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National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day

Food · August 20

A day for chocolate pecan pie, the Southern-style dessert that folds melted chocolate into a rich, nutty pecan filling.

National Chocolate Pecan Pie Day falls on Friday, August 20, 2027. That is 297 days away.

Chocolate pecan pie starts with a classic pecan pie and adds chocolate. The filling is the familiar sweet custard of eggs, sugar, butter and syrup, studded with pecans, with chocolate melted in or scattered as chips before baking. It all sits in a flaky pastry crust.

The result is dense and glossy, closer to a candy bar in a crust than to a light dessert. Pecans rise toward the top as it bakes and turn toasty, while the chocolate settles into the gooey layer below. A thin slice goes a long way, which is convenient, because most people go back for a second thin slice.

Bakers have opinions about the chocolate. Some stir in melted semisweet for a uniformly dark filling, and others prefer chips that stay in pockets. A splash of vanilla or a pinch of salt is common, and some recipes add a little bourbon. The pie is easiest to slice once it has cooled completely, since the filling firms up as it sits.

It is often served at room temperature with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which cuts the sweetness. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator, and a cold slice the next morning has a fudgy texture of its own.

Ways to celebrate

• Bake a chocolate pecan pie using a family recipe or a new one.
• Try chocolate chips in one half and melted chocolate in the other.
• Share slices with neighbors or coworkers.
• Serve a slice with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
• Look for chocolate pecan pie at a local bakery or diner.

Dates

All national days on August 20

Also on August 20

• National Bacon Lovers Day
• National Radio Day

Categories: Food days