Welcome to the ultimate indulgence! This **Chocolate Pecan Pie with a Bourbon Kick** takes the classic Derby Day dessert to an entirely new level of deliciousness. Forget ordinary pecan pie; we’re elevating it with rich chocolate chips and a delightful hint of Kentucky’s finest bourbon. It’s a truly iconic dessert, reimagined to be even more irresistible.
While a traditional **Kentucky Derby Pie** typically features walnuts, our sensational version embraces the buttery crunch of pecans, perfectly complemented by decadent chocolate. Whether you’re hosting a grand Triple Crown race party or simply looking to impress at your next family gathering, this pie promises to be a showstopper that will earn rave reviews. Prepare to delight your senses with every single bite.
Why This Chocolate Pecan Pie is an Absolute Must-Make
Prepare to fall in love with a dessert that effortlessly combines Southern charm with sophisticated flavors. This Chocolate Pecan Pie is more than just a sweet treat; it’s an experience. Here’s why it deserves a spot on your baking list:
- Unforgettable Decadence: Regardless of whether you opt for pecans or walnuts, this recipe yields a pie that is astonishingly rich, deeply flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It’s often hailed as one of the most decadent and delicious pies you’ll ever have the pleasure of baking – and tasting!
- A Chocolate Lover’s Dream: If you’re already a devotee of classic pecan pie, prepare for an even greater love affair. Imagine that sticky, sweet, nutty filling, now studded generously with melty chocolate chips. The chocolate adds a delightful bitterness and a silky texture that perfectly balances the sweetness, creating a complex and utterly irresistible flavor profile. Sold yet? We thought so!
- The Perfect Derby Day Centerpiece: Heading to a Kentucky Derby party, or perhaps hosting one yourself? This Chocolate Pecan Pie is not just perfect, it’s essential. Its association with Kentucky’s most famous horse race makes it a thematic showstopper, while its incredible taste ensures it will be the star of your dessert spread. Beyond Derby Day, it’s an ideal dessert for holidays, family gatherings, or any special occasion where a spectacular dessert is called for.
- Effortlessly Elegant: Despite its gourmet taste and impressive appearance, this pie is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. With clear instructions and readily available ingredients, even novice bakers can achieve a beautifully baked, professional-looking dessert.
Mastering Your Chocolate Pecan Pie: Expert Tips for Success
Achieving the perfect Chocolate Pecan Pie is simpler than you might think, especially with a few professional insights. These tips will ensure your pie is not just good, but truly exceptional, from its flaky crust to its gooey, nutty filling.
- The Magic of Bourbon:
- PRO-Tip: Bourbon, like many alcohols used in cooking and baking, serves as a remarkable flavor enhancer. It introduces a layer of depth and warmth, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak that beautifully complement the pecans and chocolate. While authentic Kentucky bourbon is always the preferred choice for its unique character, any decent quality bourbon will suffice.
- To Omit or Substitute: If you prefer to omit alcohol, the pie will still be delicious. For a non-alcoholic alternative that still adds depth, you can substitute the bourbon with an equal amount of strong brewed coffee, vanilla extract (in addition to the recipe’s specified amount), or a small dash of rum extract for a different kind of warmth.
- Understanding the Richness: As we’ve mentioned, this is a supremely rich and undeniably caloric dessert. While a standard 9-inch pie is traditionally said to serve 8, you can (and often should!) easily cut much smaller slices. This allows everyone to enjoy a taste of its decadence without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, folks can always come back for seconds if they simply can’t resist!
- Pecans vs. Walnuts – Your Choice:
- PRO-Tip: For those seeking a truly traditional “Derby Pie” experience, substituting walnuts for pecans is the way to go. Walnuts offer a slightly different flavor profile and texture, which many purists prefer for the authentic version. And if you’re going traditional, do not skip the bourbon – it’s a signature element!
- The Pecan Advantage: Pecans, on the other hand, provide a buttery, slightly sweeter, and generally milder flavor, making them an excellent choice for a rich, elevated pie that appeals to a broader palate.
