Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place your pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate, pressing it evenly into the dish. Flute or crimp the edges for a classic look.
Tip: Chill the crust while you prepare the filling to help it hold its shape during baking.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder until well blended. Add the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk again until fully combined and smooth.
Tip: Let the melted butter cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble the eggs.
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
Stir in the chopped pecans and chocolate chips. This is where the magic begins—that mixture of nuts and chocolate suspended in the sweet, rich filling is what sets this pie apart.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the filling into the prepared crust. If desired, arrange whole pecans on top in a decorative pattern. This adds visual appeal and a crunchy contrast to the gooey filling.
Tip: Don’t overfill the pie. Leave a little room at the top to avoid spillover while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie on the center rack of your oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. The center should be just set and slightly puffed. It will continue to set as it cools.
Tip: If the crust edges brown too quickly, lightly tent them with aluminum foil about halfway through baking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool completely at room temperature to allow the filling to firm up. For the cleanest slices, refrigerate the pie for a couple of hours before slicing. Serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Customize the Nuts: Use a mix of walnuts and pecans for a twist.
Add a Touch of Bourbon: Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon for a boozy, Southern kick.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Allowing the pie to cool completely ensures clean slices and a better texture.
Extra Chocolatey? Use dark chocolate chips or chunks instead of semisweet.
Crust Tip: Blind-bake your crust for 5–10 minutes if you like a firmer bottom layer.