Easy Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie: A Delicious Recipe!

Okay, gather ’round, friends! Let’s talk about something truly decadent and comforting: Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie. This isn’t just any pie; it’s a hug in dessert form, a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds. I remember the first time I tried to make this. It was a disaster! The crust was soggy, the chocolate layer was grainy, and the pecan filling was… well, let’s just say it was more like pecan soup. But, like with any good recipe, I persisted. After several attempts, tweaks, and a few tears (okay, maybe more than a few), I finally cracked the code. Now, my Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie is a family favorite. It’s the dessert I make for holidays, birthdays, or just when we need a little extra sweetness in our lives. This Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie is a perfect example of how I like to cook: from scratch, with love, and always with a touch of something special. Even with our busy lives, I always carve out time to bake this Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie. So, are you ready to bake this Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie with me? I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the results are so worth it!

What You’ll Need for This Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece of a Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie. I always try to use the best quality ingredients I can find because it really makes a difference, especially in a dessert like this.

Ingredients for making Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie
  • Pie Crust: 1 ready-made pie crust (or your favorite homemade recipe) – I’m a busy mom, so sometimes I take a shortcut! But if you’re feeling ambitious, go for it!
  • Semi-Sweet Chocolate: 8 ounces, melted – I always use Ghirardelli for my Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie because it melts so smoothly.
  • Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), melted
  • Granulated Sugar: 1 cup
  • Light Corn Syrup: 1 cup – Don’t skimp on this! It’s essential for the pecan filling’s texture.
  • Large Eggs: 3, lightly beaten
  • Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Real vanilla extract is a game-changer!
  • Pecan Halves: 2 cups – I like to toast mine lightly for extra flavor, but that’s optional.
  • Salt: 1/4 teaspoon

When making Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie, you can find good quality pecans at most grocery stores, especially during the fall and winter months. If you’re looking for a discount, keep an eye out for sales around the holidays! One trick I learned is to buy pecans in bulk and store them in the freezer. They stay fresh for months! For the chocolate, I’ve found that using chocolate chips doesn’t melt as well as using a chocolate bar. If you have extra Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie ingredients, you can freeze the pecans and store the chocolate in a cool, dark place. Now, If you’re in the mood for another easy pie recipe, you should check out my Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe. And if you’re ready, let’s get baking!

Let’s Make This Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie Together

Okay, here comes the fun part! Let’s get our hands dirty and create this delicious Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie together. Don’t worry if you’re not a pie-baking pro; I’ll walk you through every step.

  1. Preheat the Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important to make sure your Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie cooks evenly.
  2. Prepare the Crust: Place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges decoratively. I like to use a fork to make a pretty pattern, but you can do whatever you like!
  3. Bake the Crust (Blind Baking): Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This prevents the crust from puffing up during baking. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment paper and weights and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. This step is crucial for preventing a soggy bottom! I learned the hard way with Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie that blind baking is non-negotiable.
  4. Melt the Chocolate: While the crust is baking, melt your semi-sweet chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Be careful not to burn it!
  5. Pour in the Chocolate: Once the crust is pre-baked and cooled slightly, pour the melted chocolate evenly over the bottom. This is our first delicious layer!
  6. Make the Pecan Filling: In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
  7. Add the Pecans: Gently fold in the pecan halves. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the filling.
  8. Pour over Chocolate Layer: Carefully pour the pecan filling over the chocolate layer in the pie crust. Try not to disturb the chocolate too much.
  9. Bake the Pie: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. The center should be just slightly jiggly. In my kitchen, Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie usually takes about 38 minutes, but ovens vary, so keep an eye on it!
  10. Cool Completely: This is the hardest part! Let the Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly. Your Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie should smell like warm chocolate, toasted pecans, and pure happiness!

While the Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie is baking, I usually tidy up the kitchen or catch up on my favorite show. One tip I have is to check the pie after about 20 minutes of baking and cover the edges of the crust with foil if they are browning too quickly. And if you’re wondering about the best chocolate pecan pie, I can promise you that this recipe will be it! And if you would like another type of Chocolate pie check out this No bake chocolate pecan pie recipe.

