Learn how to make Cracker Barrell Chocolate Pecan Pie at Home. Boasting a flaky crust, a decadent, gooey filling, and an impeccable harmony of sweet and nutty flavors, our family’s Chocolate Pecan Pie recipe is a dream for dessert enthusiasts. What’s more, it offers a delightful twist on the classic pecan pie, making it an ideal choice for the holiday season.
Treat your taste buds to the unbeatable fusion of rich chocolate and crunchy pecans in this homemade pie, challenging the renowned version served at Cracker Barrel restaurant.
Homemade Copycat Pie Recipe
The closest Cracker Barrell restaurant is over two hours away. So, when we go to a special restaurant like this, we often take home a few goodies. This pie is a great choice as it travels well, and we can enjoy it for a few days. Just prepare ahead of time to bring food home. Bring a cooler for food safety to keep your treats cold.
While a visit to Cracker Barrel might be a delightful treat, there’s something truly special about recreating this heavenly dessert in the comfort of your own kitchen.
From the homely aroma of a freshly baked pie crust to the harmonious dance of pecans and chocolate, this recipe promises not just a dessert but a celebration of flavors. We love serving pies like this during the Holidays and other special occasions. Adorn your dessert table at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years and everyone is happy at our house.
A delicious twist on this classic dessert.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of pecans and chocolate creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The pie crust is made from scratch for a homemade touch, contributing to its flakiness.
Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie Tips for Recipe Success:
Ensure the butter in the flaky pie crust is cold to achieve a flaky texture if making your own. However, a nice short cut is to just use a grocery store purchased crust.
Dice and gently toast the pecans. Enhance their flavor and introduce a delightful crunch to your pie by toasting the pecans before incorporating them into the filling.
Be careful not to overmix the pie filling; a gentle stir is enough to combine the ingredients.
If the edges of the pie crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil during baking.
How to Serve This Pie
Ensure the pie cools entirely before serving. Allowing the pie to cool completely ensures the filling has ample time to set before slicing and serving.
Serve slices of the Cracker Barrel Chocolate Pecan Pie on their own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Elevate the gooey deliciousness by drizzling chocolate and/or caramel sauce over the pie before serving. To add complexity, warmth, and a unique twist, flavor your whipped cream topping with bourbon and cinnamon.
How To Make Cracker Barrel Chocolate Pecan Pie at Home
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Unbaked Pie Crust for a 9-inch Pie see my recipe for Easy Pie Crust
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1 Cup Light Corn Syrup
- 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Butter melted
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Cup Pecan Halves diced or left in halves
- 1/2 Cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.3 Large Eggs, 1 Cup Light Corn Syrup, 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar, 1/4 Cup Butter, 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Place pecans and chocolate chips in the pie shell. Alternatively, if you chop your pecans, just mix the chopped pecans and chocolate chips right into the pie filling.1 Cup Pecan Halves, 1/2 Cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. The pecans will rise to the top.1 Unbaked Pie Crust for a 9-inch Pie
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Recipe Ingredient Variations
Swap out the homemade pie crust for a store-bought crust. It will save you prep time. Experiment with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Other options include milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips. Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the filling for extra depth. Opt for dark corn syrup (Karo) instead of the light variety for a pecan pie that boasts a slightly deeper hue and elevates the overall richness of its flavor. Although I typically incorporate dark corn syrup in my pecan pie recipes, the inclusion of chocolate and bourbon in this one amplifies the depth and complexity. However, if you’re aiming for an even more intensified taste experience, dark corn syrup remains an excellent choice. Consider swapping pecans for walnuts to harken back to the original Derby-Pie® recipe and enhance the pie’s texture with toasted, chopped walnuts. Another great recipe. For a touch of vibrancy and contrast, add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the pie filling.How to Substitute for Corn Syrup in Pecan Pie
If you’re looking for a substitute for corn syrup in a pecan pie recipe, there are a few alternatives you can use. Here are some common substitutes: Maple syrup can be an excellent substitute, adding a rich and distinct flavor to the pecan pie. Use it in a one-to-one ratio as a replacement for corn syrup. Golden syrup is another option that shares a similar consistency to corn syrup. It has a mild flavor, so it won’t overpower the taste of your pecan pie. Use it in the same quantity as corn syrup. Honey is a natural sweetener that can be used as a substitute for corn syrup. Keep in mind that honey has a stronger flavor, so it may alter the taste of your pecan pie. Use it in a one-to-one ratio. Agave nectar is a liquid sweetener with a mild flavor. It can work as a substitute for corn syrup in pecan pie, and you can use it in a similar quantity. Brown rice syrup is a sweetener with a milder taste than honey. While it might not be as sweet as corn syrup, you can use it as a substitute, adjusting the quantity to achieve the desired sweetness. Using a substitute may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the pecan pie, so it’s a good idea to experiment in small batches to find the option that best suits your taste preferences.Nutrition
Recipe Ingredient Variations
Swap out the homemade pie crust for a store-bought crust. It will save you prep time.
