Chocolate Pecan Pie

If you're one who believes classic pecan pie is a touch too sweet, try adding dark chocolate to the filling! In this chocolate pecan pie recipe, the rich, dark chocolate adds a pleasant, warm bitterness to counter the combination of corn syrup, sugar, and maple syrup. To balance the sweetness of this chocolate dessert even more, try sprinkling the top with some flaky sea salt! Of course, as is the case with most homemade pie recipes, a scoop of vanilla (or coffee!) ice cream wouldn't hurt either.

What's in the chocolate pecan pie filling?

It's very similar to traditional pecan pie, but with the addition of a few ingredients! The rich, caramelized filling uses white and brown sugars, corn and maple syrups, vanilla, eggs, a little butter, and that chocolate—cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips, to be exact. Of course, the real star of this pecan recipe is—you guessed it—the crunchy pecans.

Should I pre-bake my pie crust for pecan pie?

Yes! Also known as par-baking, baking the crust beforehand for a custard pie (a category in which pecan pie technically falls) is essential to avoid a soggy bottom. Plan ahead by shaping and freezing your pie crust the day before you plan to bake it.

How do you cut the pecans for chocolate pecan pie?

Ree Drummond is a big fan of using chopped pecans in her classic pecan pie and you can certainly use those here; otherwise, stick with pecan halves. If you do choose to chop the pecans, be sure to measure 2 cups of halves first before you chop 'em up.

Why is my pecan pie runny?

Pecan pie lovers swoon over the pie's thick, gooey filling, and the addition of chocolate turns the center slightly fudgy (and even more tempting). However, the pie should still be sliceable. If after baking and cooling, the pie is runny and a slice cannot hold its shape, it's likely under-baked. The filling should be puffed and jiggle only slightly in the center (like a cheesecake) before pulling the whole pie from the oven. (The filling will set more as it cools.)

How long do you have to wait to eat pecan pie after baking?

It can take up to two hours for a chocolate pecan pie to cool completely. Letting it cool is key because the filling needs time to set up. If you slice into a pie straight out of the oven, you run the risk of the filling being runny. That said, if you're not making this for a special occasion and happen to love warm pie, by all means, dive on in!

Does chocolate pecan pie need to be refrigerated?

Because the filling is rich with eggs, the USDA advises that pecan pie should be refrigerated. Once baked and cooled, cover the pie with plastic and store in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can you make chocolate pecan pie ahead of time?

Yes! This is the perfect dessert to make a day ahead of Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering. Let the pie cool completely at room temperature, then cover with plastic, and refrigerate. Pull the pie out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving so it has time to come to room temperature.