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Perfect Bourbon Pecan Derby Pie with Chocolate Chunks

bourbon pecan derby pie - featured image

A rich and gooey pecan pie with toasted pecans, bittersweet chocolate chunks, and a subtle hint of bourbon, perfect for gatherings and comforting desserts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup (200 g) packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (150 g) chopped pecans, toasted
  • 3/4 cup (130 g) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate chunks

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place a rack in the lower third of the oven to help the crust brown evenly.
  2. Toast the pecans by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Set aside to cool.
  3. Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim excess dough and crimp edges. Chill the crust in the fridge for 10 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and glossy.
  5. Gently fold in the toasted pecans and chocolate chunks, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
  6. Pour the filling into the chilled pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  7. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 50-60 minutes until edges are set but center still jiggles slightly. Cover crust edges with foil after 30 minutes if browning too fast.
  8. Cool the pie completely on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set.
  9. Slice and serve at room temperature or slightly warmed, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Do not overbake; the filling should jiggle slightly when done. Toast pecans for enhanced flavor and crunch. Use room temperature eggs for a smoother filling. Fold in chocolate chunks last to keep distinct pockets of chocolate. Shield crust edges with foil if browning too fast. Chill crust before filling to prevent shrinkage and sogginess. Let pie cool completely before slicing for clean pieces.

Nutrition

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