How I Love to Serve This Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie

Now that we’ve baked this beauty, let’s talk about how to serve it! My family loves this Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie when I serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold ice cream against the warm pie is just heavenly!

This Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. It’s also a great dessert to bring to a potluck or family gathering. Presentation-wise, I like to dust the top with a little cocoa powder or sprinkle with chopped pecans for extra flair. You can also drizzle it with melted chocolate or caramel sauce.

If you have extra Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie (which is rare in my house!), you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. Sometimes, I even sneak a cold slice straight from the fridge – don’t tell anyone!

For a seasonal twist, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pecan filling during the fall months. I’ve also tried adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the filling for a more adult flavor. My family loves both versions! Friends always ask for this Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe, and they’re always amazed at how easy it is to make. They also ask for the recipe for Chocolate Pecan Bourbon Pie with Bourbon Sauce. It’s always a hit! And don’t forget, a slice of this Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie would go perfectly with my Caramel Apple Slices with Chocolate Drizzle.

Your Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some of the most common questions I get about this Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie. I’ve definitely had my fair share of pie-baking mishaps, so I’m happy to share my wisdom (and my mistakes!).

  • Why is my crust soggy? This is a classic pie problem! The key is blind baking the crust before adding the filling. This helps to prevent the bottom from becoming soggy. Also, make sure your oven is hot enough, and don’t overfill the pie. You know what I do when my Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie crust starts to get soggy? I put the pie on the lowest rack of the oven for the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • Can I use a different type of chocolate? Absolutely! While I prefer semi-sweet chocolate, you can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level will vary. My family prefers the semi-sweet, but my husband loves it with dark chocolate.
  • Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can! This Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Just store it in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before serving.
  • What if my pecan filling is too runny? This usually happens if you haven’t baked the pie long enough. Make sure the center is mostly set before removing it from the oven. It should still be slightly jiggly, but not liquidy.
  • Can I use chopped pecans instead of pecan halves? You can, but I prefer the texture of pecan halves. They provide a nice crunch and visual appeal. Plus, it is much easier to get an easy chocolate pecan pie with halved pecans.
  • How do I prevent the crust from burning? If your crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
  • Can I freeze this pie? Yes, you can freeze Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. I actually got this tip from one of my blog readers! You know, making the best chocolate pecan pie is actually all about little tricks like this.

My Final Thoughts on This Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie

This Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe holds a special place in my heart because it represents so many things I love about cooking: creating something delicious from scratch, sharing it with the people I care about, and passing down traditions from one generation to the next. It’s simple, easy chocolate pecan pie.

  • Toast your pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the filling enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch.
  • Don’t overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry, crumbly pie. The center should be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven.
  • Let it cool completely: This is crucial for allowing the filling to set properly.

Over the years, I’ve tried a few variations of this Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie. I’ve added a layer of dulce de leche, experimented with different types of chocolate, and even tried a version with a hint of bourbon. My son loves the version with extra chocolate chips, while my daughter prefers the classic recipe. If you are looking for some new types of Chocolate pecan pie why not try Dulce de Leche Chocolate Pecan Pie?

I hope you’ll give this Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie a try. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Add your favorite spices, use different types of chocolate, or try a different crust. The possibilities are endless! I hope your Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie cooking experience will be full of joy, laughter, and deliciousness! Get in the kitchen and make this amazing Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie, I promise it’ll be worth it. And hey, while you’re at it, you should try my Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe next!

Final Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie ready to serve

 
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Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie

This Layered Chocolate Pecan Pie is a decadent twist on the classic dessert. A rich chocolate layer is topped with a crunchy, sweet pecan filling for an unforgettable treat.

  • Author: Liliana
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 90 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Chocolate Layer:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water
  • For the Pecan Layer:
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups pecan halves

Instructions

  1. Make the Chocolate Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate, trim and crimp the edges.
  4. Make the Pecan Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, corn syrup, and vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in salt and pecan halves.
  5. Pour the pecan filling into the prepared chocolate crust.
  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!

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