If you’re anything like me, you know that pecan pie is a timeless classic—but when you add a rich, boozy kick and melty chocolate? Oh, honey, you elevate it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Today, I’m excited to share my favorite Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe. This pie strikes the perfect balance between gooey, nutty, and decadently chocolatey with just enough bourbon warmth to make it irresistible. Stick around, because whether you’re baking this for the holidays, a cozy weekend dessert, or just because, you’ll find tips and tricks here that’ll make your pie legendary.

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Why This Recipe Works

Toasted Pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their nutty richness and adds a crunchy texture that shines.
Bourbon Flavor: A splash of bourbon adds a subtle warmth and depth that complements the chocolate perfectly.
Blind-Baked Crust: Pre-baking the pie crust prevents sogginess, ensuring a crisp, flaky base every time.
Fudgy Filling: The gooey, rich filling blends sugar, butter, and chocolate, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie, bourbon pecan pie, chocolate pecan pie, holiday pecan pie, decadent pecan pie - A round pecan pie with a golden, crimped crust sits centered on a white plate over a beige linen napkin placed on a white marbled surface. The pie filling is dark brown with a glossy texture, topped with a neat layer of whole pecans arranged in concentric circles filling the entire pie surface. Around the plate, there are scattered whole pecans and some pecan halves on the white marbled surface. To the upper left, a small white bowl filled with pecans is visible, and above the pie, a clean white bowl with two forks rests on a striped beige cloth. To the lower left, two clear glasses filled with a white liquid enhance the composition. A silver knife lies to the right of the plate on the linen. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe plays a purposeful role, creating a harmony of textures and flavors. From the toasted pecans offering crunch to the smooth bittersweet chocolate chips and that distinctive bourbon heat, this pie is thoughtfully layered. I always recommend using fresh pecans and real bourbon (not imitation) for best flavor.

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Pecans: Always toast your pecans to boost their natural oils and flavor.
Pie Crust: Whether homemade or frozen, a sturdy crust sets the foundation; blind-baking it prevents sogginess.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling while helping achieve that glossy, fudgy texture.
Corn Syrup: A classic pecan pie ingredient that keeps the filling chewy and smooth — don’t skip or swap without caution.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness; using unsalted lets you control the salt balance precisely.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend better and help set the filling correctly.
Bourbon: Bring in warmth and complexity — always pick a bourbon you enjoy sipping.
Vanilla Extract: Deepens the sweet notes and complements the bourbon.
Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: Melty pockets of chocolate that add indulgence without overpowering the nutty pie.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’ve definitely played around a bit with this Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe, and I encourage you to make it your own. You can dial up the bourbon for a more pronounced boozy flavor or swap semisweet chocolate for dark if you’re feeling extra fancy. I’ve even added a sprinkle of cinnamon or espresso powder to deepen the flavor profile. The best part of this recipe is it’s versatile enough to handle your creative twists.

Variation: For a richer chocolate experience, try folding in chunks of bittersweet chocolate instead of chips – it creates pockets of gooeyness that are divine.
Dietary Modification: I’ve experimented with gluten-free pie crusts and it works well — just make sure the crust is sturdy enough to hold the weight of the filling.
Seasonal Twist: Adding a pinch of orange zest pairs beautifully with bourbon, especially during the holidays.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe

Step 1: Toast those Pecans to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread your pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them for about 10 minutes, tossing halfway through. Toasting nuts is a game changer—it wakes up their flavor and gives you incredible crunch. Let them cool completely; hot nuts will melt your filling and make it greasy.

Step 2: Blind-Bake Your Crust

Whether you’re using a homemade or frozen pie crust, pre-baking (or blind baking) is non-negotiable to avoid sogginess. After pricking the crust with a fork, line it with parchment paper and fill with pie weights (or dried beans). Bake at 325°F for 10-12 minutes until the crust is firm and just starting to turn golden. This little step saved me from countless soggy crust disasters!

