Dreamy Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie Recipe by Ina Garten
Decadent desserts have a magical way of stealing the show, especially when Ina Garten’s bourbon chocolate pecan pie recipe enters the scene.
This indulgent treat marries rich chocolate with smoky bourbon and crunchy pecans in a way that makes every bite extraordinary.
Layers of deep flavors meld together, creating a dessert that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
The pie velvety filling promises a luxurious experience that goes beyond traditional pecan pies.
Buttery pecans and dark chocolate create a harmonious blend that dances on your palate.
Warm spices and a splash of bourbon add depth and complexity to this classic Southern favorite.
Get ready to impress your guests with a pie that transforms an ordinary dessert into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: 496 kcal
Servings: 8
Everything You Need for Ina Garten’s Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
For Dry Mix:
Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel sweetness and helps create a rich, moist texture for the pie filling.
Granulated Sugar: Provides balanced sweetness and helps with the pie's smooth consistency.
Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to help set the pie filling and create a stable structure.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the pie.
For Wet Ingredients:
Eggs: Bind the filling together and create a silky, custard-like texture.
Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, luxurious filling.
Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, aromatic depth to complement the chocolate and bourbon.
Bourbon: Introduces a complex, slightly smoky flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
For Filling Additions:
Chocolate Chips: Melt into pockets of rich, gooey chocolate throughout the pie.
Pecans: Offer a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet filling.
Pie Crust: Serves as the crisp, buttery foundation that holds the decadent filling.
Must-Have Tools for Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
Mixing Bowls: Medium and small sizes for dry and wet ingredients.
Whisk: Essential for blending eggs and liquid ingredients smoothly.
Rubber Spatula: Perfect for folding chocolate chips and pecans into the filling.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for sugar, flour, and salt.
Floured Fork: Creates a decorative edge on the pie crust.
Sheet Pan: Provides stability and catches any potential drips during baking.
Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Wire Rack: Helps pie cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
9-inch Pie Dish: Holds the pie crust and filling.
Bake Your Way Through Ina Garten’s Chocolate Pecan Delight
Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Bliss
Oven Preparation Cozy kitchen warmth begins with setting the oven to a perfect 350°F, creating an inviting baking environment.
Sugar Symphony Blending different sugars creates a rich, complex flavor foundation that will make taste buds dance with excitement.
Liquid Magic Whisking together melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and bourbon transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious mixture that promises decadence.
Chocolate Pecan Romance Gently folding chocolate chips and pecans into the batter ensures every bite will be a delightful treasure hunt of flavors and textures.
Crust Canvas Carefully placing the pie crust on a parchment-lined sheet pan, creating elegant crimped edges that speak of homemade comfort.
Filling Creation Pouring the luscious mixture into the crust, allowing it to settle into a smooth, promising landscape of deliciousness.
Baking Transformation Watching the pie turn golden brown in the oven, signaling the magical moment when ingredients become a masterpiece, typically taking 35-40 minutes.
Serving Pleasure Allowing the pie to cool completely, then slicing into wedges that reveal layers of bourbon-kissed chocolate and toasted pecans, perfect alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Pro Tips for Ina Garten’s Southern-Inspired Pie
Swap regular bourbon for a smoky or spicy version to add extra depth and complexity to the pie's flavor profile.
Prepare the pie filling up to two days in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together more intensely.
Experiment with graham cracker or shortbread crusts instead of traditional pie dough for a unique textural twist.
Replace pecans with walnuts or a mixed nut blend to create your own signature nutty chocolate pie variation.
Top the cooled pie with a drizzle of dark chocolate, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a dollop of bourbon-spiked whipped cream for an elegant finishing touch.
Serving Up Ina Garten’s Chocolate Bourbon Pie
Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream Delight: Top each warm slice with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, letting the cold sweetness melt slightly into the rich, chocolatey pie.
Bourbon Whipped Cream Topping: Whip heavy cream with a splash of bourbon and a touch of powdered sugar, creating a boozy, fluffy complement that enhances the pie's deep flavors.
Create a Decadent Dessert Plate: Drizzle dark chocolate sauce around the pie slice and sprinkle extra toasted pecans for added crunch and visual appeal.
Pair with After-Dinner Drink: Serve alongside a small glass of bourbon or a rich coffee to complement the pie's deep, complex flavor profile.
How to Store Leftover Bourbon Pecan Pie
Optimize Refrigeration: Store leftover bourbon chocolate pecan pie in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor preservation and texture retention.
Plan Ahead: Prepare the pie one day before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer, more complex taste profile that will impress your guests.
Smart Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for make-ahead dessert enthusiasts seeking convenient treat options.
Room Temperature Serving: Remove chilled pie from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly, enhancing the buttery texture and bringing out the deep bourbon and chocolate notes.
Ina Garten’s bourbon chocolate pecan pie blends rich chocolate with toasted pecans in a buttery crust. Silky chocolate and smooth bourbon elevate this classic Southern dessert, promising an indulgent slice of pure comfort for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
1 (9-inch) store-bought frozen pie crust
2 extra-large eggs
1 cup whole pecans, large-diced
1¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips, such as Nestlé’s
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
½ cup granulated sugar
8 tbsps (1 stick or 113 grams) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2½ tbsps good bourbon, such as Maker’s Mark
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Kosher salt
Good vanilla ice cream, such as Häagen-Dazs, for serving
Instructions
Preheat Preparation: Position the oven rack centrally and warm to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal baking environment for the pie.
Dry Ingredient Fusion: Thoroughly combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform dry base for the filling.
Liquid Component Blending: Whisk together melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and bourbon until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated, developing a rich flavor profile.
Filling Composition: Gently fold the wet and dry mixtures, incorporating chocolate chips and pecans to distribute evenly throughout the filling, creating a luxurious texture.
Crust Positioning: Carefully lay the pie crust on a parchment-lined sheet pan, crimping the edges with a fork to create an elegant decorative border and secure seal.
Baking Process: Pour the filling into the prepared crust, smoothing the surface to ensure consistent baking and an attractive final appearance.
Oven Transformation: Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for a golden-brown surface and a center that sets similarly to the edges, indicating perfect doneness.
Cooling and Serving: Transfer the pie to a wire rack, allowing complete cooling before slicing and pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Notes
Bourbon Selection: Choose a high-quality bourbon with rich, smooth flavor to enhance the pie’s depth and complexity.
Chocolate Chip Tips: Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a deeper, more intense chocolate experience that complements the bourbon’s warmth.
Pecan Precision: Toast pecans lightly before chopping to unlock their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of complexity to the pie.
Crust Care: Pre-bake the pie crust for 10 minutes to prevent a soggy bottom and ensure a crisp, flaky texture throughout the dessert.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.