If you’re a fan of rich, indulgent desserts, then a Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie is sure to satisfy your cravings. This twist on the classic Southern pecan pie combines the deep flavors of chocolate and bourbon, creating a decadent treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering or simply looking to impress your friends and family with something new, this dessert will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie:
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups pecans (lightly toasted)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 2 tbsp bourbon
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)
Directions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pie will bake evenly and come out with the perfect texture.
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. You can use a store-bought crust for convenience or make your own from scratch for a more authentic touch. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent air bubbles.
- Toast the Pecans: Lightly toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release a nutty aroma. This step enhances the flavor of the nuts, making them even more delicious in the final pie.
- Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is well combined. Then, add in the flour to help thicken the filling.
- Melt the Chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave or using a double boiler. Once melted, let it cool slightly and then fold it into the pie filling mixture. This will give the pie its rich chocolate flavor.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the pie filling into the prepared crust. Gently arrange the toasted pecans over the top, pressing them slightly into the filling to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. You may need to cover the edges of the pie with aluminum foil if they begin to brown too quickly.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. The filling will firm up as it cools. Serve it as-is or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Why You’ll Love Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie:
- A Unique Flavor Combination: The bourbon adds depth and a subtle warmth, while the chocolate provides a rich, creamy texture that perfectly complements the crunchy pecans.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special family dinner, this dessert will be the star of the show.
- Easy to Make: With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this pie is simple enough for even beginner bakers to make but impressive enough to wow your guests.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie:
- Use Quality Bourbon: The bourbon is a key component of this recipe, so be sure to use a good-quality bottle. It enhances the overall flavor of the pie, so it’s worth investing in a premium brand.
- Watch the Baking Time: Be sure not to over-bake the pie. The filling should be set but still slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
- Customize Your Nuts: While pecans are traditional, feel free to mix in other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts if you want to give the pie your own personal touch.
Final Thoughts
A Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie combines the best of two classic desserts and takes your holiday baking to a whole new level. The balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors makes it an unforgettable treat that’s sure to become a new family favorite. Try making it for your next gathering, and prepare to receive rave reviews!
Serving and Storage Tips for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Serving Tips:
- Serve at Room Temperature: After allowing your Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie to cool completely, it’s best served at room temperature. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the filling to firm up for the perfect texture. If you’d like, you can briefly warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds for a cozy, comforting experience.
- Add Toppings: For an extra indulgent touch, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the rich, chocolatey filling. For a fun twist, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or sprinkle some sea salt on top.
- Pair with Beverages: This pie pairs wonderfully with a warm drink like a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of bourbon to complement the bourbon notes in the pie. A glass of dessert wine like port or a sweet muscat also works beautifully.
Storage Tips:
- Room Temperature: You can store the pie at room temperature for up to 2 days. Simply cover it loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
- Refrigeration: If you’re planning to store it for a longer period, it’s best to refrigerate the pie. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for 4-5 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: If you’d like to make this pie ahead of time, you can freeze it for longer storage. After baking and cooling, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. The pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer to serve the pie warm, reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until it’s heated through. Be sure to cover the edges of the pie with foil to prevent over-browning.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie at its best, whether fresh out of the oven or days later.
1. Can I make Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make this pie ahead of time! In fact, it stores beautifully. You can bake the pie a day or two in advance and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to allow it to cool completely before storing.
2. Can I omit the bourbon from the recipe?
While bourbon adds depth and a unique flavor to the pie, you can omit it if you prefer. If you’re avoiding alcohol or making the pie for kids, simply replace the bourbon with an equal amount of vanilla extract or a combination of apple cider or water for a similar richness without the alcohol.
3. Can I use a different type of nut in this pie?
Yes, you can substitute the pecans with other nuts, though it will slightly alter the flavor and texture. Walnuts or hazelnuts can be great alternatives, but keep in mind that the classic pecan pie flavor comes from the slightly sweet and nutty taste of pecans. Make sure to toast your substitute nuts for added flavor.
4. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
Absolutely! If you prefer a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, you can swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher). Just be aware that the pie will have a slightly more bittersweet taste, which pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the bourbon and sugars. Adjust the sweetness if needed to balance the flavors.
PrintChocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
This Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie elevates the classic pecan pie by adding rich chocolate and a hint of bourbon, resulting in a decadent dessert perfect for special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
½ cup unsalted butter
4 large eggs, beaten
¼ cup bourbon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips (about 1 cup)
1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Prepare Pie Crust:
Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, trimming and crimping the edges as desired.
Make Filling:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and unsalted butter.
Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt.
Gradually add the slightly cooled sugar mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from cooking.
Assemble Pie:
Sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
Pour the filling mixture over the chocolate chips and pecans.
Bake:
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
Cool and Serve:
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Serve at room temperature or chilled, optionally with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
For a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with water or apple juice.
To enhance the flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the pie.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.