Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie has a way of making any gathering feel special. I remember the first time I tried making it for a family reunion; the aroma of toasted pecans, warm bourbon, and rich chocolate filling the kitchen was absolutely intoxicating. This isn’t just any pecan pie; it’s a decadent, gooey masterpiece that balances sweet, nutty, and a hint of smoky warmth. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dessert to elevate your holiday spread, this recipe for a classic pecan pie with a boozy chocolate twist is exactly what you need. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
You’re going to adore this pie for so many reasons!
- Incredible Taste: A perfect balance of sweet, nutty, chocolatey, and a subtle bourbon kick.
- Quick Prep Time: Ready to bake in under 20 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this decadent treat.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples for a gourmet dessert without the high cost.
- Impressive Presentation: It looks as good as it tastes, making it ideal for any occasion.
- Sophisticated Flavor: The addition of bourbon elevates this from a simple pecan pie to a truly special Bourbon Pie.
- Versatile Holiday Pie: It’s a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert table.
- Satisfyingly Rich: The gooey filling and crisp crust deliver pure dessert bliss.
Ingredients for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Gather these simple ingredients to create this incredible Chocolate Pie. You’ll need:
- 1 pie crust (9-inch) – store-bought or homemade, pressed into your pie dish
- 1 ½ cups pecans – I like to give them a rough chop and toast them first for extra flavor
- ¾ cup granulated sugar – the base sweetener for our gooey filling
- 1 cup dark corn syrup – essential for that classic, rich pie texture
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed) – adds a lovely caramel note
- 3 large eggs – at room temperature is best for even mixing
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted) – for richness and a smooth texture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors
- 2 tablespoons bourbon – the secret ingredient for that sophisticated warmth
- ½ cup bittersweet chocolate chips – these melt into pockets of pure chocolatey bliss
How to Make Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Making this classic Southern Dessert is a joy from start to finish. The aroma alone will transport you!
- Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re making your pie crust from scratch, prepare and chill the dough now. Otherwise, gently press your store-bought pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ¾ cup granulated sugar, 1 cup dark corn syrup, and ½ cup packed brown sugar until they’re nicely combined.
- Step 3: Crack in the 3 large eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Then, stir in the ¼ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the crucial 2 tablespoons bourbon. Mix until everything is smooth and fragrant.
- Step 4: It’s time for the stars of the show! Gently fold in the 1 ½ cups roughly chopped and toasted pecans and the ½ cup bittersweet chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix; you want to distribute them evenly throughout the filling.
- Step 5: Carefully pour the rich, decadent filling into your prepared pie crust. Make sure it fills the crust evenly, creating a beautiful surface for your Southern Dessert.
- Step 6: Bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is set and the crust is a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on the edges; if they start to brown too quickly, simply tent them loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. This ensures a perfectly baked slice of Southern Dessert.
- Step 7: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This resting period is essential for the filling to set properly, ensuring a clean slice every time. Once cooled, slice and serve your delicious Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie!
Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make this pie absolutely sing. Follow these tips for a truly outstanding treat!
- Always toast your pecans before adding them to the filling. This intensifies their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch that complements the gooey center.
- Don’t overbake! Overbaking is the quickest way to a dry pie. Look for the center to be just set, with a slight wobble.
- If your pie crust edges start browning too fast, don’t hesitate to loosely tent them with aluminum foil. This protects them while the rest of the pie bakes perfectly.
- Let the pie cool completely. I know it’s tempting to dive in, but allowing it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours ensures the filling sets up beautifully for clean slices.
What’s the secret to perfect Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie?
The secret to a perfect Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie lies in the balance of ingredients and proper baking. Toasting the pecans and using good quality bourbon makes a huge difference. It’s a wonderful addition to any holiday gathering, truly making it a memorable Holiday Pie.
Can I make Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the pie completely up to 24 hours in advance. Let it cool fully, then cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil. It stores beautifully at room temperature until you’re ready to serve this delicious Bourbon Pie.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie?
The most common mistake is overbaking, which leads to a dry filling. Another pitfall is not letting the pie cool completely, resulting in a runny mess. Ensure your oven temperature is accurate, and be patient with the cooling process for the best Pecan Pie results.
Best Ways to Serve Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
This decadent pie is a showstopper on its own, but a few simple pairings can elevate it even further. I love serving it slightly warm with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream; the contrast in temperatures and textures is divine. Another favorite is a dollop of freshly whipped cream, perhaps with a tiny splash of bourbon added to it for an extra kick. For a truly classic Southern experience, a good Pecan Pie pairs wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee or even a small pour of bourbon itself. It also makes a beautiful end to a holiday meal.
