Cracker Barrel Chocolate Pecan Pie: A Decadent Dessert for All Seasons

The first time I tasted Cracker Barrel’s Chocolate Pecan Pie, it was a revelation. I had stopped at the restaurant during a long road trip, exhausted and craving something sweet. What arrived at my table was a perfect marriage of two beloved desserts—chocolate pie and pecan pie—unified in one gloriously rich slice that instantly made me forget my travel fatigue.

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While Cracker Barrel only offers this treat seasonally, I became determined to recreate this masterpiece at home to enjoy it year-round. After multiple testing sessions (and many happy taste-testers), I’ve perfected this copycat recipe that captures all the decadence of the original. The combination of gooey chocolate, crunchy pecans, and flaky crust creates a truly unforgettable dessert experience.

What Makes Cracker Barrel’s Chocolate Pecan Pie So Special?

This isn’t your standard pecan pie with chocolate chips tossed as an afterthought. The Cracker Barrel version achieves a perfect balance where neither ingredient overpowers the other. The semi-sweet chocolate adds depth without excessive sweetness, complementing the natural richness of the pecans and the buttery crust.

The result is sophisticated yet comforting—a dessert that feels special enough for holidays but simple enough to enjoy anytime. The Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has mastered this balance, making its Chocolate Pecan Pie one of its most requested seasonal offerings.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Version

Many people shy away from homemade pies, believing them complicated or temperamental. However, pecan pie is one of the most forgiving pies to make, especially this chocolate variation. Here’s why this recipe is perfect even for baking beginners:

• No special equipment: Requires only essential kitchen tools
• Surprisingly simple: If you can measure ingredients and stir them together, you can make this pie
• Minimal active time: Most of the cooking time is hands-off baking
• Shortcut friendly: Works beautifully with store-bought pie crusts
• Consistent results: The filling sets reliably with minimal fuss
• Impressive presentation: Looks professional with minimal effort

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this decadent dessert:

• Large eggs – Provide structure and richness while binding all the ingredients together
• Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create the distinctive gooey texture
• Corn syrup – Creates the signature smooth, glossy filling and prevents sugar crystallization
• Salt – Enhances all flavors and balances the sweetness for a more complex taste
• Vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth to complement both the chocolate and pecans
• Margarine – Creates richness and contributes to the silky texture of the filling
• Pecans – Provide the essential nutty flavor and satisfying crunch that defines pecan pie
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Add rich chocolate flavor without overwhelming sweetness
• Unbaked pie shell – Serves as the vessel for the filling and adds buttery, flaky texture

Equipment Needed

• Medium mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk or fork for mixing
• 9-inch pie plate (if using homemade crust)
• Aluminum foil (optional, for crust protection)
• Cooling rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the filling base: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. Add sugar and mix until well combined and slightly thickened.
3. Build the filling: Add corn syrup, salt, vanilla extract, and melted margarine to the egg mixture. Whisk until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.
4. Prepare the pie shell: Arrange pecans and chocolate chips evenly across the bottom of your unbaked pie shell. This ensures even distribution of both key ingredients throughout each slice.
5. Combine components: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the pecans and chocolate chips. Pour gradually to avoid disturbing the arrangement of nuts and chocolate.
6. Bake to perfection: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The pie is done when the center is set but still slightly jiggly and the top is golden brown.
7. Cool completely: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing. This cooling time is crucial for the filling to set properly.

Serve chocolate pecan pie with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

You don’t have to wait until the holidays to make this chocolate pecan pie, it’s good any time of the year. It’s great to take to potlucks because it does not have to be refrigerated.

What can you serve this pie with?

More pie 😉 I love to serve this pie to my chocolate lovers for the holidays along with a pumpkin pie, or even an old-fashioned American apple pie. I love to serve up large slices with a dollop of whipped cream when I serve this pie.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Counter Storage

This pie keeps beautifully at room temperature for 2-3 days. Simply cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store on your countertop. The flavors actually develop and meld together over this time.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze for later enjoyment:

1. Cool the pie completely
2. Wrap tightly with two layers of plastic wrap
3. Add a layer of aluminum foil for extra protection
4. Freeze for up to 3 months
5. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving

Special Occasions

This pie travels well, making it perfect for:

• Dinner parties
• Holiday gatherings
• Potluck dinners
• Family reunions
• Bake sales

Love pecan pies? Try these recipes!

• Dear Abby Pecan Pie
• Grandma’s Pecan Pie Recipe
• Luby’s Pecan Pie
• Pecan Pie Bars
• Pecan Pie Brownies
• Texas Pecan Pie

Favorite Cracker Barrel Copycat Recipes

• Banana Pudding in a Jar
• Chocolate Coke Cake
• Cracker Barrel Hashbrown Casserole
• Cucumbers Tomatoes and Onions
• Egg Casserole with Ham
• Old Fashioned Carrot Cake with Pineapple
• Sunday Chicken

Check out more of my easy pie recipes and the best Cracker Barrel recipes here on CopyKat!

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust (the filling is naturally gluten-free)
• Less sweet: Reduce sugar by up to ¼ cup
• Dairy-free: Use plant-based butter instead of margarine

Ingredient Substitutions

• Corn syrup alternatives: Pure maple syrup or golden syrup (though texture may vary slightly)
• Margarine vs. butter: Unsalted butter can replace margarine for a richer flavor
• Nut variations: Walnuts can substitute for pecans for a different flavor profile
• Chocolate options: Try chocolate chunks, chopped chocolate bars, or a mix of different chocolates

Scaling Tips

• Mini pies: Divide filling among 4-5 mini pie shells and reduce baking time to 30-35 minutes
• Double batch: Recipe doubles easily for multiple pies; baking time remains the same