Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie

If your family is getting bored with the same pecan pie recipe every year at Thanksgiving dinner, this chocolate-bourbon pecan pie is the recipe to try next. You actually might want to make two, because this decadent pie will be the first item finished off at the dessert table.

Chocolate-lovers at your Thanksgiving feast will love this dessert, but it will satisfy the classic pecan pie fans, too. Like many Southern recipes, this one gets added warmth and flavor from a splash of bourbon, but of course, you can always substitute water.

This chocolate-bourbon pecan pie has the rich, gooey texture you crave in every bite. And with only 15 minutes of hands-on time, this dessert won't put a dent in your Thanksgiving prep. This pie recipe is so quick and easy to make partially because it calls for a refrigerated piecrust. If you have time, you can always make our Perfect Pie Crust instead to make this recipe 100 percent homemade.

Like other pecan pies, we think this one would be over-the-top delicious served with a spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients for Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie

To make this decadent pie, you'll need:

• Refrigerated piecrust: A shortcut method or you can make a homemade version.
• Toasted pecans: The nutty base of this decadent pie.
• Semisweet chocolate morsels: Can be substituted with other types of chocolate, whether morsels, chunks, or chopped dark, bittersweet, or milk chocolate.
• Corn syrup: Keeps the sugary filling from crystallizing.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling.
• Light brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses.
• Bourbon: Deepens the flavor of the pie (can be substituted with water if preferred).
• Large eggs: Helps set the filling.
• Butter: Adds a rich, fudgy texture.
• White cornmeal: Helps thicken the filling for that perfect slice. Can substitute with yellow cornmeal if needed.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the pie.
• Table salt: Balances the sweetness of the filling.
  

How To Make Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie

Using a store-bought pie crust means this pie can be ready to bake in under 15 minutes of hands-on time. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Preheat oven to 325ºF. Fit piecrust into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate and crimp edges. Sprinkle pecans and chocolate evenly into crust.
• Step 2. Bring corn syrup, sugars, and bourbon to a boil. Cook, stirring, for 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Step 3. Whisk together remaining ingredients. Gradually whisk one-fourth of hot corn syrup mixture into egg mixture; add to remaining hot corn syrup mixture, whisking constantly. Pour filling into piecrust.
• Step 4. Bake for 55 minutes or until set; cool completely on a wire rack.

Tips for the Best Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie

This is an incredibly easy pie to make, but even easy pies can use some pointers:

• Don't skip toasting the pecans: Elevate the pecans by toasting for a perfectly crisp texture.
• Choose a bourbon you enjoy drinking: But don't break the bank—for the best flavor.
• Whisk in the hot syrup slowly: To avoid accidentally curdling the eggs.
• Bake until slightly jiggly in the center for the fudgiest texture: The filling will continue to set as it cools.
• Cool completely before slicing: Especially with the addition of chocolate, this pie will be messy if sliced right out of the oven.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for over-the-top decadence.

Can I Make Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie Ahead?

Make this pie in advance so it's ready for your holiday table. This showstopper can be baked ahead and refrigerated for up to two days for peak freshness or frozen for up to three months. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

How To Store Leftover Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie

Wrap and refrigerate leftover chocolate-bourbon pecan pie for up to five days. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

Pecan Pie-Inspired Recipes You'll Love

If you love the flavor of pecan pie but you're ready to mix it up, these recipes have you covered:

• Spiced Pecan Pie Bars
• Crunchy Pecan Pie Bites
• Pecan Pie Cake with Browned Butter Frosting
• Pecan Pie Bread Pudding
• Pecan Pie Brownies
• Double Chocolate-Pecan Pie
• Pecan Pie Cookies
• Double-Decker Pecan Cheesecake Pie

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.