Ina Garten’s Chocolate Pecan Pie is a rich and decadent twist on the classic pecan pie. The combination of toasted pecans, silky chocolate, and a buttery, flaky crust creates a dessert that’s perfect for the holidays or any special occasion. This pie is sweet, nutty, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, making it a must-try for pecan pie lovers.

What Is Ina Garten Chocolate Pecan Pie?

This chocolate pecan pie takes the traditional pecan pie to the next level by adding melted chocolate to the filling, creating a fudgy, nutty texture inside a crisp pie crust. It’s a perfect balance of gooey sweetness and crunch, topped with a glossy layer of toasted pecans.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chocolate Pecan Pie

Rich and indulgent – The chocolate adds depth to the classic pecan pie flavor.
Perfect holiday dessert – Ideal for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or family gatherings.
Crunchy and gooey texture – The pecans add a crisp bite, while the filling stays soft and fudgy.
Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Easy to customize – Add bourbon or espresso for an extra flavor boost.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chocolate Pecan Pie

For the Pie Crust:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3-4 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling:

1 cup dark corn syrup
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups pecan halves, toasted
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chocolate Pecan Pie

For the Pie Crust:

Prepare the dough – In a food processor, pulse the flour and salt. Add cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add ice water – Gradually add 3-4 tablespoons of ice water, pulsing until the dough comes together.
Chill the dough – Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll out the crust – On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges as desired.
Prebake the crust – Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 12-15 minutes, then remove weights and bake for another 5 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.

For the Filling:

Preheat the oven – Set to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the pecans – Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant. Let cool.
Melt the chocolate – In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate chips in short intervals in the microwave or over a double boiler. Let cool slightly.
Mix the filling – In a large bowl, whisk together corn syrup, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in the melted chocolate until smooth.
Assemble the pie – Spread the toasted pecans in the cooled pie crust, then pour the chocolate filling over them.
Bake the pie – Place in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggly. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
Cool before serving – Let the pie cool completely before slicing.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chocolate Pecan Pie

Serve with whipped cream – Lightly sweetened cream balances the richness.
Pair with vanilla ice cream – A cold, creamy contrast to the warm pie.
Drizzle with caramel sauce – Adds a sweet, buttery depth.
Sprinkle with sea salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor.
Enjoy with hot coffee or bourbon – Complements the deep, nutty notes.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chocolate Pecan Pie

Use high-quality chocolate – Ensures deep, rich flavor.
Toast the pecans – Bring out their natural sweetness and crunch.
Don’t overbake – The center should still have a slight jiggle when removed from the oven.
Chill the dough before rolling – Prevents shrinkage and makes handling easier.
Let the pie cool before slicing – This helps the filling set properly.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chocolate Pecan Pie

Add bourbon – A tablespoon of bourbon adds a smoky richness.
Use dark chocolate – Swap semisweet chocolate for bittersweet chocolate for a deeper flavor.
Add espresso powder – Enhances the chocolate taste with a mocha twist.
Make mini pies – Use muffin tins for individual servings.
Mix in dried fruit – Dried cranberries or cherries add a tart contrast.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chocolate Pecan Pie

Store at room temperature – Keep covered for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for longer storage – Lasts up to 5 days when chilled.
Freeze for up to 2 months – Wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheat before serving – Warm slices slightly for a fresh-baked taste.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chocolate Pecan Pie

Warm in the oven – Heat at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes for a fresh texture.
Microwave individual slices – Heat for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Serve at room temperature – Best enjoyed when slightly warm but not hot.

FAQs

How do I prevent my chocolate pecan pie from being runny?

To prevent a runny filling, bake the pie until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Overmixing the filling can cause excess air, leading to a softer texture. Letting the pie cool completely before slicing allows the filling to firm up properly.

Can I make chocolate pecan pie ahead of time?

Yes, chocolate pecan pie can be made 1-2 days in advance. Store it at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For the best flavor, let it come to room temperature before serving.

How do I keep my pie crust from getting soggy?

To prevent a soggy crust, prebake (blind bake) the crust for 12-15 minutes before adding the filling. Brushing the crust with a beaten egg white before adding the filling can also create a barrier that keeps it crisp.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate in pecan pie?

Yes, milk chocolate can be used, but it will make the pie sweeter and less rich. To balance the sweetness, consider reducing the sugar slightly or adding a pinch of sea salt.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Chocolate Pecan Pie is a decadent, rich dessert that combines the crunch of toasted pecans with the fudgy texture of melted chocolate.

Try this easy yet luxurious recipe and enjoy a slice of chocolate-pecan perfection!