Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie: Decadent Southern Dessert Magic!

Are you tired of serving the same predictable desserts that leave your guests feeling underwhelmed? A traditional pecan pie is lovely, but sometimes you need something with a bit more wow-factor. This Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie delivers that perfect balance of rich decadence and Southern charm that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.

Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind Foodydish! After years of experimenting with Southern desserts, I’ve perfected this show-stopping chocolate bourbon pecan pie that combines three beloved flavors into one unforgettable treat. The chocolate adds depth, the pecans bring texture, and the bourbon? Well, that’s where the magic happens.

In this recipe, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect ingredients, mastering the flaky crust, and achieving that perfect gooey-yet-set filling that makes this pie irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress at a holiday gathering or simply want to treat yourself to something special, this pie delivers on every level.

Why This Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe Works

• Uses simple pantry staples elevated with premium chocolate and nuts
• Requires just 20 minutes of active prep time
• Perfectly balances sweet, nutty, and rich chocolate flavors
• Makes an impressive centerpiece for any dessert table
• Can be prepared a day ahead for stress-free entertaining

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Best Pecans for Your Pie

The foundation of any great pecan pie is, of course, the pecans themselves. Look for fresh, plump nuts with a golden-brown color and slight sheen. Avoid pecans that appear shriveled or discolored. For the best flavor, consider toasting your pecans for 8-10 minutes at 350°F before adding them to your pie – this simple step intensifies their nutty flavor and adds another dimension to your chocolate bourbon pecan pie.

Chocolate Selection

While any chocolate will work, using high-quality dark chocolate (65-70% cacao) provides the perfect bitter contrast to the sweet filling. Chocolate chips are convenient, but chopped bar chocolate melts more evenly throughout the filling of your chocolate bourbon pecan pie. Semi-sweet chocolate works well for a more traditional sweetness, while dark chocolate creates a more sophisticated flavor profile.

Sweetener Considerations

Traditional corn syrup provides the classic texture, but you can experiment with combinations of maple syrup, honey, or brown rice syrup for more nuanced flavor in your chocolate bourbon pecan pie. Dark brown sugar adds a deeper molasses note than light brown sugar, enhancing the richness of the overall dessert.

Ingredients & Prep for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Crust Essentials

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water

Filling Ingredients

• 1½ cups pecan halves
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 ounces high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar, packed
• ¾ cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons bourbon (can substitute with 1 tablespoon vanilla extract)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten

Pantry Staples

• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
• Ground cinnamon (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

1. Prepare your pie crust by pulsing flour, salt, and sugar in a food processor. Add cold butter until mixture resembles coarse meal. Slowly add ice water until dough forms.
2. Roll dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle and transfer to a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp edges decoratively and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a baking sheet on the middle rack to heat.

Cooking Method for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

1. In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter and chocolate together, stirring until smooth.
2. Remove from heat and whisk in brown sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, bourbon, and salt until well combined.
3. Let mixture cool slightly (about 5 minutes), then whisk in beaten eggs until thoroughly incorporated.
4. Scatter pecan halves in the chilled pie crust, then pour the chocolate filling over them. The pecans will naturally rise to the top.

Doneness Check for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

1. Place pie on the preheated baking sheet and bake for 50-55 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
2. The internal temperature should reach about 200°F on an instant-read thermometer.

Resting Your Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This resting period is crucial for the filling to set properly, ensuring clean slices and perfect texture in your chocolate bourbon pecan pie.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Blind bake your crust for 10 minutes if you’re concerned about a soggy bottom
• Toast your pecans before adding them to enhance flavor
• Don’t overmix after adding eggs to prevent a tough filling
• Shield the crust edges with foil if they brown too quickly

Tool Recommendations for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

• Ceramic pie dish provides even heating
• Silicone pie shield protects crust edges from burning
• Instant-read thermometer ensures perfect doneness
• High-quality rolling pin for even crust thickness

Storage & Reheating

Store your chocolate bourbon pecan pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Looking for more dessert inspiration? Check out my collection on Pinterest where I share mouthwatering recipes and stunning food photography that will have you racing to your kitchen!

Flavor Variations for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Spicy Chocolate Twist

Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the filling for a warming kick that balances the sweetness of your chocolate bourbon pecan pie.

Dietary Adaptations

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the crust. For a less sweet option, reduce corn syrup to ½ cup and use bittersweet chocolate.

Creative Flavor Combinations

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Your chocolate bourbon pecan pie reaches its full potential when paired thoughtfully. Serve warm slices with vanilla bean ice cream for the classic hot-and-cold contrast. A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream with a dusting of cocoa powder creates an elegant presentation.

For beverages, coffee with hints of caramel or vanilla complements the chocolate and nut flavors beautifully. A dessert tea like vanilla rooibos or chai also pairs wonderfully with this rich chocolate bourbon pecan pie.

Make your dessert table complete with fresh berries on the side to cut through the richness and add a pop of color to your presentation.

FAQs About Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

Can I make this pie without bourbon?
Absolutely! Simply substitute with an equal amount of vanilla extract, or try maple extract for a different flavor profile in your chocolate bourbon pecan pie.

Why did my filling not set properly?
The most common reason is underbaking. Ensure your pie reaches the proper internal temperature and has just a slight jiggle in the center before removing from the oven.

Can I freeze this pie?
Yes! Chocolate bourbon pecan pie freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?
Try blind baking your crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling, or brush the inside with a thin layer of egg white and bake for 3 minutes before adding your chocolate bourbon pecan pie filling.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about pulling a perfect chocolate bourbon pecan pie from the oven that moment when the house fills with the aroma of toasted nuts, rich chocolate, and warm spices. This isn’t just dessert; it’s an experience that brings people together around the table.

I hope this recipe becomes a treasured addition to your dessert repertoire. The combination of chocolate depth, bourbon warmth, and pecan crunch creates something far greater than the sum of its parts. Whether for holidays, celebrations, or simply because you deserve something extraordinary, this chocolate bourbon pecan pie delivers every time.

Don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media! Join thousands of other Foodydish fans who’ve made this their go-to impressive dessert. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other Southern-inspired treats on the blog.

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie: Decadent Southern Dessert Magic!

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This indulgent Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie combines gooey chocolate, crunchy pecans, and a splash of bourbon in a flaky, buttery crust. A sophisticated twist on a Southern favorite that’s perfect for holidays and special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pie Crust:

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Filling:

3 large eggs

1 cup light corn syrup

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

¼ cup melted butter

2 tbsp bourbon

1 tsp vanilla extract

¼ tsp salt

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 ½ cups pecan halves

Optional Garnish:

Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Shaved chocolate

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Fit pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp edges; set aside.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, bourbon, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

4. Stir in chocolate chips and pecans.

5. Pour filling into the pie crust and smooth the top.

6. Bake 50–60 minutes, until the center is mostly set but slightly wobbly.

7. Cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to firm up.

8. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream, and drizzle extra melted chocolate if desired.

Notes

For a stronger bourbon flavor, add up to 3 tablespoons.

Can be made 1 day in advance — store covered at room temperature.

If crust browns too quickly, cover edges with foil halfway through baking.

Tastes even better the next day!

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 55 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern / American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 540

Keywords: bourbon pecan pie, chocolate pecan pie, holiday dessert