Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie

Name: Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups pecans (halved or chopped); 1 cup dark chocolate chips (bittersweet or semi-sweet); ¾ cup light corn syrup; ¾ cup brown sugar (packed); ½ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter (melted); 3 large eggs; ¼ cup bourbon; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 tsp salt; 1 pre-made pie crust

Hey there, dessert lover! 🍰 If you’ve ever had a boring pecan pie and thought, “This could use a little oomph,” then you’ve just stumbled upon the ultimate upgrade: Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie. You heard that right! We’re about to jazz up this classic dessert with a splash of bourbon and a sprinkle of chocolate. What more could you ask for?

I’ve had my fair share of desserts—some good, some… well, let’s just say I wouldn’t serve them to even my worst enemy. But this pie? Oh boy! It’s a game-changer. Full of rich flavors, textures, and just the right amount of kick. Let’s dig in, shall we?

Why Bourbon and Chocolate Pair So Well in Pecan Pie

The Flavor Explosion

Have you ever taken a bite of something and thought, “This is heaven!”? That’s what topping a classic pecan pie with bourbon and chocolate feels like. The sweetness of the pecans mixes with the deep flavors of molasses and brown sugar. Add a bit of gooey chocolate, and suddenly you’ve got a symphony going on in your mouth. The bourbon? Well, it provides a sophisticated warmth, making every slice taste like it came from a gourmet bakery.

Fun fact: Did you know that bourbon is made primarily from corn and gets its distinct flavor from charred oak barrels? This aging process gives it those lovely vanilla and caramel notes that pair perfectly with chocolate. Talk about a match made in heaven! 🙌

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we roll up our sleeves and get baking, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this scrumptious bourbon chocolate pecan pie:

1 ½ cups pecans (halved or chopped, depending on your texture preference)
1 cup dark chocolate chips (bittersweet or semi-sweet—your choice!)
¾ cup light corn syrup
¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
3 large eggs
¼ cup bourbon (because who doesn’t love a little booze in their dessert?)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp salt
1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious)

Creating the Perfect Crust

Store-Bought vs. Homemade

Now, let’s chat about pie crusts for a sec. You might think making a pie crust from scratch will make you a kitchen rockstar. And hey, if you’ve got the time (and patience), go for it! But let’s be real—store-bought crusts are totally acceptable, and they save you a ton of time. 🤷‍♂️

Homemade Crust Recipe (if you’re feeling fancy):

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into cubes)
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
4-5 tbsp ice water

Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl.
Cut in butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

Pre-Baking the Crust

If you’re using a homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Tip: Crimp those edges like you mean it! Then, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This helps prevent a soggy bottom—that’s never a good look. 😉

Putting It All Together: The Filling

Mixing the Filling

Now that we have our crust sorted, it’s time to make the filling. Grab that mixing bowl and follow these easy steps:

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, corn syrup, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until well combined.
Add in the eggs, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Fold in the dark chocolate chips and pecans. Make sure those ingredients are evenly distributed for maximum flavor in every slice.

Baking Time!

Pour that luscious filling into your pre-baked pie crust. Pop it into a preheated oven at 350°F for about 40 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Don’t worry; it will firm up as it cools.

Pro tip: Cover the edges with foil if they start browning too quickly. We want beautiful golden edges, not burnt ones.

Letting It Chill (Literally)

After you take the pie out of the oven, let it cool down to room temperature. Once it’s cool, pop it in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps the filling set and makes the pie easier to slice. And let’s be honest, no one wants a chocolate pecan lava flow, right? 😅

Serving Your Delightful Creation

The Perfect Presentation

When it comes time to serve, slice it up and plate it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Sure, you could keep it simple, but why not make it special? You could even add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for that Instagrammable effect. 📸

FYI: Pecan pie is often better the next day, as the flavors meld and deepen overnight. So if you can resist, let it chill overnight for an even tastier treat!

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Pie

So, there you have it! Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie—a dessert that’s rich, satisfying, and just a bit boozy. It’s the kind of pie that turns heads at any gathering, and dare I say, you might just be crowned the dessert hero of the family! So wave goodbye to boring pecan pie and say hello to a treat that has our hearts (and stomachs) singing with joy.

Next time you need a show-stopping dessert for any occasion, remember this pie. You won’t just be bringing a dessert; you’ll be bringing smiles, laughter, and possibly a few “OMG, this is amazing!” comments. What’s not to love? 😉

So, roll up your sleeves, channel your inner baker, and give this pie a shot. Trust me; you won’t regret it! Happy baking! 🎉