If you have a soft spot for rich, nutty desserts that bring everyone to the table, then you are going to adore this Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe. It perfectly combines the intense, velvety chocolate fudge flavor with the unmistakable crunch and warmth of toasted pecans, all nestled inside a buttery flaky crust. Whether you’re making it for a holiday celebration or just because you want to impress friends with a decadent treat, this pie strikes a beautiful balance between gooey, sweet, and nutty—making it irresistibly crave-worthy from the first bite to the last.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe are refreshingly straightforward yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the pie’s luscious texture and irresistible flavor. From creamy evaporated milk to rich semisweet chocolate and crunchy pecans, each component adds a wonderful dimension.
- Evaporated milk: Provides a smooth, creamy base that blends perfectly with chocolate for a fudgy consistency.
- Semisweet chocolate morsels: The star of the show, adding deep chocolate richness without being too bitter or too sweet.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps the filling become silky and luscious.
- Sugar: Sweetens everything just right, balancing the bitterness of the chocolate.
- All-purpose flour: A small amount to help thicken the filling and give it a perfect texture.
- Large eggs: They bind the ingredients and give the pie structure so it sets beautifully.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, inviting note.
- Kosher salt: Just a pinch to elevate the chocolate and pecan flavors.
- Chopped pecans: Toasty and crunchy, they bring incredible texture and nutty goodness.
- Frozen unbaked pie crust shell: The buttery base that holds everything together without fuss.
- Ice cream: Optional, but a cold scoop on top takes every slice to heavenly heights.
How to Make Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This ensures the oven is ready to bake your pie evenly, giving you the perfect balance of gooey filling and crisp crust.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Mixture
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine evaporated milk, semisweet chocolate morsels, and butter. Microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stopping every 30 seconds to stir. This gentle process melts the chocolate smoothly, creating that decadent fudge base you want without scorching.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients
Whisk in sugar and flour thoroughly. The sugar sweetens the filling, while the flour is essential to achieve the luscious, thick consistency that holds the pie together without being too runny.
Step 4: Add Eggs One at a Time
Beat in the eggs carefully, adding one at a time and whisking well after each. This step helps to integrate air and supports the pie’s rich custard texture, ensuring it sets perfectly during baking.
Step 5: Flavor and Add Pecans
Stir in the vanilla extract and kosher salt to lift the flavors, then fold in the chopped pecans. The pecans add that wonderful crunch and earthiness, making every bite a delightful surprise.
Step 6: Pour and Spread Filling
Pour the luscious chocolate-pecan mixture evenly into your frozen unbaked pie crust shell. Make sure the filling is spread out nicely so it bakes uniformly.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the filling is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. You want the pie to be creamy and fudgy, not dry or rubbery—this timing is just right.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow your pie to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This rest time helps the filling firm up a little while remaining irresistibly gooey. Top with a scoop of your favorite ice cream if desired for an extra touch of indulgence.
How to Serve Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
While a simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty touch, a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes this Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe to the next level. You can also sprinkle a few toasted pecan halves on top for extra texture and elegance.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance the richness. For a warm, comforting contrast, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a bold cup of black tea also complements the deep chocolate and nutty flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve individual pie slices with chocolate drizzle on the plate or crushed pecans sprinkled around the rim of each serving. You can also cut the pie into small squares and serve as decadent bite-sized treats at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pie tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep nicely for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually develop a bit more as it rests.
Freezing
If you want to make this Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe in advance, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap the whole pie or individual slices well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover pie warm, heat slices gently in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat, so the filling stays smooth and fudgy, not dry.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of frozen?
Absolutely! A homemade buttery crust will elevate this Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe even more. Just ensure it’s rolled out to fit a 9-inch pie dish and properly chilled before filling.
Is it necessary to use evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk gives the filling a creamy texture that’s hard to replicate with regular milk. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with half-and-half, but the texture might be slightly different.
Can I make this pie nut-free?
Yes, you can omit the pecans for a pure chocolate fudge pecan pie flavor. For crunch, try adding chocolate chips or even toasted coconut flakes as a replacement.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The filling should be set around the edges and slightly jiggly in the center when gently shaken. It will firm up more as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep the fudgy texture.
What’s the best way to serve this pie on a warm day?
Serve slices chilled or at room temperature with a scoop of ice cream. Chilling adds a refreshing firmer texture, while room temperature showcases the gooey filling beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a nut enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates comforting, homemade pies, this recipe delivers every single time. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dessert to share and savor.
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Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie combines the rich, velvety taste of melted semisweet chocolate with crunchy pecans baked in a flaky pie crust. Sweetened with a fudgy mixture made from evaporated milk, sugar, and butter, this indulgent dessert offers a perfect balance of creamy chocolate and nutty pecan texture, making it an ideal treat for special occasions or anytime you crave a luscious pie.
Ingredients
Filling
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 (12-oz.) package semisweet chocolate morsels (about 6 ounces)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Crust
- 1 (9-inch) frozen unbaked piecrust shell
Serving
- Ice cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the pie.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the evaporated milk, semisweet chocolate morsels, and butter. Microwave on HIGH for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until the mixture is melted and smooth, creating the rich fudge base.
- Add Sugar and Flour: Whisk the sugar and all-purpose flour into the melted chocolate mixture until everything is well combined, which helps thicken the filling.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition to blend smoothly without curdling.
- Mix Flavorings and Pecans: Stir in the vanilla extract, kosher salt, and chopped pecans to infuse flavor and add texture.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the prepared filling evenly into the frozen unbaked piecrust shell, spreading it out with a spatula if needed.
- Bake the Pie: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly puffed but not jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for about 10 minutes to allow the filling to firm up before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally topped with ice cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake; the filling should be set but still slightly soft in the center for a fudgy texture.
- Use good quality semisweet chocolate morsels for the best flavor.
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for even mixing and smoother filling.
- Frozen pie crusts can be substituted with homemade crust if preferred; pre-bake slightly to avoid sogginess.
- Leftover pie can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Warm the pie slightly before serving to enhance the fudge texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American