- The Art of Toasting Nuts:
- PRO-Tip: Always toast your nuts before chopping and incorporating them into the pie. This seemingly small step makes a significant difference. Toasting gently warms the nuts, releasing their natural, essential oils. This process intensifies their inherent nutty flavor, deepens their color, and gives them a more satisfying crisp texture.
- How to Toast: To toast whole pecans or walnuts in the oven, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Check and stir them every 3-4 minutes to ensure even toasting and prevent burning. Alternatively, you can toast them over medium heat in a non-greased sauté pan on the stovetop. Again, watch them carefully and stir frequently. You’ll know they’re perfectly toasted when you perceive a distinct, fragrant nutty aroma and see a subtle darkening of their color. Remove them from the heat immediately once done.
- Serving and Garnish Suggestions: Enhance the presentation and flavor of each slice with a generous dollop of sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream. For an elegant touch, garnish the whipped cream with a beautiful pecan half, delicate chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of additional chocolate chips. For those who truly want to go the extra mile, try infusing your whipping cream with a touch of bourbon and a little extra vanilla extract. This creates an ultra-delicious, aromatic topping that perfectly complements the pie’s flavors.
- Cooling is Crucial: Patience is a virtue, especially with this pie. Allowing it to cool completely, preferably on a wire rack to allow air circulation, is vital. This ensures the filling sets properly, resulting in clean slices and the perfect texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Pecan Pie
Here are some common questions about this delightful dessert, providing you with all the information you need to bake and enjoy it to perfection.
Derby pie is the trademarked name of a specific type of chocolate and nut pie that has become famously associated with the Kentucky Derby. This prestigious horse race is the first of three events that comprise the Triple Crown. The original recipe was meticulously developed by George Kern in 1950, to be served at his family’s restaurant, the Melrose Inn, which was located in the heart of Kentucky. It quickly gained popularity as a regional delicacy, symbolizing the rich culinary traditions of the Bluegrass State.
A traditional Derby Pie features a rich, gooey filling made with walnuts, chocolate chips, corn syrup, a blend of granulated white and brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, a touch of flour, a generous splash of bourbon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. All these delectable ingredients are carefully mixed together and baked within a flaky pastry crust. For those who wish to create a truly authentic version of this iconic dessert, we highly recommend using walnuts instead of pecans.
It is absolutely crucial that your pie cools completely to room temperature before you attempt to slice it. The filling needs time to fully set and firm up, which can take several hours. An excellent way to check if it’s ready is to feel the bottom of the pie pan; if you detect any warmth whatsoever, the pie needs to cool longer. Placing your freshly baked pie on a wire rack is essential, as it allows air to circulate freely under the pie, enabling the heat to dissipate effectively from both the top and the bottom. This prevents a soggy bottom crust and ensures a perfectly set, easy-to-slice filling.
Your delicious Chocolate Pecan Pie can be safely stored at room temperature for up to 5 days, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert. Simply cover it loosely to protect it from air. If you wish to store it for a longer period, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to ensure it’s airtight. It can then be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve after freezing, defrost the pie overnight in the refrigerator, and then allow it to come to room temperature on your countertop before slicing and enjoying its fresh taste.
Serve your Derby Pie at room temperature to best appreciate its complex flavors and textures. The most classic accompaniment is a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, which adds a light, airy contrast to the rich filling. If you prefer, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream is also an outstanding choice. For an extra layer of indulgence, consider drizzling your serving with a decadent chocolate fudge sauce or a luscious caramel sauce. And for the ultimate, immersive Kentucky Derby experience, make sure your bar is stocked with all the ingredients needed to craft refreshing mint juleps – the iconic drink of the Derby – to pair alongside your glorious pie.
Absolutely! While semisweet chocolate chips are a popular choice for their balanced sweetness, feel free to experiment with other types of chocolate to tailor the pie to your preference. Dark chocolate chips will offer a more intense, slightly bitter contrast, perfect for those who enjoy a less sweet dessert. Milk chocolate chips will result in a sweeter, creamier profile. You can even use a mix of different chocolates for a more complex flavor. Roughly chopped chocolate bars or high-quality chocolate chunks will also work beautifully, often melting into luxurious pockets of chocolate throughout the filling.
