Description of this recipe: This Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie is a decadent and irresistible dessert that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of chocolate with the nutty crunch of pecans, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. It’s a simple yet stunning pie that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or any time you crave a truly indulgent treat.
Why you will love this recipe:
- Rich and decadent flavor: The combination of chocolate and pecans creates a deep, complex flavor that is both satisfying and unforgettable. The fudge filling is intensely chocolatey, while the pecans add a delightful nutty contrast.
- Easy to make: This pie is surprisingly easy to prepare, even for novice bakers. The recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, making it a great choice for those who want a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a sweet treat, this Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie is sure to impress. Its elegant appearance and irresistible flavor make it a crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. For example, you can use different types of chocolate, add other nuts, or incorporate a hint of spice.
- Make-ahead friendly: This pie can be made a day or two in advance, making it a convenient option for busy hosts. Simply bake the pie, let it cool completely, and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Introduction
This Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie is a dessert that speaks for itself. Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of rich, dark chocolate fudge, studded with crunchy pecans, all encased in a buttery, flaky pie crust. The intense chocolate flavor is perfectly balanced by the nutty sweetness of the pecans, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.
This recipe is a twist on the classic pecan pie, elevating it with the addition of rich chocolate fudge. It’s a simple pie to make, relying on a frozen pie crust for convenience, but the results are anything but ordinary. The secret to its fudgy texture lies in the combination of evaporated milk, chocolate morsels, and a touch of butter, which melt together to create a smooth, decadent filling. The pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, while the vanilla extract and salt enhance the overall taste.
This pie is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual weeknight dinners. It’s also a great make-ahead dessert, as it can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. When serving, a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the rich pie.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 (12-oz.) package semisweet chocolate morsels
- 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
- 1 (9-inch) frozen unbaked piecrust shell
- Ice cream (for serving) (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a baking sheet on the middle rack of the oven. This will help to ensure that the bottom of the pie crust is cooked evenly and prevent it from burning.
Step 2: Prepare the chocolate fudge filling. 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 chocolate and butter are melted and the mixture is smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn. If the mixture is not completely melted after 1 1/2 minutes, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
Step 3: Whisk in the sugar and flour. Add the sugar and all-purpose flour to the melted chocolate mixture and whisk until well combined. This will help to thicken the filling and prevent it from being too runny. Make sure there are no lumps of flour remaining.
Step 4: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. This will help to incorporate the eggs evenly into the filling and create a smooth, emulsified mixture. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and kosher salt. The vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the chocolate, while the salt balances the sweetness.
Step 5: Stir in the chopped pecans. Add the chopped pecans to the chocolate filling and stir to combine. Ensure that the pecans are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 6: Pour the filling into the pie crust. Remove the frozen pie crust from the freezer and place it on the prepared baking sheet. Pour the chocolate fudge pecan filling into the pie crust and spread it evenly.
Step 7: Bake the pie. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the filling. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, the pie is done. If the filling is still liquid, continue baking for a few more minutes. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
Step 8: Cool the pie. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set up completely.
Step 9: Serve and enjoy. Serve the pie warm or at room temperature. If desired, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel sauce.
- Pair with a glass of milk, coffee, or dessert wine.
Tips:
- Use a high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- Toast the pecans before adding them to the filling for a more intense nutty flavor.
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing for cleaner slices.
- Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a subtle kick.
- Use a pre-made graham cracker crust for a different texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can use heavy cream or whole milk. However, the filling may be slightly less fudgy.
- For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
35-40 minutes
Total Time:
50-55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving size.)
Calories:
Approximately 400-500 per slice
Protein:
Approximately 5-7 grams per slice
Sodium:
Approximately 200-300mg per slice
Conclusion
This Chocolate Fudge Pecan Pie is a decadent and satisfying dessert that is sure to impress. With its rich chocolate fudge filling, crunchy pecans, and flaky pie crust, it’s a perfect combination of textures and flavors. This recipe is easy to make, customizable, and make-ahead friendly, making it a great choice for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a pie that will be the star of your next gathering!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of chocolate for this pie?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe calls for semisweet chocolate morsels, you can easily substitute them with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that using different types of chocolate will alter the overall sweetness and intensity of the pie. For a richer, more intense flavor, try using dark chocolate with a higher cocoa percentage. If you prefer a sweeter pie, milk chocolate or white chocolate would be a good choice.
Q2: Can I use different nuts besides pecans?
A: Yes, you can definitely experiment with different nuts! Walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts would all be delicious in this pie. Just be sure to chop the nuts into similar-sized pieces as the pecans to ensure even distribution throughout the filling. You could also try toasting the nuts before adding them to the filling to enhance their flavor.
Q3: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, this pie is perfect for making ahead of time! After baking, let the pie cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or warm it up slightly in the oven.
Q4: My pie filling is still liquid after baking. What did I do wrong?
A: There are a few reasons why your pie filling might still be liquid after baking. One possibility is that your oven temperature is not accurate. Try using an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven is properly calibrated. Another possibility is that you didn’t bake the pie long enough. Continue baking the pie for a few more minutes, checking for doneness every few minutes. If the crust is starting to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil. Finally, make sure you followed the recipe precisely, especially the measurements of the ingredients.
Q5: Can I freeze this pie?
A: Yes, you can freeze this pie, but the texture of the filling may change slightly. To freeze the pie, let it cool completely after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight. You can then warm it up slightly in the oven before serving.
