Choc Chip Pecan Pie Recipe

There’s something irresistibly charming about a choc chip pecan pie recipe. The union of rich, buttery pecans with smooth, semi-sweet chocolate chips creates a dessert that’s both decadent and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through the process of crafting the perfect choc chip pecan pie recipe, complete with tips, variations, and serving suggestions that will elevate your dessert game. We’ll also explore some internal linking opportunities to enrich your culinary experience.

Why Choc Chip Pecan Pie Recipe?

Choc chip pecan pie is the epitome of indulgence. The marriage of crunchy pecans with the smoothness of chocolate creates a textural and flavorful harmony that few desserts can match. The gooey filling contrasts beautifully with the flaky crust, making every bite an experience to savor. This pecan pie with chocolate chips is also versatile—it can be dressed up for special occasions or enjoyed as a comforting treat on a quiet evening.

Moreover, choc chip pecan pie recipes are surprisingly easy to make. With just a few staple ingredients, you can whip up a dessert that will impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday feast or bringing it to a potluck, this pecan pie recipe is sure to be a hit.

The History of Pecan Pie and Its Chocolate Twist

Before diving into the recipe, it’s worth exploring the history of pecan pie recipes. Pecan pie is a classic Southern dessert, with roots tracing back to the early American settlers. Pecans, native to North America, were a valuable food source for indigenous peoples long before European settlers arrived. The first pecan pie recipes began appearing in the late 1800s, although it wasn’t until the 1930s that the pie gained widespread popularity, thanks to the promotion of corn syrup by the Karo company.

The addition of chocolate to pecan pie is a more recent innovation, likely inspired by the popularity of chocolate in desserts during the 20th century. The combination of chocolate and pecans has become a beloved variation, adding richness and depth to the traditional pecan pie recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Choc Chip Pecan Pie Recipes

To make the ultimate choc chip pecan pie recipe, gather the following ingredients:

Pie Crust: A flaky, buttery pie crust is essential. You can use a store-bought crust for convenience, or if you’re feeling ambitious, make your own using our easy homemade pie crust recipe.
Pecans: Opt for fresh, high-quality pecans. Whole or chopped pecans work well, depending on your preference.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are the classic choice, but you can experiment with dark or milk chocolate for different flavor profiles.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the filling together, giving the pie its characteristic custard-like texture.
Sugar: A combination of white and brown sugar adds complexity to the pie’s sweetness. Brown sugar gives the filling a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Corn Syrup: Corn syrup is a key ingredient in traditional pecan pie, contributing to the gooey texture. You can also try substituting it with pure maple syrup for a more natural sweetness.
Butter: Adds richness and depth to the filling.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the chocolate and pecans.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Choc Chip Pecan Pie

1. Prepare the Pie Crust for Your Choc Chip Pecan Pie Recipe

If you’re making the pie crust from scratch, start by rolling out the dough on a lightly floured surface. Fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, trim the edges, and crimp them as desired. If you’re using a store-bought crust, simply unroll it and fit it into the pie pan.

For those interested in trying a different kind of pie crust, consider using our buttery and flaky pie crust recipe for an extra layer of indulgence.

2. Toast the Pecans for a Richer Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips

Toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the pie. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, until they are fragrant and slightly browned. Be careful not to burn them.

For an added twist, try using candied pecans to give your chocolate pecan pie recipe an extra layer of sweetness and crunch.

3. Make the Filling for the Best Choc Chip Pecan Pie Recipe

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugars, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened.

This step is crucial in creating the pie’s signature gooey texture. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or agave nectar, though this will alter the flavor profile slightly.

4. Add the Pecans and Chocolate Chips to Your Choc Chip Pecan Pie

Once the filling is ready, stir in the toasted pecans and chocolate chips. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

If you’re a fan of more chocolate, you can increase the amount of chocolate chips or even add chocolate chunks for a more indulgent texture.

5. Assemble the Pie for Baking

Pour the filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. The filling should reach just below the rim of the pie crust.

For a decorative touch, you can arrange extra pecan halves on top of the filling before baking. This not only looks beautiful but also adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.

6. Bake Your Choc Chip Pecan Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.

For those with convection ovens, reduce the baking time slightly or lower the temperature by 25°F to ensure even baking.

7. Cool and Serve the Perfect Choc Chip Pecan Pie

Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This allows the filling to set fully, making it easier to slice and serve.

Serve your choc chip pecan pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat.

Delicious Variations on the Classic Choc Chip Pecan Pie Recipe

While the classic choc chip pecan pie is a crowd-pleaser, there are endless ways to customize this dessert to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations to consider:

Bourbon Choc Chip Pecan Pie Recipe

For a boozy twist, add 1-2 tablespoons of bourbon to the filling mixture before baking. The bourbon enhances the flavors of the chocolate and pecans, adding a warm, spicy note to the pie.

Pair this variation with our Bourbon Apple Crisp for a dessert duo that’s sure to impress.