A good quality pie crust is foundational to this recipe. You can use either a homemade pie crust for the freshest taste and texture, or a store-bought unbaked crust for convenience. If using a store-bought crust, look for one made with butter for the best flavor. Ensure the crust is well-chilled before you add the filling, as this helps prevent shrinking and keeps it flaky. Crimping the edges not only looks beautiful but also helps create a barrier for the rich filling during baking.
Explore More Southern Delights and Irresistible Pies
If you’ve enjoyed the rich flavors of this Chocolate Pecan Pie, you’re in for a treat! Here are more delicious recipes that capture the essence of Southern baking and the joy of a perfect pie.
- Classic Mint Julep Cocktail from Miss in the Kitchen – The quintessential Derby drink to pair with your pie.
- Kentucky Butter Bundt Cake – Another beloved Kentucky treat, moist and rich.
- Boozy Pecan Pie – For those who can’t get enough of that delightful bourbon kick.
- Chocolate Glazed Walnut Brownies – A fantastic choice if you love the chocolate and nut combination.
- More of my Best Pie Recipes – Discover a collection of my favorite pie creations for every occasion.
Stay connected and share your culinary adventures with me through social media! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Don’t forget to tag me when you whip up one of my recipes! Your feedback is invaluable, and if you love the results of this pie, please consider leaving a 5-star rating in the recipe card below. Happy baking!
Kentucky Derby Chocolate Pecan Pie
30 minutes
55 minutes
4 minutes (cooling time not fully accounted here, usually longer)
1 hour 29 minutes (excluding full cooling)
8 servings
Experience a delightful twist on the classic Derby Pie, featuring rich pecans and decadent chocolate chips for an unforgettable dessert experience!
Ingredients
- One homemade or store-bought pie crust, unbaked (9-inch)
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans, lightly toasted
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons bourbon, preferably Kentucky bourbon (optional, or substitute with vanilla extract for non-alcoholic)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For Garnish (Optional): Sweetened whipped cream, pecan halves, and/or chocolate shavings/curls
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a 9-inch pie plate.
- Carefully fit the rolled-out pie crust into your 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges decoratively to create a beautiful finish.
- Evenly sprinkle the chopped, toasted pecans and semisweet chocolate chips over the bottom of the prepared pie crust. Set the pie plate aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the corn syrup, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, whisking frequently, until all the sugar has completely dissolved. This process usually takes about 5 minutes. Remove from heat once dissolved.
- In a separate heatproof mixing bowl, whisk together the lightly beaten eggs, melted butter, all-purpose flour, bourbon (if using), and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
- To temper the eggs, slowly drizzle about ½ cup of the hot syrup mixture into the egg mixture while continuously whisking vigorously. This prevents the eggs from scrambling. Continue whisking until fully incorporated.
- Gradually whisk in the remaining hot syrup mixture into the egg mixture until the entire filling is smooth and uniform.
- Carefully pour the prepared filling evenly over the pecans and chocolate chips in the pie crust.
- Bake for approximately 45-50 minutes. The pie is done when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the very center still shows a slight jiggle when you gently nudge the pie plate. This indicates a perfectly gooey center.
- Transfer the baked pie to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before slicing. This can take several hours and is crucial for the filling to set properly.
- Serve individual slices of pie with a generous dollop of sweetened whipped cream. Garnish with a beautiful pecan half, a sprinkle of chocolate chips, or elegant chocolate curls for an extra touch.
Notes
For a more traditional Derby Pie recipe, you may substitute walnuts for pecans. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the bourbon with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of strong brewed coffee for depth.
Recommended Products
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- 3 Pyrex Mixing Bowls
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- Ceramic Pie Plate
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8 servings
Serving Size:
1 slice
Amount Per Serving (estimated):
Calories: 665Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 336mgCarbohydrates: 86gFiber: 4gSugar: 70gProtein: 8g
Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional, and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Additionally, different online calculators can provide different results.
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