Step 3: Make the Filling

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, and butter, stirring constantly until the butter melts and sugar dissolves—remember, patience is key here to avoid burning. Transfer this warm liquid to a large bowl and let it cool slightly. Then whisk eggs, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt in a separate bowl before gradually adding to the sugar mix. This slow addition prevents the eggs from scrambling and ensures a silky filling.

Step 4: Combine Pecans, Chocolate & Filling

Chop your cooled toasted pecans if they’re whole, then stir them along with the chocolate chips into the filling mixture. This is where the magic happens—coating every nut and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate bite with that luscious bourbon sweetness.

Step 5: Bake to Gooey Perfection

Pour your filling into the prepared crust and bake at 325°F for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on the edges—they might brown faster, so loosely cover with foil if needed. The pie is done when the edges are set but the center still wiggles gently when nudged. It’s okay if it’s a little jiggly—that fudgy texture firms up as it cools.

Step 6: Cool, Chill, and Serve

Set your pie on a wire rack to cool completely. If you prefer cleaner slices, pop it in the fridge for 1-2 hours to firm up the filling. Trust me, the first slice is always the hardest—but oh, once you sink your teeth in, you’re hooked!

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Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe

Use Room Temperature Eggs: It helps everything blend smoothly without scrambling your filling.
Avoid Overbaking: That wobbly center means your pie is perfect—overbaking dries it out.
Don’t Skip Blind Baking: Crust soaked with filling is a sad pie. Pre-baking keeps it crisp and flaky.
Let the Pie Cool Completely: Cutting too soon causes the filling to ooze out; patience pays off.

How to Serve Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie, bourbon pecan pie, chocolate pecan pie, holiday pecan pie, decadent pecan pie - The image shows a slice of pecan pie on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The pie has a thick, golden brown crust with a glossy, nutty filling made up of pecan halves and a sweet syrup. On top of the slice, there is a swirl of white whipped cream sprinkled with small pecan pieces. In the background, a bottle labeled

Garnishes

I like to keep the garnishes simple—just a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Sometimes, I sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the top to highlight the sweetness and bourbon notes even more. It’s those little details that bring this pie from good to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This pie is delightful on its own, but I love serving it alongside a hot cup of coffee or robust black tea. For a brunch spread, pair it with fresh berries or citrus fruit to brighten the richness. Trust me, the contrast is delightful!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to dust the pie with a light cocoa powder or garnish with toasted pecans around the edges for an elegant touch. Sometimes I serve mini versions in individual tart pans for a beautiful individual dessert presentation that always impresses my guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your pie has completely cooled, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge. It stays delicious for 3-4 days—perfect for enjoying later or sharing with friends (or keeping all to yourself!).

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pie successfully many times. Just cool it completely, wrap it well in foil, and pop it in a freezer bag with a date label. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it up a bit to bring back that fresh-baked charm.

Reheating

To reheat, place the whole pie in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or until warmed through. For slices, microwave for 20-30 seconds, but be cautious—it heats fast! This keeps the filling pleasantly gooey without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust for the Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! A good-quality frozen pie crust works wonderfully and can save you time. Just be sure to blind-bake it as the recipe instructs to prevent a soggy bottom.
What’s the best way to prevent the pie crust edges from burning?

Keep an eye on your pie during baking—if the crust edges brown too quickly, lightly tent the pie edges with foil to protect them and ensure even baking.
How important is the bourbon in this recipe?

Bourbon adds a warm, slightly smoky depth that elevates the pie flavor. That said, if you prefer to keep it alcohol-free, you can substitute with vanilla or maple syrup, but the character changes slightly.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and bake the pie a day ahead. Just keep it refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving or gently warm to bring out all the flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe is close to my heart—it’s the one dessert I can reliably wow my family and guests with every time. The combination of toasted pecans, melty chocolate, and that hint of bourbon makes it a standout. Give this recipe a try; I promise you’ll love it as much as I do. There’s something truly special about sharing a slice of this pie, whether on a chilly evening or at your next gathering. So, preheat that oven and get baking—you’ve got a delicious adventure ahead!