There are desserts, and then there’s Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie—a treat so rich, gooey, and irresistible that one bite feels like a warm hug. Imagine a buttery, flaky crust cradling a luscious chocolate fudge filling, studded with crunchy, caramelized pecans. It’s the kind of dessert that turns any gathering into an occasion and any ordinary day into something special. Trust me, you’re going to love this one. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into pure chocolatey bliss!
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients; it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or just when you’re craving a slice of indulgence. It works as a fancy dessert or a simple treat with coffee.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples, so you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a decadent homemade dessert.
Quick and Easy: No complicated techniques here! This pie comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
Customizable: Want to switch it up? Add a splash of bourbon, swap pecans for walnuts, or drizzle caramel on top for an extra indulgence.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie
Here’s the magic of this pie—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Pie Crust: The foundation of any great pie. You can use a homemade crust for extra love or a store-bought one for convenience.
Chocolate Chips: The heart of the fudge filling. Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt into pure, velvety richness.
Butter: Adds creaminess and enhances that deep, chocolatey flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brings a caramel-like depth that complements the pecans beautifully.
Corn Syrup: The secret to that perfectly gooey texture. It binds everything together and keeps the filling luscious.
Eggs: Essential for structure and richness. They create the perfect custard-like consistency.
Vanilla Extract: A small touch with a big impact, enhancing the overall warmth of the pie.
Pecans: The star crunch factor! They add a nutty, buttery contrast to the rich filling.
Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness and elevate all the flavors.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and gives your pie that perfectly crisp crust with a gooey center.
Melt the Chocolate
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips and butter together, stirring constantly until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Once smooth, gradually stir in the melted chocolate mixture until fully incorporated.
Assemble the Pie
Place the pie crust into a pie dish and crimp the edges. Pour the filling into the crust, then sprinkle the pecans evenly over the top. The pecans will rise slightly as the pie bakes, creating a gorgeous, crunchy topping.
Bake to Perfection
Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
Let It Cool
Remove from the oven and let the pie cool completely before slicing. This allows the filling to set properly and makes cutting much easier.
Serve and Enjoy
Slice, serve, and enjoy! Whether you top it with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel, this pie is sure to impress.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 450
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
How to Serve Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Classic Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cold contrast is absolute perfection with the warm pie.
- Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy, it balances out the richness.
- A Drizzle of Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: Because more chocolate is never a bad idea.
- A Sprinkle of Sea Salt: Enhances the flavors and adds a little gourmet touch.
- A Cup of Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee complements the sweetness beautifully.
Additional Tips
- Make Ahead: This pie stores well! Bake it a day in advance and keep it at room temperature.
- Storage: Leftovers? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Reheating: For that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
- Crust Protection: If the edges brown too fast, use foil strips to cover them halfway through baking.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap pecans for chocolate chips for a double-chocolate fudge pie.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought crust works perfectly if you’re short on time.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes! Dark chocolate will make the pie even richer and slightly less sweet.
Do I need to refrigerate the pie after baking?
Not necessarily. It can stay at room temperature for a couple of days, but refrigerating extends its freshness.
Can I freeze Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie?
Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The center should be slightly wobbly but not liquid. It will continue to set as it cools.
Can I add bourbon to the filling?
Absolutely! A splash of bourbon adds a lovely depth of flavor.
What if I don’t have corn syrup?
You can substitute with maple syrup or honey, but the texture may be slightly different.
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes! Walnuts provide a similar crunch and flavor profile.
Why did my pie crack on top?
Overbaking can cause cracks. Take it out when it’s just set and let it cool slowly.
Can I make mini versions of this pie?
Yes! Just adjust the baking time accordingly—about 20-25 minutes for mini pies.
Conclusion
Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or sneaking a midnight slice, this pie delivers on flavor, texture, and pure indulgence. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie is a rich, decadent dessert that combines a gooey chocolate filling with crunchy pecans, all in a flaky pie crust. It’s the perfect treat for holidays, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving a chocolatey twist on classic pecan pie!
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Chocolate Fudge Filling:
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup or maple syrup
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) pecan halves
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp edges as desired and set aside.
2. Melt Chocolate & Butter
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Let cool slightly.
3. Mix the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and corn syrup until smooth.
- Stir in the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined.
4. Assemble the Pie
- Sprinkle pecan halves evenly over the unbaked pie crust.
- Pour the chocolate filling over the pecans, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5. Bake the Pie
- Place the pie in the oven and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until the center is slightly set but still jiggles a bit.
- If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield.
6. Cool & Serve
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans before adding them to the pie.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 60mg