There’s truly nothing like a slice of Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie. This is that show-stopping dessert that brings smiles to any table, where deep, silky chocolate and roasted pecans melt into a buttery, flaky crust. It’s a little bit rustic, a whole lot memorable, and it embodies everything I adore about Southern baking: generosity, warmth, and just a dash of indulgence. Whether you bake it for the holidays, a celebration, or just a Wednesday pick-me-up, you’ll soon see why this Texas classic is a perennial favorite.

Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The joy of Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is that every ingredient serves a starring role, yet you won’t need a huge shopping list. Each component adds its own character—richness from chocolate, crunch from pecans, and a beloved sweetness holding it all together.

Store-bought or homemade pie crust: This is your foundation—choose a reliable, flaky crust or make your favorite recipe from scratch for extra love.
Egg white (lightly beaten): Brushing the crust helps prevent sogginess and gives it a beautiful golden finish.
Dark chocolate chips (semi-sweet or bittersweet): The heart of the pie—choose a chocolate you’d happily snack on for the best flavor.
Large eggs: These bind the filling so it bakes up sliceable but still luscious.
Light corn syrup: Traditional and essential, it delivers that hallmark gooeyness and shine to the filling.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the pie just enough without overwhelming the other flavors.
Unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness while letting you control the salt in the recipe.
Vanilla extract: A little splash deepens and marries the flavors.
Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and makes everything pop.
Pecan halves (toasted): The unmistakable Southern crunch—toast them for a richer, nuttier aroma.

How to Make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Step 1: Prep Your Pie Crust

Get your oven ready by preheating to 350°F (175°C). Place your chosen pie crust gently into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp those edges. This is the foundation of your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie, so take a moment to make it look inviting—it’s half the charm!

Step 2: Toast the Pecans

Spread your pecan halves in a single layer on a baking sheet and slide them into the preheated oven. Toast for 8 to 10 minutes, just until they turn fragrant and a hint darker. Let them cool, and relish their warm, nutty scent—it’s worth the extra step for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short, 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is perfectly smooth and glossy. Let it cool just enough so it won’t scramble your eggs later.

Step 4: Mix Up the Chocolate Filling

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and salt until harmonious and silky. Gently fold in the cooled, melted chocolate—you’ll see it turn into a glossy, decadent mixture that hints at what’s to come.

Step 5: Assemble the Pie

Brush your prepared pie crust with the beaten egg white for that professional sheen. Scatter half the toasted pecans across the bottom, then pour in your chocolate filling. Arrange the remaining pecans on top, pressing them gently into a pattern if you’re feeling artistic.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—if they brown too quickly, tent with foil or use a pie shield. The pie is done when the edges are set, but the center still has a slight wobble.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. The filling sets as it cools, making for neat slices. Serve at room temperature or chilled, and don’t hesitate to crown each piece with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure joy.

How to Serve Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Garnishes

Dress up your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with a flourish of softly whipped cream or a scoop of cool vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, chocolate curls, or even fresh berries on the side can make each serving look bakery-worthy and add a different dimension to the flavor.

Side Dishes

This pie stands tall on its own, but it pairs beautifully with lighter sides to balance its richness. Try a simple fruit salad, coffee or cold milk, or even a lightly dressed green salad for a surprising but delicious contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie into bite-sized bars or wedges and top each with a pecan half. You can also layer individual slices in mason jars for fun, portable desserts—just add a dollop of whipped cream and a tiny spoon!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover slices of Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie store brilliantly. Simply cover the pie or individual pieces with plastic wrap or foil and keep them in the refrigerator; it will stay fresh and tasty for up to four days. The flavors even deepen a bit with time.

Freezing

If you’d like to make your pie ahead or save leftovers for a longer stretch, you’re in luck. Once the pie is fully cooled, wrap it tightly in a few layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to two months, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie slightly warm, place a slice on a plate and microwave it for 15-20 seconds. If you’re reheating several slices or the whole pie, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. The chocolate gets dreamy and the crust regains a bit of its original flakiness.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! There’s nothing quite like a homemade crust to take this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie over the top. Use your favorite buttery pie dough, just be sure to blind-bake it if the recipe calls for it.

Will dark corn syrup work in place of light corn syrup?

You can swap in dark corn syrup for a more robust, caramelized flavor, though your filling will turn a shade deeper. Both options taste great, so use whichever you have on hand.

Do I need to toast the pecans?

While you can technically skip this step in a hurry, toasting pecans brings out their rich, nutty aromas and crunch—it’s well worth the extra ten minutes!

What kind of chocolate is best for this pie?

Choose semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chips for that bold, fudgy layer beneath the pecans. If you love extra dark chocolate flavor, you can mix in a few artisan chocolate chunks or even use coarsely chopped bar chocolate.

Can I make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie ahead of time?

Definitely! This pie holds up beautifully overnight—in fact, giving it time to rest lets the flavors develop even more. Simply refrigerate and bring to room temp before serving, or serve chilled if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as heartfelt as it is delicious, Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie will not disappoint. It’s a slice of the South that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for holidays. I hope you grab your apron and give this classic a try for your next special gathering or simple family meal—you might just find it becomes a new tradition!