Kentucky Pecan Pie
If you love classic Southern desserts, this Kentucky Pecan Pie is about to become one of your favorites. Rich, buttery, and filled with toasted pecans and melted chocolate, this pie delivers a decadent twist on the traditional pecan pie we all know and love. Unlike syrup-heavy versions, this recipe uses simple pantry ingredients to create a thick, almost brownie-like filling that bakes beautifully inside a deep-dish crust.
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Sunday dinners, or any special gathering, this pie is both elegant and comforting. The combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and crunchy pecans creates a balance of textures that makes every bite irresistible. Serve it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you have a dessert that feels straight out of a Southern kitchen.
Table of Contents
Let’s dive into this rich and indulgent recipe.
Recipe Details
Author: Stacey Little
Course: Dessert
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 600 kcal per slice
Ingredients
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (9-inch) deep dish unbaked pie shell
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Kentucky Pecan Pie stands out because it’s incredibly easy to make while still delivering impressive flavor. There’s no complicated technique or special equipment required. Everything comes together in one bowl, making cleanup simple and stress-free.
The texture is what truly makes this pie special. The melted butter and sugar create a rich base, the flour helps thicken the filling, and the eggs bind everything together. As it bakes, the chocolate melts into pockets of gooey goodness, while the pecans toast and add a satisfying crunch.
It’s sweet but not overwhelming, rich but not heavy, and indulgent without being overly complicated.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Starting with a properly heated oven ensures the pie bakes evenly from the beginning.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate chips, chopped pecans, beaten eggs, sugar, melted butter, flour, and vanilla extract.
Mix everything well until fully combined. The mixture will be thick and slightly glossy. Make sure the chocolate chips and pecans are evenly distributed so every slice has the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Tip: Allow the melted butter to cool slightly before mixing to prevent scrambling the eggs.
3. Fill the Pie Shell
Pour the filling into the unbaked 9-inch deep dish pie shell. Spread it evenly using a spatula to ensure consistent baking.
Using a deep-dish pie shell is important because the filling is generous and needs space to rise slightly while baking.
4. Bake
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the top is set.
The center should no longer look liquid, but it may still have a slight softness. It will continue to firm up as it cools. The top may develop a delicate crackle, similar to a brownie crust, which adds to its charm.
If you notice the crust edges browning too quickly, loosely cover them with aluminum foil during the last 15–20 minutes of baking.
5. Cool Before Slicing
Allow the pie to cool before slicing. This step is crucial for clean slices and proper texture. Cutting too soon may cause the filling to fall apart.
For best results, let it rest at room temperature for at least 1–2 hours before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This pie is delicious on its own, but serving it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to another level. The contrast between the warm, fudgy interior and cold, creamy ice cream creates an unforgettable dessert experience.
You can also add:
- A drizzle of chocolate syrup
- Fresh whipped cream
- A sprinkle of extra chopped pecans
- A light dusting of powdered sugar
Storage Tips
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
This pie also freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 600 kcal
Carbohydrates: 58g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
Monounsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 73mg
Sodium: 209mg
Potassium: 237mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 34g
Vitamin A: 433 IU
Vitamin C: 0.1mg
Calcium: 40mg
Iron: 3mg
If nutritional values are provided, they are estimates and may vary depending on the brands used. Optional ingredients are not included in the calculations.
Final Thoughts
Kentucky Pecan Pie with chocolate is the perfect combination of tradition and indulgence. It brings together the warmth of toasted pecans and the richness of melted chocolate in a dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday table or simply craving something sweet and comforting, this pie delivers every time. Simple ingredients, easy preparation, and unforgettable flavor make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
