There is something utterly irresistible about this Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe that combines the rich, gooey sweetness of caramelized pecans with the deep, bittersweet allure of dark chocolate, all nestled in a flaky homemade crust. Each bite offers an incredible harmony of textures and flavors, making it an unforgettable dessert that’s perfect for cozy gatherings or special celebrations. This pie is a delicious twist on a classic favorite that will quickly become a staple whenever you crave something both indulgent and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Every item is chosen to balance taste, texture, and even a little sparkle, ensuring your pie is nothing short of spectacular.
- Homemade pie crust: A buttery, flaky base that provides that perfect crisp foundation for the filling.
- 2 and 1/2 cups (250g) shelled pecans: Adds crunch and the star nutty flavor everyone loves in pecan pie.
- 1 cup (180g) dark chocolate chips: Brings a rich bittersweet complexity that elevates this dessert beyond the ordinary.
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature: Helps set the filling with a silky texture.
- 1 cup (240ml) dark corn syrup: The binding sweetener that creates that signature gooey interior.
- 1/2 cup (100g) packed dark brown sugar: Adds warm caramel undertones for a deeper flavor hit.
- 1/4 cup (4 Tbsp; 56g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Introduces richness and helps meld all the flavors together.
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: A subtle aromatic note to round out the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate and pecan flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A hint of warm spice that adds depth to every bite.
- Coarse or flaky sea salt for sprinkling on top: The finishing touch that creates a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
How to Make Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Crust
Begin by making your homemade pie crust, following your trusted recipe until the dough is fully prepared and chilled. Chilling is key because it makes rolling out the crust easier and helps prevent shrinkage during baking.
Step 2: Preheat Oven and Roll the Dough
Adjust your oven rack to the lower third and preheat it to 350°F (177°C). On a lightly floured surface, take one disc of the dough and roll it out into a 12-inch circle. Keep the thickness even by turning the dough a quarter turn frequently as you roll.
Step 3: Fit Dough into Pie Dish
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into a 9-inch pie dish. Use your fingers to gently press it into place and create a flanged edge by crimping or fluting to give that classic, beautiful pie look. No need to prebake the crust here; it will bake perfectly with the filling.
Step 4: Assemble the Filling
Spread the shelled pecans evenly over the bottom of the crust, and sprinkle the dark chocolate chips over them. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, dark corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, sea salt, and ground cinnamon until everything is well combined and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Pour Filling and Bake
Pour the filling mixture slowly and evenly over the pecans and chocolate in the crust. Slide the pie onto the lower rack of your oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, keeping a close eye as it cooks. After about 20 minutes, shield the edges of the crust with foil or a pie crust shield to prevent burning. If the top browns too fast, tent the pie with foil to protect the surface.
Step 6: Cool and Finish
When the pie comes out perfectly golden on top, let it cool on a wire rack. Cooling is important because it allows the filling to set so you get those clean, luscious slices. Once cooled, sprinkle some coarse sea salt on top for that irresistible sweet-salty finish.
How to Serve Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
This pie looks and tastes even more magical with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For extra flair, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or chopped toasted pecans on top to bring texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Serve slices alongside fresh fruit like sliced pears or a berry compote to brighten the richness of the pie. A cup of strong coffee or warm spiced tea also makes for a perfect companion.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving mini versions of this Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe in individual ramekins for a stunning party treat. You could also experiment with topping the pie with a drizzle of bourbon caramel sauce for a boozy twist that friends and family will rave about!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover slices of this pie can be stored covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, keep the pie refrigerated, tightly wrapped, which will hold for about four to five days without losing freshness.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It freezes beautifully for 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. This trick keeps the texture just right and the chocolate delectably melty.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of homemade?
Absolutely! While homemade adds a lovely personal touch and extra flakiness, a good-quality store-bought crust works well if you’re short on time. Just make sure to choose one that’s sturdy enough to hold the rich filling.
What type of dark chocolate works best?
A good-quality dark chocolate chip with around 60-70% cocoa content balances bitterness and sweetness perfectly in this pie. Avoid overly sweet or very bitter chocolates for the best flavor harmony.
Is there a way to make this pie nut-free?
Since pecans are a signature ingredient, the pie really shines with their crunch. However, you could substitute pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version, though it won’t be quite the classic experience.
Why do I need to shield the crust edges during baking?
The pie edges tend to brown faster due to their exposure to heat, so shielding prevents them from getting too dark or burnt while the filling finishes baking perfectly. It keeps your pie looking as stunning as it tastes.
Can I prepare this pie in advance for a party?
Definitely! This Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe actually benefits from resting a few hours or even overnight in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just bring it back to room temperature or gently warm before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and makes everyone ask for seconds, this Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is your go-to. The combination of rich dark chocolate and crunchy pecans wrapped in a buttery crust creates a slice of pure joy. Give it a try—you deserve a pie this wonderful in your life!
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Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A rich and decadent Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie featuring a homemade flaky crust filled with toasted pecans, melted dark chocolate chips, and a gooey, spiced filling. Perfectly baked to a golden top with a hint of sea salt enhancing the deep chocolate and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- Homemade pie crust (recipe makes 2 crusts; use one or freeze the second)
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 Crust: 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 better shaping.
- Preheat Oven and Roll Dough: Adjust your oven rack to the lower third position and preheat it 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 keep an even thickness throughout.
- Place Dough in Pie Dish: Carefully transfer the rolled dough to a 9-inch pie dish. Use your fingers to tuck the dough in and smooth it out, then flange the edges by fluting or crimping. Do not prebake the crust.
- Assemble Filling: Evenly spread the pecans inside the prepared 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 the mixture is fully combined and slightly thickened.
- Pour Filling 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 them from over-browning, or tent the entire pie with foil if the top starts to brown too quickly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool completely. The filling will firm up as it cools. Once cooled, sprinkle with coarse or flaky sea salt on top if desired. Slice and serve, optionally with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for an extra touch.
- Storage: Cover leftover pie and store it at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for 4-5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs helps the filling combine better and set properly during baking.
- If the pie’s edges brown too fast, always shield them with foil or a crust protector to avoid burning.
- Coarse sea salt on top contrasts beautifully with the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- For extra richness, serve the pie with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Leftover pie can be refrigerated to prolong freshness; warm slightly before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
