Rich Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with a Gooey Fudge Center Recipe

If you’re a chocoholic with a soft spot for Southern classics, then you are in for an addictive treat with this Rich Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with a Gooey Fudge Center. Imagine a crisp, buttery crust giving way to a molten river of dark chocolate fudge, studded with toasted pecan halves that offer up a satisfying crunch in every bite. This pie is pure comfort and festivity—whether you’re serving it for a cozy family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just because you know you deserve something special at the end of a long week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This isn’t your average pecan pie—the ingredients here work together to create layers of texture and flavor, from the gooey chocolate center to the nutty, caramelized topping. Each element is carefully chosen to bring out the very best in this beloved Texas favorite, and you probably already have most of them in your pantry!

• Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Use a homemade crust for extra flakiness, or let a quality store-bought version make things easy without sacrificing taste.
• Light corn syrup: The heart of every classic pecan pie—gives the pie its sticky-sweet, glossy gooeyness.
• Granulated sugar: Rounds out the sweetness and helps that dreamy fudge center caramelize just right.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds a rich, buttery backbone that keeps the filling incredibly tender.
• Large eggs, lightly beaten: Essential for binding everything together and providing that smooth, custardy finish.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: The not-so-secret ingredient that turns this into a chocolate lover’s fantasy.
• Vanilla extract: Boosts all the flavors and brings a soft, sweet aroma with every slice.
• Salt: Just a pinch is all you need to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate.
• Pecan halves: The iconic star—give them a rough chop for a more textured bite or leave them whole for a beautiful finish.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: These melt right into the center, guaranteeing that luscious, fudge-like texture.

How to Make Rich Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with a Gooey Fudge Center

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a homemade pie crust, roll it out and fit it snugly into your 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges however you like. If you’re using store-bought, just unroll and press it in—both ways, you’re setting the stage for an unforgettable filling.

Step 2: Mix the Fudgy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, eggs, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and free of any lumps. This magical mixture will become the rich, chocolatey base of your pie—don’t skip the whisking, as it helps keep the texture dreamy and the flavors well-blended.

Step 3: Add Pecans and Chocolate Chips

Stir in the pecan halves and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Every spoonful should have plenty of chocolate chips and pecans. These not only infuse the Rich Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with a Gooey Fudge Center with irresistible crunch and melty pockets of goodness, but they also add that signature Southern flair.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Pour the luscious chocolate-pecan filling into your prepared pie crust. Spread the pecans evenly so that each slice will be loaded with nuts and fudge. You can take a moment here to artfully arrange a few pecans on top if you want your pie to look truly stunning.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pie into your preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. Look for a puffed, set filling—the edges will be firm and slightly cracked, while the center should jiggle just a bit. That’s your sign that the gooey fudge layer is waiting underneath the surface. It will finish setting as the pie cools.

Step 6: Cool Completely

This is the hardest part—wait until the pie is completely cool before slicing. This patience pays off! The center will finish thickening into that signature gooey fudge texture that makes this Rich Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with a Gooey Fudge Center irresistible.

How to Serve Rich Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with a Gooey Fudge Center

Garnishes

This pie is undeniably decadent on its own, but if you want to dress it up, go big! A generous dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or an extra sprinkle of toasted pecans on top all complement the richness perfectly. A dusting of cocoa powder adds a simple yet elegant finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Keep sides classic and light—the pie is the star, after all! Fresh berries add brightness and cut through the chocolatey richness, while a simple fruit salad or a glass of cold milk provides just the right balance. Coffee, of course, is a must alongside any slice of Rich Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with a Gooey Fudge Center!

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, use mini tart pans to make individual pies—adorable and portion-perfect! Or, try cutting the pie into small squares for a bite-sized dessert bar at parties. You can even drizzle with caramel sauce or a dark chocolate ganache for a show-stopping presentation that will make any gathering feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tightly cover any leftover Rich Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with a Gooey Fudge Center with foil or plastic wrap, and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate—it stays delicious and firm, making sneaking a slice after midnight all too tempting.

Freezing

Surprise! This pie freezes beautifully. Let the baked pie cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil. Freeze for up to three months. When a chocolate craving strikes, just thaw the pie overnight in the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you prefer your Rich Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with a Gooey Fudge Center served a little warm, pop an individual slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or warm the whole pie in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the irresistibly fudgy, melty texture you love.

FAQs

Can I use dark corn syrup instead of light corn syrup?

Absolutely! Dark corn syrup will give your pie an even deeper, more molasses-like flavor and a darker color, which pairs beautifully with the chocolate. Either option works well, so use the one you prefer or have on hand.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

Your pie is ready when the edges are puffed and set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. It will continue to firm up as it cools, giving you that ideal gooey fudge interior. Keep an eye on it in the last 10 minutes of baking to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this pie ahead for a holiday or special occasion?

Yes! Rich Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with a Gooey Fudge Center is actually even more delicious when made a day ahead, as the flavors meld and the texture sets. Just store it in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before serving.

What’s the best way to slice the pie cleanly?

For picture-perfect slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it dry before each cut. This helps glide through the fudgy center and gives beautifully neat edges. Allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing makes a world of difference, too!

Can I substitute walnuts or other nuts for the pecans?

You sure can! While the classic Southern flavor relies on pecans, walnuts or even a mix of nuts add their own personality to the pie. Just make sure nuts are fresh and not salted for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Rich Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie with a Gooey Fudge Center is the kind of show-stopping dessert people remember long after the last crumb is gone. Whether you’re bringing it to a gathering or enjoying a quiet slice at home, you’re about to make some fantastic memories. Give it a try and taste just how magical chocolate, pecans, and a little Southern hospitality can be!