Maple Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips

Replace the corn syrup with pure maple syrup to create a pie with a rich, autumnal flavor. The maple syrup adds a subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the toasted pecans and chocolate.

Serve this variation with our Maple Pecan Ice Cream, and you’ll have a dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings.

White Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Pie

For a different take on the classic, swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for white chocolate chips, and use macadamia nuts instead of pecans. The result is a pie that’s creamy, sweet, and full of buttery richness.

This variation pairs well with our Macadamia Nut Cookies for a cohesive dessert spread.

Salted Caramel Pecan Pie Recipe

Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top of the pie just before serving. The salted caramel adds a luxurious touch, balancing the sweetness of the pie with a hint of saltiness.

For the ultimate indulgence, pair this pie with our Salted Caramel Brownies for a double dose of caramel goodness.

Expert Tips for Perfecting Your Choc Chip Pecan Pie Recipes

Even a simple recipe like choc chip pecan pie can be improved with a few expert tips. Here are some pointers to help you achieve pie perfection:

Use Fresh Pecans for the Best Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips

The quality of your pecans will directly impact the flavor of your pie. Opt for fresh, high-quality pecans, and avoid those that have been sitting on the shelf for too long. Fresh pecans have a sweeter, more buttery flavor that really shines in this dessert.

For a deeper flavor, try using roasted pecans instead of raw ones. Roasting the pecans before adding them to the filling brings out their natural oils and enhances their nuttiness.

Don’t Overbake Your Choc Chip Pecan Pie Recipe

One of the most common mistakes when making pecan pie is overbaking. Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes; the filling should be set but still slightly jiggly in the center when it’s done. The pie will continue to firm up as it cools.

If you’re unsure whether the pie is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs, the pie is ready to come out of the oven.

Crust Shield for a Perfect Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips

To prevent the edges of your crust from burning, use a pie crust shield or cover them with strips of foil during baking. This is especially important if you’re using a homemade crust, which tends to brown more quickly than store-bought versions.

If you don’t have a pie crust shield, you can easily make one by folding a large piece of aluminum foil into a ring and placing it over the edges of the pie.

Serving Suggestions for Choc Chip Pecan Pie

Choc chip pecan pie is a rich dessert that pairs well with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are some serving suggestions to make your pie experience even more enjoyable:

Whipped Cream for Your Choc Chip Pecan Pie Recipe

A lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy contrast to the rich filling. To make your whipped cream extra special, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon.

For a boozy twist, fold in a tablespoon of bourbon or rum into the whipped cream for a sophisticated touch.

Vanilla Ice Cream with Your Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips

The cold, creamy texture of vanilla ice cream balances the warm, gooey filling. Serve a scoop of ice cream alongside a warm slice of pie for a classic pairing that’s hard to beat.

If you want to mix things up, try serving the pie with salted caramel ice cream or butter pecan ice cream.

Coffee or Hot Chocolate to Complement Your Choc Chip Pecan Pie

Pair your choc chip pecan pie recipe with a hot beverage to complement the chocolate and nutty flavors. A strong cup of coffee or a rich hot chocolate makes for a perfect end to any meal.

For an extra treat, serve your pie with a mocha latte or a spiced chai tea latte.

Storing and Reheating Your Choc Chip Pecan Pie

Choc chip pecan pie recipes can be made ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how to store and reheat your pie:

Storing Your Choc Chip Pecan Pie Recipe

If you plan to eat the pie within a couple of days, you can keep it covered at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate the pie for up to a week. Be sure to cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

For those who like to plan ahead, choc chip pecan pie freezes well. Simply wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to three months.

Reheating Your Pecan Pie with Chocolate Chips

To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place the entire pie in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Reheating the pie will restore its gooey texture and make it taste freshly baked.

If you’re reheating from frozen, allow the pie to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming it in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions About Choc Chip Pecan Pie Recipes

Here are some common questions about choc chip pecan pie recipes, along with helpful answers:

1. Can I freeze choc chip pecan pie?

Yes, choc chip pecan pie freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. The pie can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to serve, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.

For more tips on freezing desserts, check out our Ultimate Guide to Freezing Pies and Cakes.

2. What can I use instead of corn syrup in choc chip pecan pie recipes?

While corn syrup is traditional in pecan pie recipes, you can substitute it with maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that these alternatives may slightly alter the texture and sweetness of the pie.

For a more in-depth look at sweetener substitutions, visit our Guide to Sugar Alternatives.

3. Can I make choc chip pecan pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! Choc chip pecan pie recipes can be made a day or two in advance. Simply store it covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Reheat the pie in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

For more make-ahead dessert ideas, explore our collection of make-ahead desserts.

Conclusion

Choc chip pecan pie is a timeless dessert that offers the perfect balance of rich, nutty flavors and smooth, gooey chocolate. By following this guide, you can create a pie that’s not only delicious but also tailored to your tastes. With a few simple ingredients and some expert tips, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that’s sure to impress. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, your choc chip pecan pie will be a hit at any gathering.

We hope this guide has inspired you to get creative in the kitchen. Happy baking!