Ingredients

1 cup Unsalted Butter (adds richness and ensures a flaky texture)

1/4 cup Sugar (can substitute with a little honey for a unique twist)

1 cup All-purpose Flour (ensure it’s fresh for the best results)

1/4 teaspoon Salt (enhances flavor and balances sweetness)

1 cup Pecans (toasting enhances their flavor, optional step)

1 cup Chocolate Chips (semi-sweet or dark; feel free to use chopped chocolate bars)

3 large Eggs (for a vegan option, flax eggs can work as a substitute)

1/2 cup Sugar (brown sugar can deepen the flavor)

1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (key ingredient for warmth and aroma)

1/4 teaspoon Salt (balances the sweetness of the filling)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a pie crust—either homemade butter crust for flakiness or store-bought for convenience—and place it in a 9-inch pie dish.

Step 2: If desired, toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat to enhance their flavor. Then spread the whole pecans evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie crust.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.

Step 4: Gently melt the chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly until silky smooth. Remove from heat and fold the melted chocolate into the egg mixture until fully combined.

Step 5: Pour the chocolate filling over the pecans in the crust. Use a knife or spatula to gently mix the chocolate and pecans together so they’re evenly distributed.

Step 6: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 60 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.

Step 7: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set for clean cuts and optimal flavor.

Tips & Variations

To enhance the pecan flavor, toast them lightly before adding to the crust.

Substitute brown sugar for white sugar in the filling to add a deeper, caramel-like taste.

For a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).

Use chopped dark chocolate bars instead of chips for a richer chocolate flavor and smoother texture.

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, a store-bought crust works well and saves time. Just be sure to choose a high-quality, buttery crust for the best flavor and texture.

How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The edges should be set and firm, while the center remains slightly jiggly like a soft custard. It will firm up as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep the filling creamy.