Name: Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 1 9-inch unbaked deep-dish pie crust (Place in a pie plate and crimp edges as desired.); 1 cup light corn syrup; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter (Melted.); 3 large eggs (Room temperature.); 2 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 1/2 cups pecan halves (Whole or halved as preferred.); 3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe

Creamy, crunchy, and decadently chocolatey, Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie hits every dessert craving in one glorious slice. This pie is rich but simple, with toasted pecans and melty chocolate suspended in a gooey, buttery filling that bakes up with a perfectly set center and a flaky crust. Fun fact: pecan trees are the only major tree nut native to North America, so serving pecan pie is a little bit of edible local history on your dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a casual family night or a holiday gathering, this pie brings comfort and celebration in equal measure. If you love sweet-and-salty combinations, you’ll appreciate how this recipe compares to our lighter pecan-based desserts — try pairing ideas from our brown butter bourbon pecan chocolate chunk cookies for cookie-dessert mashups. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive in and make something unforgettable.

What is Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie?

What makes a pie “Texas” — is it the size, the swagger, or the extra chocolate? Maybe all of the above. Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie combines classic Southern pecan pie comfort with a generous handful of semisweet chocolate chips for a fudgy twist. Curious where the name came from? Did someone toss pecans and chocolate together under a big cowboy hat and call it a day? Possibly. Many folks joke that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and with a slice of this pie you might win over a whole room. Give it a try and see if it becomes the reason your friends and family keep asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This:

This pie is irresistible for three big reasons. First, the main highlight: the contrast of gooey, buttery filling with crunchy pecan halves and melty chocolate creates a texture party in every bite. Second, making it at home is cost-effective; store-bought pecan pies can be pricey, but this recipe uses pantry staples and one pre-made crust to save time and money without skimping on flavor. Third, the ingredients and optional toppings — whipped cream or vanilla ice cream — elevate the pie to dessert-table royalty. If you enjoy other pecan-forward recipes on the blog, you might also like the creative twists in our pecan pie bread pudding without the crust. Now grab your pie plate and let’s make something delicious.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is straightforward and satisfying. Preparation is simple — whisk, stir, pour, and bake — and the filling bakes to a creamy, slightly chewy consistency with a crisp top and a flaky crust edge. Standout elements include the rich corn syrup-brown sugar base and the pockets of melted chocolate. Total time: about 15 minutes prep and 50 to 60 minutes baking, plus at least 2 hours cooling to fully set.

Ingredients

1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie crust, placed in a 9-inch pie plate and edges crimped as desired
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups pecan halves, whole or halved as preferred
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges as desired. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, light brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and well combined. Make sure eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture looks glossy.
Stir in the pecan halves and semisweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly through the filling so each slice will have a good mix of nuts and chocolate.
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the pecans evenly on top for a pretty finish and even distribution.
Bake the pie for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is set and does not jiggle when gently shaken. For a more precise check, the center should read about 200°F on an instant-read thermometer or be just slightly springy.
If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
Remove the pie from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to fully set.
Serve at room temperature or chilled. Optionally, top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent finish.

Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

What to Serve With:

Serve this pie with simple accompaniments that balance sweet and creamy elements. Good choices include: vanilla ice cream, lightly sweetened whipped cream, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce, or a side of fresh berries to cut the richness. For drinks, coffee, a bold black tea, or a dessert wine like Tawny Port works beautifully. If you want to make a full dessert spread, small butter cookies or a citrus salad provide a refreshing contrast.

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Ingredient substitutions: Swap light corn syrup for golden syrup in a 1:1 ratio if needed. Use dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses note.
Chocolate options: Use dark chocolate chips for less sweetness or chopped chocolate for pockets of gooey melt.
Timing adjustments: If your oven runs hot, reduce bake time by 5–10 minutes and check for doneness earlier. Use foil to protect the crust edges at any point.
Flavor enhancements: Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes before adding to the filling to boost nutty aroma. Add a pinch of cinnamon for warm spice.
Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t skip the 2-hour cooling — cutting too early will result in a runny slice. Avoid overmixing the filling once eggs are added; mix just until combined.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftover pie covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Chilling firms the filling and makes neat slices.
Freezing: You can freeze the whole baked pie or individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: For a warm slice, reheat individual portions in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or microwave briefly (10-20 seconds) if you prefer. If frozen, allow proper thawing before reheating to avoid a soggy texture.
Shelf life: At room temperature the pie can sit for up to 24 hours; beyond that, refrigeration is recommended.

FAQs

Can I make this pie without corn syrup?
Yes. Substitute an equal amount of golden syrup or use a combination of honey and a little extra butter, though texture may be slightly different.

Do I have to use a deep-dish crust?
Deep-dish is recommended because this filling is thick and generous. A standard crust can work, but expect thinner slices and a shorter bake time.

How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
The center should be set and not jiggle when gently shaken. An instant-read thermometer should read around 200°F in the center.

Can I prepare this pie ahead of time?
Yes. Bake the pie a day ahead and refrigerate. Remove from fridge about 30 minutes before serving to take the chill off, or serve chilled if you prefer.

What toppings work best?
Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel are excellent. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before serving adds a delightful contrast.

Conclusion

There’s a reason Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie becomes an instant favorite: it’s simple to make, uses familiar pantry ingredients, and delivers a rich, comforting dessert that pleases a crowd. If you enjoy exploring variations, check out this take on Texas-style pecan fudge pie at Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie – The Soccer Mom Blog for inspiration, or see another classic rendition at TEXAS CHOCOLATE PECAN PIE – www.pamelamorganlifestyle.com. Make a pie, share it with friends, and don’t be surprised when everyone asks for your secret recipe. Enjoy baking!