Name: Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 recipe homemade pie crust (recipe or store-bought); 3 eggs at room temperature; 3/4 cup dark corn syrup; 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3 oz. bittersweet baking chocolate, chopped 1/4-inch; 3 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped 1/4-inch; 1 1/2 cups roughly chopped raw pecan halves, not too small; 3/4 cup whole raw pecan halves for topping (more or less as needed); 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter

There’s just something irresistible about the rich, nutty combination of warm pecans and luscious chocolate melting into a golden crust. This Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe strikes that perfect balance between gooey and crunchy, making it a standout treat you’ll want to make over and over again.

The image shows a pecan pie with a thick golden-brown crust that has a wavy edge, placed inside a white ceramic pie dish. The top layer is fully covered with whole pecan halves, dark brown and glossy, arranged neatly. Below the pecans is a rich, sticky filling with a shiny texture, visible in the slice taken out, showing a mix of nuts and syrupy filling. The bottom crust is golden and flaky, supporting the pie layers well. The white marbled surface adds brightness to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the first time I made this pie, I was hooked — the deep chocolate notes paired with crunchy pecans and a buttery crust is pure magic. It’s a classic Southern favorite upgraded with just the right amount of chocolate decadence, perfect for holidays or any special occasion.

Perfect Texture: This recipe nails the contrast between a rich, gooey filling and crisp, flaky crust every time.
Chocolate-Pecan Harmony: Two types of chocolate and fresh pecans create layers of flavor that feel indulgent but balanced.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep dough, blind bake crust, and mix filling ahead — a total lifesaver when entertaining.
Visual Appeal: Whole pecans on top aren’t just decorative—they soak up melted butter for a beautifully glossy finish.

A close-up of a pecan pie showing three layers: the outer layer is a thick, golden-brown crust with a rough and crumbly texture, folded in a wavy pattern around the edge of a white plate; the middle layer is a glossy, dark brown filling with a sticky, caramel-like texture embedded with small chunks of dark chocolate; the top layer is a dense arrangement of whole pecans with a shiny, reddish-brown color, evenly placed across the surface. The pie sits on a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a star role, coming together to create that classic Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie flavor you’ve been dreaming of. Using room temperature eggs ensures your filling comes together smoothly, and the dual chocolate blend gives you complexity without overpowering the nuttiness of pecans.

Flat lay of three whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of dark amber corn syrup, a small white ceramic bowl of packed dark brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl with melted golden butter, a few fresh vanilla beans next to a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl containing fine sea salt, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cinnamon powder, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cloves powder, a small white ceramic bowl with ground nutmeg powder, roughly chopped raw pecan halves scattered beside whole raw pecan halves arranged neatly in a small pile, two types of chocolate chunks – dark bittersweet and semi-sweet – roughly chopped with clean edges, all arranged symmetrically on a simple white ceramic pie plate holding an unbaked plain pie crust, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Homemade Pie Crust: A flaky, buttery crust sets the stage—making your pie taste that much better than store-bought.
Eggs: Help bind the filling and give the pie its lovely custardy texture.
Dark Corn Syrup: Adds sweetness and that signature sticky, gooey texture pecan pie is known for.
Dark Brown Sugar: Gives depth and a hint of molasses richness to the filling.
Unsalted Butter: A little goes a long way in both the filling and brushing the pecans for toasty, rich flavor.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its warm, sweet aroma.
Salt & Spices (Cinnamon, Cloves, Nutmeg): Just the right touch of spice elevates this pie beyond ordinary.
Bittersweet & Semisweet Chocolate: Combining these gives the pie a rich, layered chocolate flavor that isn’t too sweet.
Raw Pecan Halves (Chopped & Whole): The star nuts! Fresh pecans bring crunch and buttery flavor that’s simply unbeatable.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is so versatile—you can tailor it to your taste or dietary needs, making it truly your own. Sometimes I add a splash of bourbon for a boozy twist, or swap out pecans with walnuts if that’s what I have on hand. It’s all about what you like!

