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Deeply fudgy and chocolaty meets caramely and sweet, all with crunchy pecans arranged artfully on top and a buttery crust beneath. This Chocolate Pecan Pie is the holiday dessert of your dreams—and surprisingly easy to make!

easy chocolate pecan pie recipe perfect for pie beginners

Everything you love about pecan pie—plus chocolate.

cookbook author erin clarke of well plated

File this chocolate pecan pie under: How to Make a Good Thing Even Better.

It also adds a fantastic maple flavor that’s perfect for all your favorite fall holidays.

Adding chocolate to classic pecan pie makes it next-level delicious.

If you’ve ever had Chocolate Chess Pie, the chocolate filling has a similar fudgy texture, but with crispy-crunchy pecans on top. (If you can’t resist a good mashup, you’ll love my Pumpkin Pecan Pie too.)

Pure maple syrup is used in place of corn syrup, making this pie a more natural alternative to traditional pecan pies.

5 Star Review

“Fantastic! I made it yesterday, testing if my family would love it for Thanksgiving. I received lots of compliments and it was gone by the end of the day. I will be making this again very soon.”

— Kelly —
the best toasted chocolate pecan pie recipe

Key Ingredients

You’ll find the full list of ingredients in the recipe card below, but here are some notes to keep in mind.

  • Pecans. Use raw pecans; you can buy pieces or use pecan halves, which definitely look prettier arranged on the top of the pie. Your call!
  • Unbaked Pie Crust. Use my Oil Pie Crust or Darn Good Whole Wheat Pie Crust, or your own favorite recipe. (Or, yes, store-bought.)
  • Unsalted Butter. We’re already adding salt to the filling and as a garnish, so we don’t want to use salted butter too.
  • Dark Chocolate Chips. For a rich chocolate flavor. I used 60% cacao.
  • Eggs. Let these come to room temperature.
  • Pure Maple Syrup. Use a good one! A dark or amber maple syrup has more robust maple flavor than light or golden syrup.
  • Brown Sugar. Light brown sugar adds light notes of caramel.
  • Pure Vanilla Extract. Corn syrup has a vanilla flavor, so we’re adding that back in with vanilla extract.
  • All-Purpose Flour. This helps set the filling.
  • Flaky Salt. Maldon or fleur de sel are perfect.

Dietary Note

Make a gluten-free chocolate pecan pie by using your favorite gluten-free pie crust and a measure-for-measure all-purpose flour substitute.

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie

  1. Toast the Pecans. Be careful not to burn them. 
  2. Prepare the Crust. Chill in the pie dish for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 3 days.
  3. Blind Bake the Crust. Place a sheet of parchment paper over the crust and fill it with pie weights or dry beans.
  4. Make the Filling. Melt the butter and chocolate. Stir until nice and smooth. Mix the filling.
  5. Add the Nuts. Save some for the top.
  6. Bake. Arrange the reserved pecan halves in a concentric circle for max presentation. Sprinkle with flaky salt and until the filling is just set, but still a bit jiggly in the middle. Set the pan on a wire rack and cool completely before serving. ENJOY!
    chocolate pecan pie recipe with halved pecans on top

    Recipe Variations

    • Make Chocolate Pecan Pie With Bourbon. Stir 3 tablespoons of bourbon into the filling before baking for a boozy kick.
    • Give It a Little Warmth. Add ground cinnamon for some earthy, cozy flavor.
    • Swap in Some Walnuts. Mix in some chopped walnuts for twist on the original. I do this in my Pecan Pie Cobbler sometimes too!

    Meal Prep Tip

    To get a head start on this recipe, roll out the pie crust, lay it in the pan, and crimp the edges. Wrap it and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.

    sliced pie recipe for chocolate pecan pie

    What to Serve with Chocolate Pecan Pie

    Chocolate Pecan Pie

    5 From 14 reviews . Help us out! Review HERE.Help out & review HERE

    Prep: 25 minutes
    Cook: 1 hour 25 minutes
    Total: 2 hours 20 minutes

    Servings: 10 servings

    Video

    With a rich, fudgy chocolate base and sweet, crunchy pecans this maple-sweetened chocolate pecan pie is a real treat—and easy too!

    Ingredients
      


    Instructions
     

    • Toast the pecans: Place the pecans in a cold, dry skillet. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring constantly, until the nuts are shiny and fragrant. It’s important to keep the nuts moving to avoid burning. As soon as you start to smell the nuts, transfer them to a bowl to cool. If using pecan halves, set aside 1 cup of the halves, then chop the rest.
    • On a lightly floured work surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch round. Transfer to a regular (not deep dish) 9-inch pie plate. Tuck in any overhang and crimp all the way around the edges with your fingers using your favorite fluting pattern, or simply press with the tines of a fork. Poke the crust all over with the tines for a fork. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
    • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F and place a rack in the center of the oven.
    • Place a sheet of parchment paper over the crust and fill it with pie weights or dry beans. Bake for 25 minutes, until just set. Carefully remove pie weights and return the crust to the oven for 5 to 10 more minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
    • In a large microwave-safe bowl, gently melt the butter and chocolate chips together, stirring occasionally, until smooth. Go slowly be patient to prevent the chocolate from burning (you can also do this in a small saucepan over medium heat). Set aside to cool slightly. If using a saucepan, transfer to a large bowl.
    • To the cooled chocolate mixture, add the eggs, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, and kosher salt, stirring until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Stir in the flour. If using chopped pecans, stir in half of them; if using pecan halves, stir in the portion you chopped in Step 1.
    • Gently pour the filling into the crust, then sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans on top, or arrange the reserved pecan halves in a concentric circle. Gently press the pecans into the filling. Sprinkle with flaky salt.
    • Bake chocolate pecan pie for 40 to 50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is just set and a bit jiggly in the very center (its internal temperature should register 200°F on an instant read thermometer). If the top is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the cooking time. Place the pan on a wire rack and let cool completely before serving.

    Notes

    • TO STORE: Cover the pie in the pan or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
    • TO REHEAT: You can serve pecan pie chilled or set it on the counter and let it come to room temperature. Pecan pie (and chocolate pecan pie) isn’t typically served warm, but some people do like it that way; if you’d like, you can microwave it until it’s warmed through.
    • TO FREEZE: Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 (of 10)Calories: 462kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 5gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 67mgPotassium: 245mgFiber: 3gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 293IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 89mgIron: 1mg

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    Erin Clarke

    Hi, I’m Erin Clarke, cookbook author and the home cook behind Well Plated. I’ve helped millions of people cook healthier meals that actually taste amazing and sold over 190,000 books! I’m here to help you save time, dirty fewer dishes, and feel great about what you’re eating, without overthinking it. Welcome!

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    1. This is so GOOD! The filling is rich and chocolatey, and the pecans are the perfect amount of crunchy. I will definitely be making this pie again for Thanksgiving!5 stars

      1
    1. This is so GOOD! The filling is rich and chocolatey, and the pecans are the perfect amount of crunchy. I will definitely be making this pie again for Thanksgiving!5 stars

      1