Name: Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 9-inch deep dish premade crust; 1 jar hot fudge sauce 12 oz; 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup light brown sugar; 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 cups chopped pecans; 2/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 32 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s a true showstopper and downright addictive, you’ve got to try this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe. It’s the perfect mix of gooey, nutty, and chocolaty goodness all wrapped up in a buttery pie crust. Honestly, every bite tastes like a little slice of Southern heaven, and I can’t wait to share all my best tips to help you make it just right in your own kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Sweetness: The hot fudge base gives deep chocolate flavor without overwhelming the natural nuttiness of the pecans.
Texture Play: Chopped pecans inside with whole or halved pecans on top create a satisfying crunch.
Easy Prep: Using a premade crust and jarred hot fudge cuts down time but doesn’t sacrifice homemade flavor.
Perfect Set: The custard-like filling bakes just right to hold its shape, making slicing easy and mess-free.

A whole pecan pie with one crust layer forming a light golden brown edge with a scalloped pattern around the rim, filled with a dense dark brown sugary layer covered evenly with chopped pecans on top, clustered pecans placed neatly in the center, all set on a white marbled surface next to two small white pumpkins, a bouquet of yellow flowers on a beige and orange plaid cloth, a stack of two white patterned plates with two golden forks on top, and a dark pie server nearby, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Choosing the right ingredients for this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe is crucial—it’s all about that harmony between rich chocolate, buttery pecans, and the lightly sweetened custard. I like to use a quality jar of hot fudge because it melts smoothly and adds that irresistible fudgy taste.

Premade deep dish pie crust: Saves time and ensures a sturdy base that holds all that luscious filling effortlessly.
Hot fudge sauce: This gives the pie an intense chocolate flavor without needing to melt and measure chocolate chips separately.
Eggs: These bind the filling while helping it set into a creamy custard texture.
Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses flavor, complementing the pecans and chocolate beautifully.
Heavy whipping cream: Makes the filling silky smooth and rich.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings depth and brightens the overall flavor without competing with the chocolate.
Kosher salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
Chopped pecans: Provide that signature Texas crunch and nutty flavor throughout the pie.
Mini chocolate chips: Add bursts of melty chocolate pockets inside the pie for extra indulgence.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m all about making this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe your own. Over the years, I’ve found little tweaks really make it special depending on your mood or occasion. And trust me, once you nail the basics, feel free to experiment—you might discover your new favorite pie version!

Use pecan halves on top: I love how the pie looks with whole pecan halves arranged neatly—it not only looks professional but adds a variety of textures.
Swap for dark brown sugar: For a deeper molasses flavor, try dark brown sugar instead of light.
Add a splash of bourbon: For an adult twist, stir in a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling before baking—so good!
Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust if needed, but watch the baking time as it might bake faster.

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

Step 1: Prep and Soften the Hot Fudge

Always start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a cookie sheet with foil—this protects your oven from any drips. Next, microwave the jar of hot fudge for about 40 seconds to soften it up; otherwise, mixing it into the batter is a sticky mess. Pour the softened fudge into a large mixing bowl and get ready to whisk it together with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Whisk the Filling Ingredients

Into that warm fudge bowl, crack in three eggs and add the light brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and uniform—no lumps! This step is key for that custard-like filling texture that holds everything together.

Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate and Pecans

Now for the fun part: carefully folding in the mini chocolate chips and about a third of the chopped pecans. Folding gently keeps the chips and nuts evenly distributed without breaking them up too much. This ensures every slice has those sweet surprises and crunchy bites.

Step 4: Pour, Top, and Bake

Pour your batter into the premade pie crust, then top it with the remaining pecans for that classic Texas pie look and added crunch. Place the pie on your lined cookie sheet and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly—that’s perfect. Let the pie cool completely before slicing; trust me, patience pays off here.

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Pro Tips for Making Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

Microwave the fudge first: Softening your fudge makes mixing a breeze and ensures an even, rich chocolate flavor.
Use a foil-lined sheet: It’s a lifesaver for catching drips and makes clean-up way easier.
Don’t overbake: The center should still jiggle slightly when you take it out; it firms up as it cools.
Let it cool completely: Cutting too soon can lead to messy slices, so patience definitely pays off here.

How to Serve Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe

A close-up view of a slice of pecan pie being held by a woman's hand with a pie server above a white marbled surface. The slice has three distinct layers: a thin, light beige crust at the bottom and edges; a thick, glossy, dark brown filling in the middle that looks smooth and rich; and a top layer densely covered with whole and halved shiny pecans in various shades of brown, giving a crunchy texture. The slice is taken from a larger pecan pie in a foil pie dish that is partially visible below. In the blurry background, there are two pale yellow pumpkins and a woman's hand with dark red nail polish holding the pie server. The scene is softly lit, emphasizing the pie's glossy and textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love keeping it simple here: a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the rich chocolate pecan filling perfectly without stealing the show. For holidays, I’ve even sprinkled a pinch of flaky sea salt on top—it’s a game-changer for balancing sweetness!

Side Dishes

Honestly, this pie often stands alone as the star dessert, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of strong coffee rounds out the experience beautifully. If you’re serving it after a bigger meal, a small fruit salad can also help refresh the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties or celebrations, I’ve layered mini slices on dessert trays alongside chocolate-covered pecans and chocolate truffles—everyone loves the chocolate theme! Another idea: serve individual mini pies in ramekins for a fun, personalized touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once it’s fully cooled, I cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 5 days, and honestly, the flavors only get better after a day or two as they meld together.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover pie before by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the texture remains surprisingly good. Just keep in mind that the pecans on top might lose some crunch.

Reheating

When you want a warm slice, I recommend reheating individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or briefly in a low oven (around 300°F) until warmed through. This keeps the filling gooey without toughening the crust.

FAQs

Can I make this Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe from scratch without a premade crust?

Absolutely! If you prefer making your own pie crust, a flaky butter crust or even a graham cracker crust can work beautifully. Just keep in mind that baking times might vary slightly, especially if your crust isn’t deep dish, so watch the pie carefully as it bakes.
What’s the best way to chop pecans for this pie?

I like to roughly chop them by hand rather than finely mincing to keep a good mix of textures. For the topping, using whole or halved pecans creates that classic Texan look and adds an eye-catching crunch.
Can I use a different type of chocolate instead of hot fudge sauce?

You can substitute melted chocolate chips or a blend of chocolate and cream to make ganache, but be mindful that the texture and sweetness level may change. The jarred hot fudge sauce gives this recipe its unique fudgy richness and ease, which I love.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?

You want the edges to be set and the center to have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan—similar to a cheesecake. It will firm up as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep it creamy and soft inside.

Final Thoughts

This Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart (and my dessert rotation) because it brings together comforting Southern flavors with a chocolate lovers’ dream. Sharing this pie at family gatherings always sparks smiles and requests for seconds. So, if you want a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss—give this recipe a whirl. You’ll be so glad you did!