Okay, comfort-seeking friends, let’s talk about a recipe that’s basically a warm hug in pie form! We’re diving into the world of Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie, and trust me, it’s the sanity-saving comfort food your family (and you!) deserve. This isn’t just any pie; it’s a decadent twist on a classic that’s sure to become a household favorite. I want to share how this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie brings a comforting end to our busy weeknights, it has been a hit since day one!
I remember the first time I tasted a Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie – my mother-in-law made it for Thanksgiving, and I was instantly hooked. It wasn’t just the rich, chocolatey flavor or the crunchy pecans; it was the feeling of warmth and comfort that came with each bite. I decided right then and there that I needed to learn how to make this magic myself. I’ve tweaked and perfected her recipe over the years to make it even easier for busy moms like us, because who has time for complicated when you’re juggling school lunches and soccer practice?! The goal is simple comfort food that brings everyone together. So, grab your apron, and let’s get baking this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie. I am inviting you to join me and other busy moms in discovering the simple comfort that food can bring.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s where I spill my secrets on what goes into this delicious Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie. And don’t worry, it’s all stuff you can find at your regular grocery store. This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive!
- 1 pre-made pie crust (because we’re all about saving time!)
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons of bourbon for a richer flavor (optional, but highly recommended!)
No chocolate chips? No worries! I use chopped milk chocolate in my Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie for extra comfort. My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling – a little warmth goes a long way! This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! Trust me on this one. Here’s a comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I buy pre-chopped pecans to save even more time!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, now for the fun part! Let’s get our hands dirty and create this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie magic. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie – learn from my experience!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for even baking and a perfectly set filling.
- Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. This creates a delicious chocolate layer that complements the pecans.
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and corn syrup. Mix well until everything is nicely combined and smooth.
- Add the beaten eggs, vanilla extract, bourbon (if using), and salt to the sugar mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. Don’t worry if your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie looks a little liquid-y at this point!
- Gently fold in the chopped pecans. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the chocolate chips in the pie crust. Try to spread it out evenly so every slice gets a good amount of pecans.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie should smell amazing by now!
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents it from being too runny. This comforting Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie usually takes about 2 hours to cool, so be patient!
While your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! I prep tomorrow’s lunches while my pie bakes to save time. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! I also rotate the pie halfway through baking to ensure even browning – a small detail that makes a big difference.
How We Love to Eat This!
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie… now what? Here’s how my family devours it!
We usually serve it warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess against the warm, gooey pie is just heavenly. The kids devour this comforting Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie when I serve it with a side of fresh berries. This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! This pie is also a huge hit at potlucks and holiday gatherings. I always get requests for the recipe!
For leftovers (if there are any!), I store them in the fridge. Honestly, though, it rarely lasts more than a day or two in my house! I even crumble it over yogurt for a decadent breakfast treat. One time, I served it with a caramel sauce drizzle, and it was a total game-changer. So simple, yet so good!
This comforting Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie reminds me of another family favorite. If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for Pecan Pie Bars. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out the delicious Caramel Pecan Pie Bars and Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common concerns I hear from fellow busy moms about this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie.
- Is this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The pecans and chocolate make it surprisingly hearty and satisfying.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie? Try serving it with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Presentation is key!
- Can I meal prep this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie for busy weeks ahead? You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up before serving.
- Can I freeze this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie? Yes! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep for up to a month.
- What can I substitute for corn syrup? You can use honey or maple syrup, but it will change the flavor slightly.
- I’m allergic to nuts, can I still make this? You could try substituting sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for the pecans, but it won’t be quite the same.
- My crust is getting too brown! Cover the edges of the crust with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
One mom asked me if she could use a graham cracker crust instead of a regular pie crust, and I said absolutely! It gives it a completely different, but equally delicious, flavor profile. I had a reader ask about making this pie gluten-free. While I haven’t tried it myself, using a gluten-free pie crust would be the way to go!
Final Thoughts:
This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a symbol of comfort, love, and family. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your own.
Here are My Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Comfort Hacks:
- Use a pre-made crust to save time.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for extra warmth.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of chocolate.
Some family-tested Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie variations include:
- Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie: Adding a little bourbon elevates the flavor profile and adds a touch of sophistication.
- Spiced Chocolate Pecan Pie: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves adds warmth and depth.
- Salted Caramel Chocolate Pecan Pie: Drizzling salted caramel over the top takes it to the next level.
My husband loves the Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie, while the kids prefer the classic version with extra chocolate chips. My oldest loves it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. No matter how you make it, I hope this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie brings your family as much joy and comfort as it brings mine. I am linking the Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe by The Soccer Mom Blog. Also, find inspiration in the Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe by David Lebovitz and the Dulce de Leche Chocolate Pecan Pie by Pati Jinich. Don’t be afraid to add your own twist to this easy chocolate pecan pie! Enjoy creating this comforting Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie for your family!
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie
This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a decadent twist on the classic pecan pie, featuring a rich chocolate layer beneath a crunchy, buttery pecan topping. It’s the perfect dessert for holidays or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate.
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and salt.
- Sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
- Arrange pecan halves over the chocolate chips.
- Pour the sugar mixture over the pecans.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.