Elegant Southern Chocolate Pecan Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Elegant Southern Chocolate Pecan Delight, a luxurious twist on the classic pecan pie. This divine dessert is crafted entirely with brown sugar, eliminating corn syrup for a smooth consistency and deep caramel notes. Enhanced with cocoa and a splash of Tia Maria or Amaretto, this pie delivers a delightful complexity that will elevate your dessert table. Whether for family gatherings or special celebrations, this is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to have everyone asking for seconds. With my own personal touches and a recipe passed down from my aunt, it’s a treasured creation that boasts both nostalgia and innovation. Perfect for sharing or savoring on your own, you’ll want to keep an extra pie or two tucked away!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
9-inch pie shells
3 (Ready-made or homemade)
butter
3/4 cup (Melted)
large eggs
6 (Beaten)
light brown sugar
2 (16 ounce) boxes (Sifted)
unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons (Sifted)
evaporated milk
1/3 cup (Unprepared)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (Unprepared)
vanilla extract
2 teaspoons (Unprepared)
Tia Maria or Amaretto
2 tablespoons (Unprepared)
chopped pecans
2 cups (Chopped)
pecan halves
18 (For decoration)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and allow it to cool slightly.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
4
Sift the light brown sugar into the bowl with the eggs, mixing thoroughly to ensure a smooth consistency.
5
Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, evaporated milk, salt, vanilla extract, and your choice of Tia Maria or Amaretto. Mix until fully incorporated.
6
Fold in the chopped pecans gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
7
If you choose to omit the alcohol, increase the vanilla extract to 1 tablespoon.
8
Carefully pour the filling into the prepared pie shells, distributing it evenly.
9
Decorate the tops of each pie with 6 pecan halves arranged in a pinwheel pattern.
10
Bake the pies in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11
Allow the pies to cool before serving to enhance the flavors and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Elegant Southern Chocolate Pecan Delight?
It is a luxurious twist on the classic pecan pie that uses brown sugar instead of corn syrup, enhanced with cocoa and liqueur.
How many pie shells are needed for this recipe?
You will need three 9-inch pie shells, which can be either ready-made or homemade.
Does this recipe contain corn syrup?
No, this recipe specifically eliminates corn syrup to achieve a smoother consistency and deep caramel notes.
What kind of sugar is used in this pecan pie?
The recipe calls for two 16-ounce boxes of light brown sugar, which should be sifted.
What alcohol is recommended for this dessert?
You can use 2 tablespoons of either Tia Maria or Amaretto to add complexity to the flavor.
Can I make the Elegant Southern Chocolate Pecan Delight without alcohol?
Yes, you can omit the alcohol by increasing the vanilla extract to 1 tablespoon.
What is the preheat temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) before baking.
How long do the pies bake at the initial temperature?
The pies bake at 400°F for the first 15 minutes.
What is the second baking temperature and duration?
After the initial 15 minutes, reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 35 minutes.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 6 large eggs, which should be beaten before mixing.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of butter, melted and cooled slightly.
What type of cocoa powder should be used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder.
What type of milk is used in the filling?
1/3 cup of unprepared evaporated milk is used in the filling.
How many pecans are used in the filling?
The filling includes 2 cups of chopped pecans.
How are the pecan halves used for decoration?
18 pecan halves are used to create a pinwheel pattern on top of the three pies, using 6 halves per pie.
How do I know when the pecan pie is done?
The pie is ready when the filling is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Is it necessary to sift the ingredients?
Yes, the light brown sugar and cocoa powder should be sifted to ensure a smooth consistency.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This is a treasured creation passed down from the creator's aunt with added personal touches.
Should the pies be served hot?
It is recommended to allow the pies to cool before serving to enhance the flavors and texture.
How much vanilla extract is used in the standard recipe?
The standard recipe uses 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While the specific serving size isn't listed, the recipe makes three 9-inch pies.
Is this a traditional Southern recipe?
Yes, it is described as a luxurious Southern twist on the classic pecan pie.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total for this chocolate pecan delight.
What gives the pie its caramel notes?
The use of light brown sugar instead of corn syrup creates the deep caramel notes.
Can I use homemade pie crust?
Yes, you can use either homemade or ready-made 9-inch pie shells.
How should the pecans be distributed?
The chopped pecans should be folded in gently to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.
Is this recipe suitable for holidays?
Yes, it is noted as a perfect holiday dessert and a crowd-pleaser for special celebrations.
What is the total number of pies this recipe makes?
This recipe is designed to make three full 9-inch pies.
What is the consistency of the filling?
The filling is designed to be smooth thanks to the sifting of brown sugar and the exclusion of corn syrup.