Decadent Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie Recipe You Have to Try

Growing up in the Blue Ridge Mountains, food was always more than just something to eat—it was a way to gather, to heal, and to pass down stories from one worn hand to the next. When I first baked a Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie, it reminded me of those long afternoons spent on Mama Lu’s porch, where the scent of her skillet cornbread mingled with the sweet aroma of blackberry jam. This pie carries that same warmth and soul—a little bit of nostalgia folded into every gooey, nutty slice. It’s a dessert that feels like home, even if you’re miles away from the mountains.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

There’s something about the combination of rich chocolate and toasted pecans that just sings to me. Add in a splash of bourbon, and suddenly you’ve got a pie that’s both comforting and a little bit daring—just like Mama Lu’s Sunday pot roasts, which always had a secret ingredient no one could quite name but everyone loved. This pie isn’t just about sweetness; it’s about depth, texture, and a touch of that Appalachian spirit I carry with me.

I remember the first time I brought this pie to a potluck in Portland. Folks were asking for the recipe, but I told them, “It’s not just the recipe, it’s the memories stirred in along the way.” That’s what makes this pie special: it’s simple, honest ingredients, but made with a whole lot of heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

• 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons bourbon (choose your favorite brand)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted for extra flavor
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

Substitution tips: If you don’t have bourbon on hand, a splash of dark rum or whiskey works beautifully too. For a nut-free version, swap pecans for toasted sunflower seeds or skip nuts entirely and add extra chocolate.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: Approximately 420 per slice (1/8 of the pie)
• Protein: 5 grams
• Fat: 25 grams (mostly from nuts and butter)
• Carbohydrates: 45 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Sugar: 30 grams
• Sodium: 180 milligrams

While this pie isn’t an everyday treat, it’s a celebration on a plate—a reminder that sometimes, the richest flavors come from the simplest ingredients combined with a little love and care.

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Steps to Create Your Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, trimming any excess. If store-bought, simply unroll and press it into the pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, brown sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, bourbon, and salt until fully combined and smooth. This blend is the heart of the pie, so take your time to make it silky.
3. Stir in the toasted pecans and chocolate chips, folding gently to distribute evenly without breaking up the nuts.
4. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. You’ll notice the mixture is thick and glossy, almost like the syrupy jams Mama Lu used to make.
5. Bake the pie in the center rack of your oven for about 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll want the filling to be set but still have a slight jiggle in the center—think of it as the pie’s way of saying it’s ready to share.
6. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This cooling time allows the filling to firm up and the flavors to deepen—kind of like letting an old family story settle in your heart.

“Recipes weren’t written,” Mama Lu would say. “They were remembered. Shared by heart, with a pinch of salt and a whole lot of soul.” This pie is exactly that—a recipe to remember and a soul to savor.”

Learn more: Decadent Chocolate Turtle Pecan Pie Recipe You Have to Try

Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie

From years of baking with Mama Lu and later experimenting in my own kitchen, I’ve learned that a few small touches make all the difference:

• Toast your pecans: This step isn’t just for flavor; it brings out a deep, nutty aroma that turns this pie from good to unforgettable.
• Don’t overbake: The filling should be gently set, not rock hard. A slight wobble in the center means it will finish cooking as it cools.
• Use quality chocolate: I lean toward semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate for balance, but feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
• Let it rest: Resist the urge to slice immediately. Cooling lets the flavors meld and the pie slice cleanly.
• Experiment with bourbon: Each bourbon has its own personality. I’ve found that smoother, sweeter bourbons complement the pie best, but a spicier one adds an exciting kick.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

In the Blue Ridge Mountains, desserts like this pie were often served with a simple scoop of homemade vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream fresh from the churn. Those cold, creamy contrasts are the perfect foil to the warm, rich filling.

If you’re taking the pie to a gathering, consider pairing it with strong coffee or a glass of bourbon on the side—bringing a little more of the mountains to your table. When I serve this at home, it’s usually on a Sunday evening, when stories flow as freely as the bourbon and the kitchen feels full of laughter and love.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Like many of Mama Lu’s recipes, this pie tastes even better the next day. To store:

• Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• If you want to refresh it, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place the whole pie in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
• Avoid freezing if possible, as the texture of the nuts and filling can change, but if you must, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Every time I’ve reheated a slice, I’m reminded of how food connects us—like sharing a secret recipe whispered across generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ingredients for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie?

The main ingredients for Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie include the items listed in our ingredients section above. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture.

How long does it take to make Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie?

The total time to make Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie includes both preparation and cooking time. Check the recipe card above for exact timing details.

Can I make Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie ahead of time?

Yes, Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie can often be prepared in advance. Store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within the recommended timeframe.

What can I serve with Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie?

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie pairs well with various sides and accompaniments. Consider the serving suggestions mentioned in the recipe for the best dining experience.

Is Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie suitable for special diets?

Depending on the ingredients used, Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie may be adapted for various dietary needs. Check the ingredients list and consider substitutions as needed for your dietary requirements.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of history, a warm embrace, and a celebration of simple ingredients turned extraordinary through love and tradition. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because the day calls for a little sweetness, I hope it brings you the same comfort it has brought me.

Remember, cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about the stories we tell, the hands we hold, and the memories we create around the table. From my farmhouse in the Blue Ridge to your kitchen, may this pie fill your home with warmth and your heart with joy.