Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

I created this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie to merge rich, fudgy chocolate with buttery pecan crunch in one indulgent pie. With gooey filling and generous pecans on top, it feels like a grand Southern delight perfect for holidays or anytime I want serious dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how the bold chocolate layer underlines the buttery pecans, while the slow-baked custard gives a silky, custardy finish. The mix of textures—from crisp crust to gooey filling and crunchy pecans—makes every slice irresistible. It’s classic, comforting, and distinctly Texan in its generosity.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pie crust (homemade or store-bought, 9-inch)

• Eggs

• Light corn syrup or maple syrup

• Granulated sugar

• Unsalted butter, melted

• Pure vanilla extract

• Salt

• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips/chunks

• Shelled pecans, halves or chopped

• Optional: a pinch of espresso powder or cinnamon for depth

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 350 °F (175 °C) and fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, crimping the edges if homemade.

2. I sprinkle half the chocolate chips/chunks evenly into the bottom of the crust.

3. In a bowl, I whisk together eggs, corn syrup (or maple syrup), sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. If using, I stir in espresso powder or cinnamon.

4. I pour the custard mixture over the chocolate chips in the crust.

5. I arrange pecan halves (or chopped pecans) in tight concentric circles or a scattered even layer across the filling.

6. I bake the pie for about 50–60 minutes, until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly at the center—if the crust edges brown too quickly, I protect them with foil toward the end.

7. I cool the pie on a rack for at least 2 hours (or refrigerate) before slicing, allowing the filling to firm up and hold shape.

Servings And Timing

This pie serves 8 to 10 people, depending on slice size.

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Bake time: 50–60 minutes

• Cooling time: 2 hours

• Total time: approximately 3 hours (mostly passive cooling time)

Variations

• I use maple syrup instead of corn syrup for deeper flavor and a bit of Tennessee or Vermont flair.

• I fold in chopped pecans into the chocolate layer for extra nut warmth in every bite.

• I drizzle melted chocolate or bourbon caramel over each slice when serving for showy sweetness.

• I stir toasted pecans into the filling for added crunch throughout.

• I add a swirl of cream cheese or praline topping to play with contrasting textures and flavors.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover pie covered loosely at room temperature for up to 2 days, and in the fridge for up to 4 days. I let refrigerated slices sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. I don’t reheat this pie—instead, I serve it chilled or at room temp for best structure and texture.

FAQs

What Makes This a Texas-Style Pie?

I layer chocolate beneath pecans and use a custard base with syrup—that contrast and richness feels luxuriously Southern, generous, and bold, especially with toasted pecans on top.

Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead of Semi-Sweet?

Absolutely. I usually reach for chocolate with at least 60–70% cacao if I want a deeper, less sweet bite.

Do I Need Corn Syrup?

Corn syrup helps with the classic chewiness. I often substitute pure maple syrup or golden syrup if I prefer natural sweetness and richer flavor.

How Do I Keep The Crust From Burning?

If the crust edges brown too quickly before the filling sets, I cover them loosely with foil or use a pie shield for the final 15 minutes of baking.

Can I Freeze The Pie?

Yes—I freeze fully cooled slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Conclusion

I love making Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie when I want a dessert that delivers richness, texture, and nostalgia in one decadent package. From the fudgy chocolate layer to buttery pecan crunch and silky custard base, each slice is bold and satisfying. It’s the perfect showpiece for gatherings or whenever I’m craving something richly comforting and unforgettable.