Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s just the right combo of gooey, crunchy, and seriously indulgent, I’ve got you covered. This Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is my absolute favorite twist on a classic – it’s decadently rich with dark chocolate and the perfect nutty crunch from pecans that your family and guests will go crazy for. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my favorite tips so your pie turns out perfect every time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic here lies in simple, quality ingredients that come together for an unforgettable pie experience. I always recommend using fresh pecans and good-quality dark chocolate chips because they really make this pie shine.

• Pecans: I love using fresh, unshelled pecans for maximum crunch and flavor.
• Dark Chocolate Chips: You can substitute semi-sweet if preferred, but dark adds a wonderful richness.
• Eggs: Bring to room temperature for the smoothest filling texture.
• Dark Corn Syrup: This adds that classic gooey pecan pie texture and deep flavor.
• Brown Sugar: I usually opt for dark brown sugar for a hint of molasses flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Melted and cooled—this adds richness without overpowering sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla really elevates the filling.
• Sea Salt & Cinnamon: A pinch of sea salt balances sweetness, and cinnamon adds warmth for a cozy twist.
• Pie Crust: I highly recommend my homemade pie crust recipe for the flakiest, most buttery base.

Variations

I’ve played around with this Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe in a few ways over the years, and honestly, you can tailor it to your taste or dietary needs easily. That’s part of the fun! Don’t be afraid to make it your own.

• Nut-Free Version: Swap the pecans for toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds—still crunchy and satisfying.
• Chocolate Variety: Try bittersweet or even white chocolate chips for a different twist—I love how white chocolate adds sweetness without bitterness.
• Vegan Adaptation: Use a plant-based butter and egg replacer; I’ve had success with flax eggs and it bakes up beautifully.
• Spiced Up: Add a dash of cayenne or espresso powder to the filling for a surprising depth of flavor that your friends will rave about.

How to Make Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Chill Your Pie Crust

First things first, start with your homemade pie crust. If you haven’t made it before, don’t worry—my recipe at the bottom breaks it down simply. After mixing and rolling the dough into two discs, pop one in the fridge to chill—this helps the butter firm up so your crust bakes up super flaky. Pro tip: roll the dough evenly to about 12 inches in diameter so it fits nicely into a 9-inch pie dish with some overhang.

Step 2: Set Up Your Oven and Roll Out Dough

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), placing your rack in the lower third of your oven—this keeps the pie bottom cooking perfectly without burning the crust edges. On a floured surface, roll out your chilled dough and gently press it into your pie dish, smoothing with your fingers and crimping the edges to your liking. No need to prebake; we’ll bake it all together for that perfect texture.

Step 3: Add Pecans and Chocolate Chips

Scatter the pecans evenly across the base of your crust, then sprinkle the dark chocolate chips right on top. This layering lets the nuts shine through while sending waves of melted chocolate throughout each slice—trust me, this is my favorite part. Don’t skip even distribution so every bite has a little of both!

Step 4: Whisk Together the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk your eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, sea salt, and cinnamon until everything’s combined and thickened slightly. This sticky, sweet filling is the heart of your pie’s gooey perfection. Be sure to use room temperature eggs to avoid any lumps.

Step 5: Pour Filling and Bake

Pour the filling evenly over the pecans and chocolate chips. Bake for 40-50 minutes, but at the 20-minute mark, cover the edge of your crust with a pie shield to prevent over-browning. If the top starts getting too dark, tent a piece of foil over the whole pie—this little trick saved my pies more than once! When the top is golden and set (a slight wobble is okay), it’s done.

Step 6: Cool, Salt, and Serve

Let your pie cool completely on a wire rack. This helps the filling fully set so your slices cut clean. Just before serving, sprinkle with a touch of coarse sea salt or flaky salt to enhance all those rich, sweet, and nutty flavors. I love topping mine with a dollop of whipped cream and some extra chocolate shavings—it’s pure heaven.

How to Serve Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple here: a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after it’s out of the oven, plus a swirl of fresh whipped cream. Sometimes I shave a little extra dark chocolate over the top for that extra elegant touch. It’s the little details that really make this pie stand out.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this at a gathering, pair it with hot coffee or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream – the creamy ice cream melts perfectly against the warm pie. A simple, fresh fruit salad balances the richness and brightens the plate wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I like serving mini slices on dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprig of fresh mint—presentation instantly feels fancy and guests can’t stop talking about it. You could even make mini pies for a cute, single-serving presentation that’s perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pie? No problem! I store mine covered at room temperature for 1-2 days, which keeps the crust nice and flaky. After that, I pop it in the fridge to keep it fresh for up to 4-5 days. Just make sure it’s tightly covered to prevent drying out.

Freezing

This Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe freezes well, which I love when I want to prep ahead for holidays. Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Reheating

If you want a warm slice, reheat individual pieces in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps freshen up the crust and just warms the filling without drying it out. I avoid microwaving since it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Dark Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it brings together my love for that gooey pecan goodness with the irresistible magic of dark chocolate. Every time I serve it, I get compliments, and it’s so satisfying to know how straightforward it is to make—no intimidating steps, just delicious results. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how this pie becomes a new favorite in your home too!

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