
- If the pie browns too quickly, using a pie crust shield or foil tent prevents burning while allowing the filling to cook properly.
- This pie is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
- For added indulgence, top slices with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
- Let the pie cool completely to allow the filling to set properly for clean slicing.
