Chocolate Pecan Pie

This Chocolate Pecan Pie is a decadent twist on a classic Southern dessert. The rich, buttery crust is filled with a luscious combination of maple syrup, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and dark chocolate chips, with the irresistible crunch of chopped pecans throughout. The bittersweet chocolate adds a layer of depth to the sweetness of the filling, creating a beautifully balanced flavor in every bite. Whether you’re making this pie for a holiday gathering or a cozy night at home, it’s sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Pie Crust:

• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling out the dough
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup chilled unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• ¼ cup ice water, plus more if needed

Filling:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups chopped pecans
• ½ cup bittersweet or dark chocolate chips
• Non-stick baking spray
• Flaky finishing salt (optional)

Instructions

For the Pie Crust:

1. Make the Dough:

• In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cubed butter and, using your fingers or a pastry blender, cut the butter into the flour until you have pea-sized pieces.
• Slowly add ¼ cup ice water, stirring with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the dough begins to come together. You may need to add an additional tablespoon of water if the dough feels too dry. The key is to stop when the dough just sticks together—avoid overworking it.

1. Chill the Dough:

• Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to 2 days). This resting period allows the butter to firm up and the dough to relax, which results in a flakier crust.

1. Roll Out the Dough:

• Once ready, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes, just until it’s pliable but still cold. On a floured surface, roll it out into a 12-13 inch circle. Lightly spritz a 9-inch deep dish pie plate with non-stick spray, then transfer the dough into the dish. Trim and crimp the edges for a decorative touch, then place the pie crust back in the fridge for 20 minutes while you prepare the filling.

For the Filling:

1. Melt the Butter:

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the brown sugar, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and kosher salt until fully combined.

1. Mix the Eggs:

• In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and vanilla extract together. Gradually add the egg mixture into the cooled butter mixture, stirring constantly to ensure the eggs don’t scramble.

1. Add Pecans and Chocolate:

• Stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips. This combination gives the pie its signature texture with the crunch of the nuts and the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate.

1. Assemble and Bake:

• Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. Bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is slightly puffed. A small jiggle in the center is fine, as the pie will continue to set while it cools.

1. Cool and Serve:

• Let the pie cool completely before slicing. For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle with flaky finishing salt just before serving.

Tips for a Perfect Chocolate Pecan Pie:

• Cold Ingredients for Crust: Keep your butter and water cold to achieve a tender, flaky crust. Overworking the dough can result in a tougher texture, so handle it as little as possible.
• Chilling the Dough: Don’t skip the resting time for the dough, both before and after rolling. This ensures the crust won’t shrink while baking.
• Watch the Bake Time: The pie should be mostly set when you remove it from the oven, with a slight jiggle in the center. Overbaking can lead to a dry filling.
• Use Good Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use high-quality bittersweet or dark chocolate chips.

This Chocolate Pecan Pie is a rich and indulgent dessert that brings together the nutty goodness of pecans with the luxurious taste of chocolate. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat!