Name: Chocolate Pecan Pie with Cocoa and Chocolate Chips Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 9 inch homemade pie dough crust or 1 store bought rolled unbaked pie crust (14 ounce package); 2 cups chopped pecans; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 large eggs; 3/4 cup light corn syrup; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted; Whipped cream and/or chocolate shavings

If you’re a fan of classic pecan pie but looking to take it up a notch, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Pecan Pie with Cocoa and Chocolate Chips Recipe. I absolutely love how the deep cocoa flavor and melty chocolate chips blend into the rich, gooey filling surrounded by crunchy pecans—trust me, your family and friends will go crazy for it! It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave that perfect combo of chocolate and nuts in a buttery pie crust.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Irresistible Chocolate-Pecan Combo: The cocoa powder and melted chocolate layer perfectly with toasted pecans for a rich, nutty flavor you won’t find in a traditional pecan pie.
Simple and Quick to Make: You won’t need to pre-bake the crust or fuss with complicated steps—this pie comes together fast and bakes beautifully.
Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you add bourbon for an adult twist or swap chocolate types, this recipe pleases every palate.
Perfect for Any Occasion: From family dinners to holidays, this pie turns any moment into a celebration.

A slice of dark brown pecan pie with a golden crust sits on a white plate with a thin brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The pecan filling is textured and chunky, topped with a small swirl of white cream and tiny chocolate bits. A woman's hand holds a silver fork, lifting a piece of the pie with crust and filling visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chocolate Pecan Pie with Cocoa and Chocolate Chips, best chocolate pecan pie, easy chocolate pecan pie recipe, holiday pecan pie with chocolate, rich chocolate nut pie

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your hands on fresh, quality ingredients really makes a difference here. The combination of brown sugar, cocoa powder, and semi-sweet chocolate chips creates that signature flavor and chewy texture you’ll love. Plus, a homemade or store-bought pie crust both work fine—don’t stress!

Flat lay of a simple white ceramic pie plate with a smooth, unbaked homemade pie dough crust pressed inside, a small pile of whole pecans, a small white bowl of packed brown sugar, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of unsweetened cocoa powder, three large whole eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of light corn syrup, a small white bowl holding melted unsalted butter, a small white bowl of vanilla extract, a small white bowl of salt, a small white bowl of melted semi-sweet chocolate chips, a dollop of fresh whipped cream on a white ceramic dish, and a few delicate dark chocolate shavings on the side, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, 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 awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Chocolate Pecan Pie with Cocoa and Chocolate Chips, best chocolate pecan pie, easy chocolate pecan pie recipe, holiday pecan pie with chocolate, rich chocolate nut pie

Pie Dough Crust: Homemade adds a buttery flakiness, but a good store-bought crust speeds things up perfectly.
Chopped Pecans: Toast them lightly if you want to deepen the nutty flavor even more.
Brown Sugar: Packed tightly, this adds caramel richness that meshes with chocolate beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the filling and keeps it nicely set without being rubbery.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: I recommend using a good-quality powder for that deep chocolate kick.
Large Eggs: They bind the ingredients while lending a custardy texture.
Light Corn Syrup: Classic for pecan pie, gives a glossy finish and real sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Melted and folded into the filling for extra richness.
Vanilla Extract: Just a hint to round out all the flavors.
Salt: A must-have to balance the sweetness and highlight the chocolate.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Melted, they create luscious pockets of chocolate throughout the pie.
Whipped Cream and Chocolate Shavings: Optional toppings that elevate the presentation and add creaminess.

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.

Variations

I love customizing this Chocolate Pecan Pie with Cocoa and Chocolate Chips Recipe based on the occasion or guest preferences. Don’t hesitate to experiment a bit—you might find your new favorite version!

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie: I discovered this trick when I mixed 2 to 3 tablespoons of bourbon into the filling—adds a warm, boozy depth that my friends rave about.
Chocolate Types Swap: Use white, milk, or dark chocolate chips if you want a sweeter or more intense chocolate flavor; all work surprisingly well.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute with a gluten-free pie crust and a bit of cornstarch for the flour to keep it just as luscious.
Nut Variations: If pecans aren’t your thing, try walnuts or even hazelnuts for a different but equally delicious crunch.

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie with Cocoa and Chocolate Chips Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pie Crust and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your 9-inch pie plate with nonstick spray. Roll out your pie dough gently and press it into your dish. I like to flut the edges with my fingers—it’s easier than it looks and gives that classic pie look! No need to pre-bake the crust for this recipe, so just set it aside once shaped.

