Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday dessert—Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie! Every year, as the snow begins to fall, the smell of this rich, decadent pie fills our home and it just feels like Christmas. I remember my grandma teaching me how to make it, her hands guiding mine as we mixed the chocolate and pecans. It was always the star of our festive table, and trust me, it didn’t take long for it to become a family favorite! The combination of gooey chocolate and crunchy pecans is pure bliss. When I take that first bite, it’s like a warm hug, reminding me of all those cherished holiday memories. You’ll definitely want to try this recipe—it’s a must for your holiday celebrations!
Ingredients for Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie
You’ll want to gather these simple yet delicious ingredients to create the perfect Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie:
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup pecans, chopped (feel free to toast them for extra flavor!)
- 1 cup chocolate chips (I love using semi-sweet for that rich taste)
- 3 eggs (large, at room temperature)
- 1 cup corn syrup (light or dark works well)
- 1 cup sugar (granulated, to sweeten things up)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (unsalted is best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (don’t skimp on this for that lovely aroma)
Having everything prepped and ready makes the process so much smoother—trust me!
How to Prepare Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie
Let’s dive into the steps for making this delightful Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise it’s worth every second in the kitchen!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because a well-heated oven ensures that your pie bakes evenly, so don’t skip this step! Now, grab your pie crust and place it in a pie dish. If you’re using store-bought, just make sure it fits nicely. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to go homemade, even better! Just roll it out and press it into your dish, making sure there are no cracks.
Mixing the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, crack those three eggs and whisk them until they’re nice and frothy. Then, add in the corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This mixture should be smooth and glossy. Once that’s combined, gently fold in your chocolate chips and chopped pecans. The key here is to mix just until everything’s combined—overmixing can lead to a dense pie, and nobody wants that!
Baking the Pie
Now it’s time to pour that luscious filling into your prepared pie crust. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s set when the edges are firm and the center has a slight jiggle but isn’t liquidy. Let it cool on a wire rack before serving—this helps it firm up even more. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, decadent flavor that combines chocolate and pecans beautifully
- Simple ingredients and easy preparation—perfect for busy holiday kitchens
- A beloved family tradition that brings everyone together at the table
- Great for impressing guests or making cozy family gatherings even sweeter
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious the next day
Tips for Success with Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie
To make sure your Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First, use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor—it’s worth it! Also, if you have time, toast your pecans lightly before adding them to the filling; it really enhances their nuttiness. When baking, keep an eye on the pie in the last 10 minutes; ovens can vary, and you want to avoid overbaking. Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool completely to allow the filling to set properly. And don’t forget to serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful finish that’ll wow your guests!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use. Typically, each slice of this delightful pie contains around 400 calories, with 25g of sugar and 20g of fat. You’ll also find about 6g of protein and 2g of fiber per serving. Just remember, it’s a treat meant for special occasions, so enjoy every delicious bite without worry!
FAQ About Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie a day or two in advance. Just follow the recipe, let it cool completely, and then store it in the refrigerator. This way, the flavors can meld together beautifully, and you’ll save time on the big day!
What can I serve with Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie?
Oh, there are so many delightful options! I love serving my pie with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess complements the rich chocolate and crunchy pecans perfectly. You could even drizzle some caramel sauce on top for an extra touch of indulgence!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving again, or you can pop it in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm-up that brings back that heavenly aroma!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days—if it lasts that long, of course! When you’re ready to enjoy another slice, you can either let it come to room temperature for a bit or pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it, as you want to maintain that delightful texture of the filling. Trust me, it’ll taste just as scrumptious as the first time around!
Pecan Pie Bread Pudding is a delightful twist on the classic dessert that you might enjoy as well.
Christmas Chocolate Pecan Pie: 5 Ways to Delight Your Guests
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and decadent chocolate pecan pie perfect for Christmas.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the pie crust in a pie dish.
- In a bowl, mix eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Add chocolate chips and chopped pecans to the mixture.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until set.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream for added flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Christmas, Chocolate, Pecan, Pie, Dessert