Experiment with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. Other options include milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the filling for extra depth.
Opt for dark corn syrup (Karo) instead of the light variety for a pecan pie that boasts a slightly deeper hue and elevates the overall richness of its flavor. Although I typically incorporate dark corn syrup in my pecan pie recipes, the inclusion of chocolate and bourbon in this one amplifies the depth and complexity. However, if you’re aiming for an even more intensified taste experience, dark corn syrup remains an excellent choice.
Consider swapping pecans for walnuts to harken back to the original Derby-Pie® recipe and enhance the pie’s texture with toasted, chopped walnuts. Another great recipe.
For a touch of vibrancy and contrast, add 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the pie filling.
How to Substitute for Corn Syrup in Pecan Pie
If you’re looking for a substitute for corn syrup in a pecan pie recipe, there are a few alternatives you can use. Here are some common substitutes:
Maple syrup can be an excellent substitute, adding a rich and distinct flavor to the pecan pie. Use it in a one-to-one ratio as a replacement for corn syrup.
Golden syrup is another option that shares a similar consistency to corn syrup. It has a mild flavor, so it won’t overpower the taste of your pecan pie. Use it in the same quantity as corn syrup.
Honey is a natural sweetener that can be used as a substitute for corn syrup. Keep in mind that honey has a stronger flavor, so it may alter the taste of your pecan pie. Use it in a one-to-one ratio.
Agave nectar is a liquid sweetener with a mild flavor. It can work as a substitute for corn syrup in pecan pie, and you can use it in a similar quantity.
Brown rice syrup is a sweetener with a milder taste than honey. While it might not be as sweet as corn syrup, you can use it as a substitute, adjusting the quantity to achieve the desired sweetness.
Using a substitute may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the pecan pie, so it’s a good idea to experiment in small batches to find the option that best suits your taste preferences.
Should you blind bake the pie crust?
Whether or not to blind bake the pie crust depends on the specific pecan pie recipe you’re using. Here are some considerations:
Single-Crust Pecan Pie
For recipes where the pecan pie filling is poured directly into the unbaked pie crust and then baked together, blind baking may not be necessary. The filling will cook along with the crust during the baking process.
Prebaked Pie Crust
Some recipes recommend prebaking or blind baking the pie crust before adding the pecan pie filling. This is often the case when the filling requires less time to bake than the crust, ensuring that the crust is fully cooked and not soggy.
Blind Baking Process
To blind bake a pie crust, line the unbaked crust with parchment paper or foil, and then fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This helps the crust maintain its shape and prevents it from puffing up during baking. Bake for a short time, remove the weights, and continue baking until the crust is golden.
Considerations
If your pecan pie recipe has a relatively long baking time and the filling is rich and gooey, blind baking may not be necessary. The filling’s moisture content can help prevent the crust from becoming overly soggy.
How to reheat pecan pie?
To reheat pecan pie, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Place the pie in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired serving temperature. This gentle reheating method ensures that the crust stays flaky, and the filling becomes warm without compromising its texture. Avoid using a microwave, as it can result in uneven heating and a soggy crust. Once reheated, let the pie cool for a few minutes before serving, and enjoy a slice of warm, delicious pecan pie.
How long does pecan pie last in the fridge?
Pecan pie typically lasts in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Store the pie in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain its freshness. This active storage approach ensures that the pecan pie maintains its optimal flavor and texture. Beyond this timeframe, the pie may still be safe to eat, but the quality might diminish. For longer storage, consider freezing pecan pie, where it can last for up to 2 months while preserving its deliciousness.
Can you freeze pecan pie slices?
Yes, you can actively freeze pecan pie slices for longer storage. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a piece of your favorite pie anytime you are craving a sweet treat.
Allow the pie slices to cool completely. Individually wrap each slice tightly with plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and preserve freshness. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe, airtight container or sealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of storage time.
Frozen pecan pie slices can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the slices in the refrigerator or at room temperature, ensuring a delicious and convenient treat whenever you crave a slice of pecan pie.
This cracker barrel chocolate pecan pie recipe is a family favorite.
If you like copycat recipes, we have a few more for you to try. One of them is even a very popular side dish from Cracker Barrel.
