If you adore the rich, nutty taste of pecan pie and crave the gooey, decadent indulgence of chocolate, then this Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe is going to be your new obsession. Imagine a perfectly flaky crust cradling a luscious filling where melted chocolate chips melt into a fudge-like custard studded with toasted pecans. With its irresistibly smooth texture and a hint of cocoa that balances the sweetness, this pie is a showstopper for any occasion from holiday feasts to cozy weekend treats. Trust me, once you make this pie and share it with friends, it’ll quickly become a staple dessert you’ll want to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients is all you need to whip up this crowd-pleasing Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe. Each component plays a critical role, from the buttery richness of the crust, the deep chocolate flavor, to the satisfying crunch of pecans that makes every bite delightful.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Choose homemade or store-bought for your preferred level of convenience and flaky texture.
- 1 cup light corn syrup: Adds smooth sweetness and helps bind the filling perfectly without graininess.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of cocoa for a rich but not overpowering sweetness.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Imparts a warm, caramel-like depth that complements the pecans beautifully.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted): Brings a luxurious, velvety texture and richness to the filling.
- 3 large eggs: Provide structure and help the pie set with a custardy finish.
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle aromatic that elevates the whole pie experience.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves: Toast them if you like for extra crunch and a toasty aroma that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melts throughout the filling creating luscious pockets of fudge.
How to Make Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Set your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, gently pressing to fit. Having this ready allows you to focus entirely on mixing the filling without any interruptions. If you want an extra flaky crust, consider chilling it for 15 minutes before filling.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The cocoa powder gives the filling that unmistakable chocolatey depth, while the combination of sugars makes sure it’s sweetened just right for your palate.
Step 3: Stir in Chocolate Chips and Pecans
Fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips and pecan halves into the smooth filling. This step is where the magic really happens—the pecans provide that buttery crunch, and the chocolate chips create melty pockets of fudge within the pie, giving it irresistible texture contrasts.
Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust
Pour the luscious filling evenly into your prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to gently spread it out so the pecans are nicely distributed and the surface is mostly smooth. This ensures every slice will have a perfect balance of chocolate and nuts.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, keeping an eye on the crust. The center should be set and the top just a little cracked when the pie is done, signaling that fudgy consistency we’re after. If the edges brown too quickly, simply cover them with foil during the last 15 to 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool Completely Before Serving
Once baked, let your Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie cool completely at room temperature. This resting time allows the filling to firm up to the perfect sliceable consistency, so your pie holds its form and tastes delightfully smooth when you serve it.
How to Serve Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe, top each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. These cool, light accents contrast beautifully with the rich, dense pie and add a touch of creamy sweetness that makes every bite even more heavenly.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fresh berries or a citrus salad to cut through the richness. For an adult twist, a glass of port wine or a rich coffee complements the flavors and rounds out a memorable dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, try serving your pie in mini tart pans for individual portions or drizzle extra melted chocolate and sprinkle chopped pecans on top before baking. Presentation matters when sharing, and a little extra flair will wow your guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have pie left, cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to one day. Beyond that, refrigeration is best to maintain freshness, especially since the filling contains eggs and dairy.
Freezing
You can freeze the whole pie or individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Frozen pies keep their best quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the perfect texture.
Reheating
To warm slices, place them in a moderate oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. This gentle warming revives that melty, fudgy goodness without drying out the pie.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pie crust for this Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Using a homemade crust can add a wonderful personal touch and flaky texture, but a quality store-bought crust works just fine for a quicker option without sacrificing flavor.
Should I toast the pecans before adding them to the pie?
Toasting pecans is optional but highly recommended. It brings out their natural oils and flavor, adding an extra layer of nuttiness that pairs deliciously with the chocolate.
Why does the pie filling crack on top during baking?
A slight crack on top is normal and even desirable, as it indicates the filling has set properly. It adds character and signals a fudgy, custard-like center.
Can I make this pie ahead of time for a party?
Yes! This Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe is perfect for make-ahead baking. Prepare it a day in advance and store at room temperature; your flavors will have more time to meld.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
The filling should be mostly firm with just a slight jiggle in the center, and the crust edges golden brown. If it looks wet or overly soft, it needs more time; covering the crust edges with foil can prevent over-browning as it bakes.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe is truly a dessert lover’s dream come true, combining the best of chocolate and nuts in one beautifully baked pie. Whether it’s for a special holiday, a family gathering, or just an excuse to treat yourself, giving this recipe a try promises a slice of pure happiness. Go ahead and bake one — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This rich and decadent Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie combines the classic sweetness of pecan pie with luscious chocolate flavor. Featuring a smooth fudge filling studded with crunchy pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips, all nestled in a flaky 9-inch pie crust, this dessert is perfect for holidays or special occasions. The pie is baked to a perfect set with a slightly cracked top and is delicious served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Filling
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups pecan halves
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your unbaked pie crust by fitting it into a 9-inch pie dish, setting it aside for the filling.
- Mix filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted unsalted butter, eggs, unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add chocolate chips and pecans: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and pecan halves evenly into the filling mixture, ensuring they are well distributed.
- Fill the crust: Pour the prepared chocolate and pecan filling into the unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly to all edges.
- Bake the pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the center is set and the top develops a slight crack. To prevent over-browning, cover the pie crust edges with foil during the last 15 to 20 minutes if needed.
- Cool completely: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool fully at room temperature. The filling will continue to set as it cools, ensuring the perfect texture before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- For a richer flavor, lightly toast pecan halves in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant before adding to the filling.
- This pie can be prepared the day before and stored at room temperature, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
