Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are the decadent crowd-pleasers you never knew you needed until your first bite. Marrying the gooey, nutty charm of Southern pecan pie with layers of rich chocolate and that heavenly cookie crumb crust, these bars are as easy to make as they are unforgettable to eat. Whether you’re feeding a hungry picnic, delighting a bake sale crowd, or simply treating yourself on a weeknight, you’ll love how Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars deliver nostalgia and wow-factor in every fudgy, crunchy square.

Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised by how simple, everyday ingredients come together with such magic in Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars. Every item has a role in building the signature flavor and texture — from the buttery cookie crust to the molten chocolate mingling with toasted pecans.

Chocolate cookie crumbs: Bring that essential chocolate base; graham crackers and a touch of cocoa powder work too for a lighter texture.
Unsalted butter, melted: Makes your crumb layer irresistibly moist and indulgent.
Large eggs: The backbone of your filling, holding everything together with rich custardy goodness.
Light corn syrup: Delivers the classic, glossy sweetness of a pecan pie.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps set the filling with a perfect finish.
Packed brown sugar: Brings a touch of caramel warmth that deepens every bite.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Elevates the chocolate flavor and gives a beautiful chocolaty color.
Chopped pecans: The star crunch and nutty essence in every bar.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt for gooey pockets of chocolate throughout.
Vanilla extract: A little bit livens up and rounds out all those sweet notes.
Salt: Adds a subtle contrast and enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
Optional toppings: Whole pecans for decoration, chocolate chunks for extra luxury, or a drizzle of ganache to make them show-stopping.

How to Make Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when you need it. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy bar removal later. This little bit of prep saves you from any sticky, broken bars down the line!

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cookie Crust

Mix your chocolate cookie crumbs (or graham cracker crumbs and cocoa) with the melted butter until well combined and every crumb glistens. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan, smoothing out the surface so the layer is even. Pop the pan in the fridge to chill while you whip up the filling — this quick set ensures a crisp, sturdy base for your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars.

Step 3: Whisk the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs until blended and slightly frothy. Then add corn syrup, both sugars, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk until everything is smooth and looks irresistibly glossy. This is where the magic starts to happen, bringing together that signature gooey filling with a rich chocolate twist.

Step 4: Add Pecans and Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the chopped pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips into the filling mixture. This ensures every bite of your bars will have a perfect ratio of crunch and melty chocolate, just like a traditional Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bar should.

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Pour your glossy filling over the chilled crust, spreading it out evenly to all the corners. Sprinkle any extra chopped pecans on top for bonus crunch (and visual pop!). If you’re feeling fancy, press a few whole pecan halves gently into the surface.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Move your pan to the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. The edges should look set and slightly pulled away from the pan, while the center is still just a little jiggly for that classic pecan pie texture. Don’t overbake — the filling will set as it cools.

Step 7: Cool and Finish

Once out of the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan. For extra wow, drizzle with ganache or melted chocolate, sprinkle chocolate chunks, or press in a few decorative pecan halves. For clean slices, chill until set before cutting into squares — at this point, your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars will look as stunning as they taste!

How to Serve Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Garnishes

Dress up your bars with a glossy melted chocolate drizzle, a scattering of chocolate chunks, or a crown of whole pecans. These tiny touches make the bars party-ready and signal all that deliciousness inside.

Side Dishes

Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are pure bliss on their own, but pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream never hurts. For a Southern-inspired spread, pile ’em high with a pitcher of sweet tea or fresh berries on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring a playful spirit by cutting your bars into bite-sized cubes and stacking them on a tiered cake stand for a dessert buffet. Or, wrap individual squares in parchment and twine for takeaway gifts — they travel beautifully and win friends everywhere.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The filling stays moist and chewy, and the crust holds its wonderful crunch.

Freezing

These bars freeze like a dream! Arrange them in a single layer (or with parchment paper between layers) in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay delicious for up to two months — simply thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter.

Reheating

For a just-baked, melt-in-your-mouth experience, gently warm bars in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or pop them in a low oven for a few minutes. This brings back that gooey texture and releases the rich chocolate aroma all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds make fine substitutes for pecans if you’re looking for a twist, though keeping pecans will give you that classic Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bar authenticity.

What if I don’t have corn syrup?

You can swap corn syrup for honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture and flavor. The filling will still set and be deliciously sweet.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free chocolate or graham crackers for the crust, and double-check that your other ingredients (like chocolate chips) are certified gluten free.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The edges will be firm and set, while the center should still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan. Overcooking leads to a dry filling, so trust your eyes and take them out when the center is just a bit wobbly.

Can I double this recipe for a bigger crowd?

Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and use a 9×13-inch baking pan. You may need to add a few minutes to the bake time, but you’ll have plenty more Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars to share.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet treat that’s easy, impressive, and sure to have people sneaking seconds, these Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are your answer. Bake up a batch for your next gathering or just because — you won’t be able to resist coming back for another bite!