When making a new recipe I like to see how many steps I can skip without negatively impacting the end result. This pie is a perfect
example of not only skipping a few steps, which I’ve deemed as unnecessary :), but also substituting (most of) the refined ingredients for whole ones. I replaced the white flour with whole-wheat flour and the corn syrup with maple syrup, but I do admit I left in the chocolate chips and some of the brown sugar because it certainly is okay to indulge in such treats in moderation! Just top a warm piece of the finished pie with some homemade vanilla ice cream and you’ll be in love with this super delicious and non-intimidating dessert as well.
If you’re looking for treats that would be okay to eat during the 10-day pledge (meaning without chocolate or brown sugar!) then check out this link for ideas: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/real-food-resources/#dessert
Shortcut Chocolate Pecan Pie
This pie is a perfect example of not only skipping a few steps, which I’ve deemed as unnecessary :), but also substituting (most of) the refined ingredients for whole ones.
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups whole-wheat flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup butter, melted (preferably unsalted)
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the filling:
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups pecans, chopped or whole
- ¾ cup chocolate chips, dark
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a pie pan mix together crust ingredients thoroughly including flour, salt, butter, and milk. Squeeze the dough into a ball to make sure there is enough moisture. If it crumbles into pieces too easily then add another splash of milk.
- Shape the crust by thinning it out with your fingers/hands until the pie dish is evenly covered (pictured above). Feel free to make the edges look “fancy” with a fork.
- In a separate bowl whisk together the eggs, sugar, syrup, butter, vanilla, and salt. Fold in the pecans and chocolate chips.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust and bake until pie is set, about 20 – 25 minutes.
- Let cool for 5 or 10 minutes before serving.
We think it is best topped with a little vanilla ice cream!
Recipe Notes
We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
Nutrition Facts
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Whole-Grain Cornbread
Wanted to make this for Thanksgiving.
What is the pie pan size?
I have a 9” and a 9 1/2” deep dish.
Thank you
Hi Paula, I would go with the 9″, that should be fine. – Nicole
Is the nutrition information for the entire pie or for a piece? It says 1106 calories so just wanted verify that was for the entire pie? Thanks can’t wait to try it out!
After eating the traditional pecan pie yesterday, I am looking for a healthier recipe! My husband is the pecan pie lover here, and he doesn’t like chocolate. Any ideas for making traditional (not chocolate and not overly pecany) pie with less sugar? My traditional recipe calls for 4 eggs. What could I substitute for a lower sugar option with the standard 4 eggs and 1 c pecans?
Hi Ginger, while we haven’t tried a modifying this recipe, you could possible omit the brown sugar, add another cup of pecans, and 1/2 cup of maple syrup or honey as your sweetener. I’ve seen a handful of recipes work this way. I would definitely try searching for a recipe that fits your needs to be exact, though. Enjoy! – Nicole
This has become a dessert staple in our house. I was never one for pecan pie but this recipe is incredibly delicious and I love that its made of real ingredients so I don’t feel bad indulging a bit. I LOVE how this has chocolate in it! Soo yummy. It smells like s’mores when its cooking. An absolute fav.
Loved this recipe! If I’m being utterly honest, it wasn’t my grandma’s traditional pecan pie I was going for…but for a healthier, real food option it was great! And I totally didn’t feel nearly as guilty consuming this one compared to grandma’s classic made with all the not-so-good-for-you goodness :)
I love your honest review! Now I can wait to try it out. :)
Can the eggs be omitted? I have vegan guests.
Hi there. Eggs are one of the largest ingredients here and we have not attempted to make this recipe without them.