Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Indulge in the ultimate Southern comfort with this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie! This decadent dessert combines the richness of chocolate with the nutty goodness of pecans, all nestled in a flaky, homemade crust. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie will become a family favorite thanks to its irresistible qualities:

• Decadent Flavor: The rich chocolate perfectly complements the nutty pecans.
• Homemade Goodness: Crafted with a flaky, homemade crust for ultimate satisfaction.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for holidays, parties, or potlucks.
• Impressive Presentation: The beautiful arrangement of pecans makes it a showstopper.
• Comfort Food Classic: A Southern staple that brings back fond memories.
• Surprisingly Easy: While it looks gourmet, the recipe is straightforward.

Ingredients Needed for Texas Chocolate Pecan Perfection

Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Fresh, quality ingredients make all the difference!

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (60g) vegetable shortening, cold
• 1/4 cup (60ml) ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (320g) light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) salt
• 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups (200g) pecan halves

For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate chips. Toasting the pecans lightly before arranging them adds an extra layer of nutty flavor.

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Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools makes baking a breeze! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large bowl: For mixing the dough and filling.
• Whisk: To blend the filling ingredients smoothly.
• Pastry blender or fingers: To cut the butter and shortening into the flour for a flaky crust.
• Plastic wrap: For chilling the dough.
• Rolling pin: To roll out the pie crust. If you don’t have one, a smooth bottle works too!
• 9-inch pie plate: The perfect size for this pie.
• Wire rack: For cooling the pie completely.

Investing in quality baking tools will elevate your baking experience and ensure delicious results.

Recipe Details for the Perfect Pie

• • Prep Time: 30 minutes

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• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Difficulty: Medium

This recipe is easily scalable – double the ingredients for a larger gathering!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Follow these simple steps for a pie that’s sure to impress!

Prepare the Crust

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures the salt is evenly distributed.
2. Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keep the ingredients cold for a flakier crust!
3. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough crust.
4. Form the dough into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the crust easier to roll out.

Preheat and Prepare the Pie Plate

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oven is fully preheated for even baking.
2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. This will provide enough dough to fit your pie plate.
3. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate, trim the edges, and crimp decoratively. Get creative with your crimping for a beautiful finish!

Make the Chocolate Pecan Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. A smooth, well-mixed filling ensures even baking.
2. Sprinkle the chocolate chips evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. This creates a delicious layer of chocolatey goodness.
3. Arrange the pecan halves over the chocolate chips. Be sure to evenly cover the crust with pecans.
4. Pour the filling mixture over the pecans and chocolate chips. Make sure the filling evenly coats the pecans.

Bake and Cool

1. 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.
2. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Cooling completely allows the filling to set properly.

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Tips for Success in Pie Baking

Follow these tips for a perfect pie every time:

• Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and shortening are crucial for a flaky crust.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough develops gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up.
• Protect the Crust: If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil or use a pie shield.
• Cool Completely: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly.

Variations & Substitutions

Customize your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie to your liking!

• • Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor.
  • Maple Syrup: Substitute maple syrup for the corn syrup for a different sweetness profile.

• Different Nuts: Experiment with walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
• Bourbon: Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for a warm, boozy kick.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie

Elevate your dessert experience with these delightful pairings:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the pie’s richness.
• Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a touch of elegance.
• Coffee or Tea: The perfect warm beverage to enjoy with a slice of pie.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the pie for extra decadence.

This pie is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion!

Health Benefits

While indulgent, this pie offers some nutritional benefits:

• Pecans: Provide healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Chocolate: Contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties.
• Eggs: A good source of protein and essential nutrients.

Enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet!

Storage & Reheating

Keep your pie fresh with these storage tips:

• Storage: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze the whole pie or individual slices for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn.

Allow frozen pie to thaw completely before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes! The pie crust can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a store-bought pie crust works perfectly fine.

How do I prevent the crust from burning?

If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil or use a pie shield.

Can I add other nuts to the pie?

Definitely! Feel free to add walnuts, almonds, or any other nuts you enjoy.

How do I know when the pie is done?

The pie is done when the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 220mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 48g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Total Sugars: 35g
• Protein: 5g

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore: Sweet Endings and Tempting Treats

Craving more sweet creations? Check out these delightful recipes!

• Pecan Pie Muffins – A bite-sized version of the classic pecan pie.
• Apple Pie Crisp – A warm and comforting dessert with a crispy topping.
• No-Bake Pecan Pie Balls – An easy and delicious treat that requires no baking.

Conclusion

This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, blending rich chocolate and nutty pecans in a flaky crust. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a simple sweet treat, this pie is sure to impress. Whip it up today and share your masterpiece with us – we can’t wait to see your creations! Let us know how it goes!

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