Kentucky Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a truly indulgent dessert that’s got a little Southern charm with a twist, then you’re going to want to try this Kentucky Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips Recipe. Trust me, once you make this, your family and friends will be asking you to whip it up again and again. It’s rich, perfectly gooey, with just the right crunch from the pecans and that melty hint of chocolate that takes traditional pecan pie to a whole new level of yum.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Kentucky Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips Recipe works together to create a luscious filling that’s both rich and textured. When you shop, quality pecans and fresh eggs really make a difference in flavor and consistency.

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Adds melty chocolate goodness without making it overly sweet.
• Chopped pecans: Use fresh pecans for the best crunch and flavor.
• Eggs: They’re the binder and help set the filling perfectly.
• Sugar: Regular granulated sugar adds the right sweetness and caramelizes beautifully.
• Butter: Melted butter gives richness and helps the filling stay smooth.
• All-purpose flour: Just a bit to help thicken the filling and keep it from being too runny.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Unbaked pie shell (9-inch, deep dish): A sturdy crust is essential for holding all that delicious filling.

Variations

One thing I love about this Kentucky Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your liking. I’ve played around with a few spins on it, and I encourage you to make it your own.

• Add a splash of bourbon: My family goes crazy for a little bourbon stirred into the filling for an authentic Kentucky touch that deepens the flavor beautifully.
• Swap out chocolate chips: White or dark chocolate chips work great if you want to switch up the flavor profile.
• Use a gluten-free crust: I tried a gluten-free pie shell once and it worked just fine, so folks with gluten sensitivities can still enjoy this dessert.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon: A tiny bit of warm spice adds a subtle complexity that I only recently discovered and now can’t live without.

How to Make Kentucky Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). I always let my oven fully warm up before slipping in the pie – it helps the crust bake evenly and the filling set perfectly. While it’s heating, grab your mixing bowl to combine the filling ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the Filling Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 cup of chopped pecans, 2 beaten eggs, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup melted butter, ½ cup all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. I find whisking the eggs and sugar together first gives a smoother filling, then folding in the nuts and chips last keeps them intact and evenly distributed.

Step 3: Pour and Bake

Pour the filling mixture into your unbaked 9-inch deep dish pie shell. Place it on the middle rack in your oven. Bake for about 1 hour, or until the top looks set and the pie isn’t jiggly in the center anymore. I learned the hard way that opening the oven door too much during baking can cause the pie to sink, so try to keep that to a minimum.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the pie cool completely before slicing. Cooling helps the filling firm up so you get clean slices. I personally love serving mine slightly warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream – it’s like a little slice of heaven on a plate.

How to Serve Kentucky Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips Recipe

Garnishes

I typically garnish this pie with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delicate look, and fresh whipped cream on the side. Sometimes, I add a few whole pecans on top for that extra pop of texture and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like sweet tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which balances out the richness. If you’re serving at a festive meal, consider light fruit salad or even salted caramel sauce drizzled on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake mini versions of this Kentucky Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips Recipe in individual tart pans. They’re perfect for serving guests and look charming when topped with a small mint leaf or chocolate shavings. Another fun idea is to serve slices with a drizzle of homemade bourbon caramel sauce for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. The pie keeps well for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually mellow and deepen overnight. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap then placed in a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and briefly warm in the oven. Freezing might slightly affect the crust’s crispness, but the filling stays delicious and creamy.

Reheating

To reheat your leftover pie and keep it tasting fresh, I recommend warming it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This gently melts the chocolate chips just right without drying out the filling or crust.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Kentucky Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips Recipe bridges the gap between a traditional Southern dessert and a chocolate lover’s dream. When I first tried it, I was hooked—not just because of the luscious filling but because it brought smiles all around the table. If you want a dessert that feels like a warm hug, rich and satisfying yet surprisingly easy, give this recipe a try. I promise, you’ll enjoy every buttery, nutty, chocolatey bite as much as I do!

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