Pin it
Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie brings together the best of Southern baking with its rich fudge center and that perfect nutty crunch on top. Every time family gathers for the holidays or Sunday dinner, this pie is the dessert everyone wants a slice of first. Using ready-made crust and jarred fudge keeps things simple without sacrificing old-school flavor.
Family and friends always ask for seconds when I bring this pie to potlucks. I fell in love with it after making it for my dad’s birthday one year and now it is a must-have at every family celebration.
Ingredients
- 9-inch deep dish premade crust: ensures a sturdy pie with plenty of room for the luscious filling pick a high-quality brand for best results
- Hot fudge sauce 12 ounce jar: brings gooey richness choose a brand with real chocolate for deep flavor
- Large eggs: give the filling structure and shine use the freshest you can find
- Light brown sugar: adds a warm caramel flavor check for soft moist crystals
- Heavy whipping cream: makes the filling extra silky look for fresh cream with no additives
- Pure vanilla extract: rounds out the sweetness use real vanilla for full flavor
- Kosher salt: keeps the pie from getting too sweet pick a flaky or coarse salt for best balance
- Chopped pecans all together three cups: classic crunch and nutty flavor toast lightly for deeper taste
- Mini chocolate chips: melt into the filling for fudgy pockets use a brand with 60 percent cocoa or higher for a true chocolate punch
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Heat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit. Place your pie shell onto a foil-lined cookie sheet to catch any drips and make for easy transfer
- Melt the Fudge:
- Remove both lid and film from your jar of hot fudge sauce. Microwave the jar for about forty seconds until it is pourable
- Mix the Filling:
- Pour the warm fudge into a large mixing bowl. Add eggs brown sugar heavy cream vanilla and salt. Whisk until the mixture looks glossy and smooth with no streaks of egg showing
- Add Chocolate and Pecans:
- Gently fold in your mini chocolate chips and one third of the chopped pecans. Stir slowly so the mixture stays even
- Fill and Top the Pie:
- Pour the fudge batter into your pie shell and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the rest of the pecans over the top to make a crunchy crust
- Bake:
- Bake your pie for forty to forty five minutes. The center should look just set and puffed not wobbly. Set aside and allow to cool completely before slicing to let the filling firm up
Pin it
Pecans have always been my favorite part. When we picked them from Grandma’s backyard in Texas as kids our hands would get stained from cracking them open after school so it feels extra special using fresh ones in this dessert.
Storage Tips
Let the pie cool completely before storing. Wrap tightly in foil or use an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage freeze whole or sliced pie and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm individual slices briefly in the microwave for that just-baked feel and gooey fudge interior.
Pin it
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find mini chocolate chips use regular chocolate chips or chop up a high-quality chocolate bar. For a dairy-free version use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a vegan fudge sauce. Walnuts work in place of pecans if needed but you will miss that true Texas flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve each slice with fresh whipped cream or high-quality vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of flaky salt on top before serving makes the chocolate flavor pop even more. For a fun contrast try it with tart berries like raspberries or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
A Slice of Texas Tradition
Texas pecan pie is rooted in the state’s long history of pecan farming the pecan tree is the state tree of Texas. Adding chocolate is a newer but beloved twist that started showing up in local bakeries decades ago. It is the perfect union of Southern hospitality and rich dessert tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy?
Placing the pie shell on a foil-lined baking sheet helps conduct heat evenly and keeps the bottom crisp. Allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing also helps set the filling and maintain a firm crust.
- → Can I use homemade fudge sauce instead of jarred?
Yes, a homemade hot fudge sauce works just as well for the chocolate layer. Ensure it's smooth and pourable for best results when mixing with the other filling ingredients.
- → What type of pecans should be used?
Chopped pecans are ideal for this dessert, providing more texture and helping distribute the nutty flavor throughout the filling and topping.
- → Is it necessary to toast the pecans beforehand?
It's not strictly required since the pecans toast during baking. However, pre-toasting the nuts before adding them can enhance their flavor even more.
- → How can you tell when the filling is set?
The center of the pie should look just set and not jiggle excessively when gently shaken. Cooling completely helps the filling firm up before slicing.
- → Can mini chocolate chips be substituted with regular size?
Yes, but mini chips distribute more evenly throughout the filling, while larger chips create bigger pockets of chocolate.