There’s something about my mom’s chocolate chunk pecan pie that makes the holiday season feel truly special. Every year, she whips up a batch of these indulgent treats and I can’t help but get excited. The combination of gooey chocolate and crunchy pecans is pure bliss. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and every mouthful is a reminder of love and tradition. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests this Thanksgiving or Christmas, look no further. This pie is a masterclass in balancing rich flavors and textures, with a depth of flavor that’s hard to find in store-bought alternatives. It’s a bit like Cracker Barrel pecan pie, but with the added bonus of being made with love and care by someone who truly cares. Just be warned: this pie is addictive, so don’t say I didn’t warn you! A small slice will have to suffice for most of us, as it’s easy to get carried away with the creamy chocolate and crunchy pecans. But trust me, it’s worth every bite.
What I Love About Pecans
Pecans hold a unique allure for me, and it’s easy to see why I’m so enamored with this chocolate chunk pecan pie. Interestingly, around 80% of the world’s pecans originate from the United States, where the trees are indigenous. In fact, Albany, Georgia is home to an astonishing 600,000 pecan trees alone! But that’s not all – pecans are also an excellent source of vitamins, healthy fats, antioxidants, and minerals. The pecan tree’s unique reproductive pattern adds to its charm: it produces a light harvest one year, followed by a bountiful yield the next, creating a delightful cycle.
How to Make Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie
To begin, prepare the crust by combining the pecans and chocolate chunks at its base. Next, pour the mixture of egg, corn syrup, sugar, butter, vanilla, and salt on top. Bake this rich dessert for 45 minutes (or longer if required) before allowing it to fully cool and then refrigerating. As the aroma of this heavenly pie wafts from the oven, you’ll be transported to a state of bliss. And when you take your first bite, the combination of flavors will surely delight. Whether you’re serving this delightful treat on Thanksgiving or Christmas, rest assured that its unique characteristics will make it a standout. Note the subtle similarity to Cracker Barrel’s famous pecan pie. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility – as it requires refrigeration before serving anyway, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days without compromising its texture or flavor. Simply keep it chilled until ready to serve.
How to Ensure this Pie is Perfect
When it comes to crafting the ultimate chocolate pecan pie, the key lies in selecting the finest ingredients. If you’re familiar with a reliable pie crust dough recipe, feel free to use that as your base. Alternatively, opt for store-bought pastry that’s just as good. For an authentic flavor, choose real butter over margarine and splurge on high-quality chocolate – either dark or semisweet will work wonders in this pie, making it perfect for the holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
One of the best aspects of baking your own pecan pie is that you have the liberty to customize the ingredients to your liking. Feel free to adjust the amount of pecans and/or chocolate to suit your taste buds. If you’re a pecan aficionado, go ahead and add an extra helping – the same applies to the chocolate. You can also experiment with using different types or combining two kinds for a unique twist.
How to Store Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie
To prolong the freshness of this decadent chocolate chunk and pecan dessert, it’s essential to store it properly. Given its egg-based composition, similar to Cracker Barrel pecan pie, refrigeration is crucial. This pie will remain fresh for up to four days when stored in a tightly wrapped container, such as foil or plastic wrap, which prevents air from seeping in and causing the crust to become soggy.If you wish to extend its shelf life beyond four days, freezing is an excellent option. Once the pie has cooled to room temperature or below, wrap it snugly with foil or plastic wrap, either as a whole pie or individual slices, depending on your preference. I recommend double-wrapping mine to prevent freezer burn.To thaw the frozen pie, allow it to sit in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer a warmer serving, bake it in a preheated oven at 275°F for approximately 20 minutes. Enjoy this indulgent treat as is, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and some whipped cream on the side. If you’re a pecan enthusiast, you might also appreciate these delicious pecan pie bars.
Facts about Pecans
Pecan trees, native to North America, dominate the global market with over 80% of the world’s crop coming from the United States. In Albany, Georgia, you’ll find the pecan capital, boasting an astonishing 600,000-plus pecan trees. These nutty wonders are not only a staple in many cuisines but also a nutritional powerhouse. With an impressive 691 calories per 100 grams, pecans stand out as one of the most nutritious nuts around. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, they’re a heart-healthy snack option that’s hard to resist. Interestingly, pecan trees tend to alternate between heavy and light nut production years, making for some unexpected yields. And did you know that the iconic pecan pie was actually born out of French influence in New Orleans? The history and versatility of pecans are truly fascinating.
Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie Recipe
Chocolate Chunk Pecan Pie
I’m utterly smitten with this incredible chocolate chunk pecan pie recipe – it’s truly the best I’ve ever come across. If you’re a fan of gooey, nutty, and chocolatey desserts, you’ll love this pie just as much as I do. In fact, it’s so good that it rivals even the legendary Cracker Barrel pecan pie. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only 15 minutes of prep time and a total cooking time of 1 hour. This recipe serves 8 people, making it perfect for your next family gathering or holiday celebration.
Instructions
To create a scrumptious pie, start by crafting the crust. Roll it out to the desired thickness and gently place it into a pie plate. Trim any excess dough from the edges and crimp them to form a decorative border. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined. Next, scatter pecans and chocolate chips over the bottom of the pie crust, leaving a small border around the edges. Pour the egg mixture into the pie shell, making sure to fill it to the brim.Pop the pie into the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Note that cooking time may vary depending on the size of your pie dish. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for two hours. Finally, refrigerate the pie until serving time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.