Step 2: Layer the Pecans

Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly across the bottom of your crust. This helps keep the crust from getting soggy and adds a nice layer of crunch under all that luscious filling. If you want to boost the flavor here, toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet for 3-5 minutes before adding them.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, flour, cocoa powder, eggs, light corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla extract, salt, and the melted chocolate chips until smooth. The mixture will be glossy and perfectly pourable. I always make sure my melted chocolate is slightly cooled so it blends smoothly without scrambling the eggs.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Slowly pour this filling over your pecans, making sure every nut is coated. Pop your pie into the oven on the center rack. Bake for 45-55 minutes, depending on your oven’s quirks. Around 30 minutes in, keep an eye on the crust edges and cover them with foil or use a crust protector if they look like they’ll get too dark—this little trick saved my crust every time! The pie is ready when the top is golden and just barely set in the center; it should jiggle slightly but not be liquidy.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling step is key because it helps the filling to finish setting up perfectly. Once cool, slice it up and serve with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings if you’re feeling fancy. I like adding a little extra chocolate shavings for a wow factor—plus, it tastes amazing!

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Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Pecan Pie with Cocoa and Chocolate Chips Recipe

Temper Your Chocolate: Let melted chocolate cool a bit before adding it to eggs to prevent scrambling and keep filling silky smooth.
Watch Crust Edges Closely: I learned this the hard way—cover your crust edges with foil early if browning too fast to avoid a burnt pie shell.
Use Fresh Pecans: Fresh or toasted pecans elevate the crunch and nutty flavor much better than stale ones.
Let the Pie Cool Completely: Cutting too early makes the filling runny; patience leads to perfect slices every time.

How to Serve Chocolate Pecan Pie with Cocoa and Chocolate Chips Recipe

A single slice of pecan pie sits on a white plate with a thin gold rim, placed on a white marbled surface. The pie slice has three clear layers: a golden, thin crust at the base; a rich, dark brown filling with visible bits of pecans creating a crunchy texture in the middle; and a dollop of white whipped cream on top, sprinkled lightly with small pecan pieces. A woman's hand holds a fork near the plate, and the background is softly blurred with light tones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chocolate Pecan Pie with Cocoa and Chocolate Chips, best chocolate pecan pie, easy chocolate pecan pie recipe, holiday pecan pie with chocolate, rich chocolate nut pie

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a classic presentation—fresh whipped cream on top with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings immediately elevates the pie. Sometimes, I add a few toasted pecan halves for that rustic, homemade look. These simple touches make you feel like a pro baker even if it’s your first time trying this recipe.

Side Dishes

This rich pie pairs wonderfully with a light, fresh salad or fruit to balance its sweetness. I especially love serving it alongside crisp apple slices or a citrusy arugula salad. For drinks, a cup of coffee or a glass of bourbon complements the chocolate pecan flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve served individual mini chocolate pecan pies in ramekins, making each guest feel special while speeding up serving. You can also drizzle warm caramel or chocolate sauce over the slices or add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent twist that guests always rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It stays delicious for up to 4 days. Pro tip: Bring slices to room temperature before serving so the filling regains that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Freezing

Freezing works great! Wrap the cooled whole pie or individual slices in foil and then a zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm in a low oven to bring back that freshly baked taste.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend placing slices on a baking sheet and warming in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through—not too hot or you risk melting the filling too much. This method keeps the crust crisp and filling luscious.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust for this chocolate pecan pie?

Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought unbaked pie crust works wonderfully and saves time. Just roll it out to fit your pie plate, and follow the recipe as usual. Homemade crust adds extra flakiness, but the filling is so flavorful it’s a win either way.
Do I have to pre-bake the pie crust for this recipe?

Nope! The recipe is designed so you can bake the filling and crust together. Just make sure to watch the crust edges as they can brown faster and cover with foil if needed.
Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

Yes, walnuts, hazelnuts, or even almonds can be used. The texture and flavor will change slightly but still delicious! I suggest toasting them lightly first to bring out their best nutty aroma.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate for the filling?

Melt your chocolate chips gently either in a microwave in short bursts with stirring in between or in a double boiler set over simmering water. Make sure it’s smooth and slightly cooled before mixing into the other ingredients to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Can this pie be made ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can bake it the day before, refrigerate overnight, and serve at room temperature the next day. If chilling, just let it sit out about 30 minutes before slicing to let the filling soften nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Pecan Pie with Cocoa and Chocolate Chips Recipe has truly become a favorite in my home because it brings together comforting nostalgia and rich chocolatey goodness all in one slice. If you want a pie that reliably wows—whether it’s for your family’s Thanksgiving table or a casual weekend dessert—give this one a try. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and downright delicious. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with it just like I did.