Variation: For an even richer pie, I sometimes sprinkle a pinch of espresso powder into the filling—it deepens the chocolate flavor wonderfully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Blind Bake the Crust

I highly recommend making the pie crust a day ahead—you’ll thank me later! After rolling it out and fitting it into your pie pan, pop it in the fridge to chill. When ready, line the crust with parchment and fill with pie weights or dried beans to prevent shrinking. Bake at 375°F for about 18 to 20 minutes until it’s just starting to brown. Cool it completely so your filling doesn’t melt the crust.

Step 2: Mix the Filling With Care

Whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla, salt, and warming spices—but don’t overdo it. Over-whisking can add extra air, causing cracks or bubbles in your pie. You want a smooth, combined filling ready to settle perfectly around the pecans and chocolate.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Spread the chopped pecans evenly on your cooled crust, then scatter the chopped bittersweet and semisweet chocolates over the nuts. Pour your filling over the top gently, then arrange the whole pecan halves in a pretty pattern. Brush them with melted butter—that little trick prevents burning and adds shine.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes until the center registers 195-200°F on an instant-read thermometer. No thermometer? Tap the filling gently—it should spring back lightly and jiggle just a bit. Keep foil or a pie shield handy to cover the edges if they brown too fast.

Step 5: Patience Is a Virtue—Cool Completely

This is crucial: cool your pie completely on a wire rack. It takes about 2 hours for the filling to set properly. Don’t rush by sticking it in the fridge—that can cause the filling to collapse or become soggy. Trust me, waiting is worth the perfect slice!

Top Tip

After making this pie multiple times, I’ve learned that temp control and timing are everything. Here’s what really saved me and helped me nail a flawless pie every time.

Blind Baking: Don’t skip this step! It keeps your crust from getting soggy once the filling goes in.
Thermometer Usage: Invest in an instant-read thermometer. It’s the best way to tell when your filling is perfectly set but not overbaked.
Butter-Brushed Pecans: Coating the pecans with butter before baking prevents burning and gives that gorgeous glossy finish.
Cooling Time: Be patient! Letting the pie cool on a rack for at least two hours makes slicing much easier and improves flavor.

How to Serve Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Chocolate Pecan Pie - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it classic with freshly whipped cream on the side—a little vanilla bean whipped cream really elevates every bite. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top to highlight the chocolate and nuts. For a fancy touch, a few chocolate shavings or toasted pecan halves scattered around the plate never fail.

Side Dishes

This pie shines on its own but pairing it with some fresh berries or a simple scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream can create a beautiful flavor contrast. I also love serving it alongside a hot cup of coffee or richly brewed black tea for a cozy finish to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged mini pies in a rustic wooden tray or made single-serving tartlets using mini pie pans. Drizzling a little caramel sauce over each slice or topping with edible gold leaf has wowed my guests when I wanted to impress without a ton of hassle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always let the pie cool completely first, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. It keeps beautifully for up to four days, making it perfect for serving over a few days or enjoying as a special snack. Just bring it to room temperature before slicing or gently warm it if you prefer.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, I suggest freezing in individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slightly in the oven. This prevents the crust from getting soggy and keeps the filling luscious.

Reheating

Reheating pecan pie is best done in a 300°F oven for about 5 to 10 minutes to maintain that crisp crust and warm filling. Microwaving works in a pinch — just do short intervals to avoid overheating and melting the structure of the pie.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought pie crust for this Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! While homemade crust gives the best flavor and texture, a good-quality store-bought crust can work well and save time.

What’s the best way to prevent the pie crust edges from burning?

A foil pie shield or strips of aluminum foil placed around the edges after about 25 minutes of baking will protect the crust from over-browning while the filling finishes baking.

Can I prepare this pie a day ahead?

Yes! This pie can absolutely be assembled and refrigerated overnight before baking, or baked ahead and stored, then reheated gently before serving.

Why does my pecan pie filling sometimes crack?

Cracking usually happens if the filling is overbaked or over-whisked. Watch your bake time carefully and mix just until combined for the best smooth texture.

Final Thoughts

This Decadent Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe has become my go-to when I want to impress family and friends without a ton of fuss. Its rich, balanced flavors and make-ahead flexibility make it a true crowd-pleaser. I really hope you’ll enjoy baking and sharing it as much as I do—consider this pie your new kitchen classic!