Decadent Chocolate Caramel Pecan Pie
Indulge in the luxurious layers of this Decadent Chocolate Caramel Pecan Pie, a dessert that brings together a symphony of rich flavors and textures. The crisp chocolate wafer crust cradles a lavish, gooey caramel filling accented by the crunch of pecan halves and the deep, bittersweet notes of melted unsweetened chocolate. Perfect for any gathering or a sophisticated night in, make sure to allow the pie time to cool thoroughly for the perfect slice. A dollop of whipped cream adds the final touch of creaminess to this irresistible, gourmet delight.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
fine chocolate wafer crumbs
1 1/2 cups (Ready for use)
butter
5 tablespoons (melted)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Can be added directly)
butter
3/4 cup (no substitutes!)
brown sugar
3/4 cup (packed)
light corn syrup
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (Measured and ready for filling)
pecan halves
10 ounces (approximately 3 cups, ready to use)
whipping cream
3 tablespoons (unwhipped)
unsweetened chocolate
2 ounces (chopped)
whipped cream
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
To prepare the crust, blend together the fine chocolate wafer crumbs, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a food processor until well mixed.
3
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch glass pie plate.
4
Cover and freeze the crust while you prepare the filling.
5
In a saucepan, melt 3/4 cup butter over medium heat. Add the packed brown sugar and the combined 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup.
6
Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring frequently. Once it’s boiling, continue to stir and let it boil for an additional minute.
7
Remove from heat and stir in the pecan halves and whipping cream. Return the saucepan to the heat, letting it boil gently and thicken for about 3 minutes.
8
Add the chopped unsweetened chocolate, stirring until fully melted and the mixture is smooth and cohesive.
9
Pour this luscious filling into your prepared crust, distributing it evenly. Use a spoon to ensure the pecans are spread evenly.
10
Place in the preheated oven and bake until the filling is bubbling throughout, approximately 10 minutes.
11
Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. For best results, refrigerate until cold before slicing.
12
Slice and serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream on each piece.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Chocolate Caramel Pecan Pie?
It is a luxurious dessert featuring layers of chocolate wafer crust, gooey caramel filling, crunchy pecans, and bittersweet melted chocolate.
What type of crust is used for this pie?
The recipe uses a crisp crust made from fine chocolate wafer crumbs, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
How do I prepare the chocolate wafer crust?
Blend the wafer crumbs, melted butter, and vanilla in a food processor, then press firmly into a 9-inch glass pie plate.
Should I pre-bake the crust?
No, the instructions specify to cover and freeze the crust while you prepare the filling rather than pre-baking it.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the pie.
Can I use a butter substitute in the filling?
No, the recipe specifically states to use 3/4 cup of butter with no substitutes for the filling.
How much brown sugar is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar.
What type of corn syrup is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of light corn syrup.
How long should the sugar and butter mixture boil initially?
Once it reaches a boil, continue to stir and let it boil for exactly one additional minute.
When do I add the pecans?
Add the pecans and whipping cream after the initial one-minute boil and after removing the saucepan from the heat.
How many pecans are required?
The recipe uses 10 ounces of pecan halves, which is approximately 3 cups.
What kind of chocolate is used in the filling?
The recipe uses 2 ounces of chopped unsweetened chocolate for a bittersweet flavor profile.
Does the whipping cream in the filling need to be whipped?
No, the 3 tablespoons of whipping cream added to the filling should be unwhipped.
How long does the filling boil after adding pecans?
Return the saucepan to the heat and let it boil gently and thicken for about 3 minutes.
How do I incorporate the chocolate into the filling?
Stir the chopped chocolate into the hot mixture until it is fully melted and the filling is smooth.
How do I ensure the pecans are spread evenly?
Use a spoon to distribute the pecans evenly throughout the crust after pouring in the filling.
How long does the pie bake?
Bake the pie for approximately 10 minutes or until the filling is bubbling throughout.
How should the pie be cooled?
Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack to ensure the filling sets correctly.
Should the pie be refrigerated?
Yes, for the best results and a perfect slice, refrigerate the pie until cold before serving.
How many servings does this pie make?
The recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the best way to serve this pie?
Serve each slice with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Can this pie be made in advance?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'make ahead' dessert, which is ideal since it requires thorough cooling and refrigeration.
What size pie plate is needed?
A 9-inch glass pie plate is recommended for this recipe.
Is this a good holiday dessert?
Yes, it is specifically tagged for holidays and described as a sophisticated, gourmet delight.
How much vanilla extract is used?
One teaspoon of vanilla extract is used in the preparation of the crust.
What is the preparation for the pecans?
The pecans should be halves and ready to use without further chopping.
What makes the filling 'decadent'?
The combination of a high volume of butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, and melted unsweetened chocolate creates a rich, indulgent texture.
How do I prepare the chocolate for the filling?
The 2 ounces of unsweetened chocolate should be chopped before being added to the hot filling.
Is the crust sweet?
The crust is made from chocolate wafer crumbs, providing a deep cocoa flavor that complements the sweet caramel.
What are the main flavor notes?
The main flavors include rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and bittersweet chocolate.