Nutrition Facts for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Per serving (this recipe makes about 8 slices), this rich pie offers a decadent experience. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Calories: Approx. 450-550
- Fat: Approx. 25-35g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 8-12g
- Protein: Approx. 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 50-60g
- Fiber: Approx. 3-5g
- Sugar: Approx. 40-50g
- Sodium: Approx. 150-250mg
Nutritional values are estimates and will vary based on the specific pie crust and ingredients you use.
How to Store and Reheat Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Properly storing your delicious Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie ensures it stays fresh and flavorful for your next craving. After baking, always let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial for the filling to set properly. Once cooled, you can store it at room temperature, loosely covered, for up to two days. For longer storage, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it. This storage-related secondary keyword will help keep your pie fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
If you’ve made too much (which is unlikely, but possible!), you can freeze this pie for up to 3 months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, simply place a frozen slice on a baking sheet and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also gently reheat a slice in the microwave for a quick treat, though the crust might lose some of its crispness. Enjoying this Bourbon Pie at its best is always worth the effort!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
What are the best nuts to use in a Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie?
While pecans are the classic choice for a reason, you can absolutely experiment! Walnuts offer a slightly more bitter, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with chocolate and bourbon. You could even try a mix of pecans and walnuts for a more complex taste in your Pecan Pie.
Can I make Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie without bourbon?
Yes, you can! If you prefer not to use alcohol or simply don’t have bourbon on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of brewed coffee or even a bit of extra vanilla extract. This still allows you to achieve a rich, flavorful pie, though it will lack that distinctive smoky bourbon note.
Why is my Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie filling runny?
A runny filling is often due to underbaking or not allowing the pie to cool completely. Make sure your oven temperature is accurate, and bake until the center is just set with a slight wobble. Then, resist the urge to slice it immediately! Letting this Pecan Pie cool for at least a couple of hours on a wire rack is crucial for the filling to firm up properly.
How do I get a flaky pie crust for my Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie?
For the flakiest crust, ensure your ingredients – especially the butter or shortening – are very cold. Don’t overwork the dough; mix it just until it comes together. Chilling the dough before you roll it out and again after lining the pie dish also helps prevent shrinkage and promotes flakiness. A perfectly flaky crust is the foundation of any great Pecan Pie!
Variations of Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie You Can Try
While this classic Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie is pretty perfect as is, I love experimenting with different twists! Here are a few ideas to switch things up and explore new flavor dimensions.
- Dark Chocolate Espresso Bourbon Pie: For an extra layer of richness, swap the chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks and add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the filling. The coffee deepens the chocolate flavor and complements the bourbon beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Bourbon Pecan Pie: Easy peasy! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pie crust. The filling remains the same, making this a fantastic option for those with gluten sensitivities. It’s still a wonderfully decadent Bourbon Pie experience.
- Maple Bourbon Pecan Pie: Replace half of the corn syrup with pure maple syrup for a different kind of sweetness and depth. This variation offers a lovely autumnal flavor profile that’s incredibly comforting.
- Mini Bourbon Pecan Pies: Instead of a large pie, prepare the filling and bake it in mini tart pans or muffin tins lined with pie crust. This makes for adorable, individual servings that are perfect for parties.
Amazing Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes - 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich, gooey, and decadent Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie. This pie combines earthy pecans, deep chocolate, and smoky bourbon in a crisp, buttery crust for a sophisticated twist on a Southern classic.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups pecans (roughly chopped and toasted)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup dark corn syrup
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons bourbon
- ½ cup bittersweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using homemade dough, prepare and chill it. Otherwise, press your store-bought pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and bourbon until well combined.
- Gently fold in the toasted pecans and bittersweet chocolate chips.
- Pour the filling evenly into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. If the crust edges start to brown too quickly, tent them with aluminum foil.
- Let the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an extra nutty flavor, toast your pecans before adding them to the filling.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- This pie can be made ahead of time and stores well at room temperature.
- You can substitute dark chocolate for bittersweet chocolate chips.
- If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can omit it or replace it with an extra teaspoon of vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approx. 450-550 (will vary based on crust and specific ingredients)
- Sugar: Approx. 40-50g
- Sodium: Approx. 150-250mg
- Fat: Approx. 25-35g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 8-12g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 17-23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 50-60g
- Fiber: Approx. 3-5g
- Protein: Approx. 5-7g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 70-90mg
Keywords: Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie, Pecan Pie, Bourbon Pie, Chocolate Pie, Southern Dessert, Holiday Pie
