Indulge in Decadent Chocolate Kahlúa Pecan Pie: A Holiday Tradition with a Modern Twist

Prepare to elevate your dessert table with a truly unforgettable treat: the **Chocolate Kahlúa Pecan Pie**. This isn’t just any pecan pie; it’s a luscious upgrade featuring a convenient pre-made pie crust, generous semi-sweet chocolate chips, a subtle yet sophisticated hint of Kahlúa, and, of course, an abundance of perfectly chopped pecans. Designed to be the star of your Thanksgiving feast or any special gathering, this pie promises to be a conversation starter and a crowd-pleaser, delivering a harmonious blend of classic comfort and indulgent innovation.

Hi everyone! I’m Lynne from 365 Days of Baking and More, and it is a profound honor to be guest posting today on Chocolate, Chocolate and More. As fate would have it, today marks National Chocolate Day, a perfect occasion to celebrate the unwavering spirit and incredible legacy of my dear friend, Joan. There’s no better way to honor her boundless love for chocolate, her fondness for Kahlúa, and her absolute adoration for pecans than by sharing this very special pie. This recipe encapsulates so much of what made Joan unique – her warmth, her joy, and her ability to turn simple pleasures into extraordinary moments.

My journey to finding this particular recipe was driven by a desire for both deliciousness and practicality. While researching various options, I stumbled upon this gem on Epicurious.com, and its simplicity immediately caught my eye. Many other recipes I considered involved stovetop cooking for the filling and the labor-intensive process of making a pie crust from scratch. While I genuinely enjoy the meditative act of immersing myself in the kitchen and crafting a homemade crust, there are undeniably times – especially during the bustling holiday season – when saving time is paramount. Those precious moments saved can be reinvested in what truly matters: spending quality time, laughing, and making memories with family and friends. I even contemplated developing my own unique recipe, but as the old adage goes, why reinvent the wheel when there’s an absolutely perfect, tried-and-true recipe out there just waiting to be made and enjoyed? This recipe proved to be exactly that, offering effortless preparation without compromising on flavor or elegance.

What truly sets this Chocolate Kahlúa Pecan Pie apart is the exquisite balance of its ingredients. Every component plays a crucial role, coming together in perfect harmony to create a symphony of flavors and textures. The taste of Kahlúa, for instance, is beautifully subtle; it doesn’t overwhelm but instead lends a sophisticated, warm depth that elevates the entire pie. As you take each glorious bite, your teeth will gently sink into the slightly melted chocolate chips, providing delightful pockets of creamy sweetness that linger on the palate. And then, there are the pecans – oh, the pecans! Crisp, buttery, and inherently satisfying, they are truly the star of the show. It’s no wonder Joan loved them so much; they are indeed an awesome nut and serve as the undeniable *pièce de résistance* of this dessert. The combination of rich chocolate, fragrant Kahlúa, and crunchy pecans transforms a classic into a modern masterpiece. Your holiday guests are not just sure to smile when they see this magnificent creation gracing your dessert table; they’re guaranteed to rave about it!

It’s moments like these, celebrating life and shared passions through food, that bring profound meaning to our existence, especially when remembering those who are no longer with us. Winnie the Pooh, with his simple wisdom, perfectly encapsulates this bittersweet sentiment when he says:

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

These words resonate deeply when I think of Joan. I can genuinely say that I am a better person, a more compassionate friend, and a more dedicated blogger for having had the privilege of knowing her. Her indelible imprint on my life is one that very few people have managed to leave. Joan possessed a remarkable spirit that inspired, uplifted, and connected with everyone she met.

Joan and I first crossed paths in the virtual world many years ago, when we were both nascent bloggers, just beginning our online journeys. She somehow discovered one of my early posts, and right after she left her very first comment, an instant bond formed, transforming us into fast friends. Her personality was simply magnetic; she had an innate ability to draw people to her, a genuine warmth that made everyone feel at ease. Joan was famously outgoing and would (and did!) talk to anybody. She often expressed her hope to sit next to chatty individuals on flights, rather than any “uptight fuddy duddy.” With every new friend she made, Joan unfailingly ensured they felt welcomed, valued, and completely comfortable in her presence. She had a gift for making everyone feel like family.

Our virtual friendship blossomed into a real-life connection when we finally met in person, rooming together for a cruise conference in January. It was as if we had always known each other, picking up right where we left off, comfortable and familiar. Last month, we had the joy of rooming together again for another conference in Seattle. During that wonderful trip, we relished the opportunity to spend quality time with other great friends, indulging in delicious food – and, naturally, plenty of chocolate! These shared experiences, filled with laughter, deep conversations, and culinary delights, created cherished memories that I will forever hold dear.

Some of my fondest memories of Joan involve her distinct habit of unlocking the door to our hotel rooms and announcing, with that huge, infectious smile and a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, “Honey, I’m home!” It was a small gesture, but it perfectly captured her vivacious spirit and her ability to make any place feel like home, any person feel like family. Her presence truly lit up every room she entered.

Today, we invite you to join us in celebrating Joan’s remarkable life and her profound love for chocolate. Please follow along and share your own tributes on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtags #ChocolateForJoan and #ChocolateEveryDamnDay. A wonderful community of bloggers has come together to honor our sweet friend with their amazing recipes and heartfelt memories of her. We would be absolutely thrilled if you would also tag the delicious things you make from Joan’s beloved blog. Every share, every recipe made, every memory recounted helps keep her spirit alive.

Her passion for chocolate and her dedication to blogging live on through the incredible recipes and the vibrant community she built. So, please continue to make her recipes, share them generously with your family and friends, and keep her culinary spirit thriving. You, her loyal readers and fellow food enthusiasts, meant so very much to her. Each of you played an integral part in making Chocolate, Chocolate and More the wonderful resource and community it is today. For your continued support, your love, and your participation in her legacy, we are all very, very grateful. Thank you.

Chocolate Kahlúa Pecan Pie

Chocolate Kahlúa Pecan Pie – a pre-made pie crust, chocolate chips, a touch of Kahlúa and chopped pecans make this one dessert you’ll want front and center on your Thanksgiving dessert table.

Ingredients

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3/4 cup dark corn syrup
1/4 cup Kahlúa
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1 pre-made frozen pie crust or 1 pre-made frozen pie shell

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F.
Thaw the frozen pie crust according to package directions and place into plate, forming and crimping edges.
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until smooth.
Mix in the flour. Gradually add the corn syrup, Kahlua and vanilla.
Mix in the eggs and then add the pecans.
Spread the chocolate chips around the bottom of the pie crust and pour the filling on top.
Spread the chocolate chips around the bottom of the pie crust and pour the filling on top.
Bake for 45 minutes, until the filling is puffy and just set in center.
Place on a wire rack to cool.
This pie can be prepared the day before. Store covered in the refrigerator.
Serve with whipped cream and additional pecans, if desired.

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