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Come fall in love with this rich, gooey seasonal classic served alongside a simple spiced apple cider.
I can’t help the feeling that just when all my summertime dreams seem to be taking shape, the days begin growing shorter, the hastening sunsets ushering in the night’s dark over my sunlit plans as if a final curtain call were being signaled each evening just a tad too early.
As the number of plastic ghouls and cardboard undead began growing across the store shelves, family cookouts begin growing less across the calendar until the fall chill is entirely unavoidable, and the grill is reluctantly set aside for the year’s remainder.
Yet, as the month dedicated to Rome’s first Emperor draws to a close, I find myself more and more welcoming of autumn’s unofficial rituals, such as marking the changing of the leaves while gradually acclimating to the chilling air. Then of course there’s the annual sport of openly lamenting the short days that we somehow never truly learn to accept.
However, as I have noted in previous posts, pumpkin spice lattes never taste quite the same when sipped beneath the sun of an over-long summer day, and one can’t forget fall’s signature candy corns that serve as a sort of seasonal consolation prize for chilled air. Yet, despite my predisposition towards the candy variety of corn, it was during a supply run to my local Walmart that I noticed the rollover special on M&M's® - one of my absolute favorites. Ironically, this season the new M&M's® Milk Chocolate Harvest, M&M's® Peanut Harvest, and M&M's® Pecan Pie will be available at Walmart so be sure to pick up a bag while your out and try the season's newest favorite!
So with that in mind, the M&M's® Pecan Pie was the inspiration for today’s fall themed dessert – a Pecan Pie enhanced with M&M's® candies.
While traditional pecan pie is one my family’s favorites, especially in the fall months, I decided to do a bit of a test run this time around with something a bit out of the ordinary. To begin, I added an assortment of M&M's® to the pie filling, for an added dash of sweetness and an emphasis on the pecan flavor from the M&M's® Pecan Pie.
I also decided to try something new for the crust, using Pillsbury™ Most Supreme® Cake Mix to ensure a soft, almost cookie-like texture. While that baked, I put together some fresh whipped cream, and tied it all together with a Snapple® Apple as a sort of exclamation point on today’s fall theme.
Needless to say, the pecan pie turned out exactly as I had hoped, embodying fall flavors, with a slant towards the fun and the playful courtesy of the M&M's®, while the Pillsbury™ gave the crust exactly the texture and consistency I had envisioned, the moist base perfectly complementing the pie filling.
Chocolate Pecan PieSpiced Apple Cider
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 1x
Ingredients
Cake Mix Crust:
- 1 box of Pillsbury™ Moist Supreme® Cake Mix (I used the classic yellow cake)
- 6 tbs. butter - softened
- 1 cup oats
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup Mott's® Apple Juice
- Flour for dusting
Chocolate Pecan Filling:
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 tbs. flour
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 tbs. vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup of M&M's® Milk Chocolate
- 2 cups Mott's® Apple Juice
- 1 cup Snapple® Apple
- 1 apple, sliced
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 star anise
Instructions
Cake Mix Crust:
- Preheat Oven 350 degrees F.
- In a large bowl combine the cake mix, oats, and butter; mix until crumbly. Make a well in the center and add the apple juice; combine to form a dough and form into a ball.
- Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out the dough and to fit a nine inch pie plate or tart pan.
- Poke the bottom the pie plate with a fork and bake the crust for 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool.
Chocolate Pecan Filling:
- Place the M&M's® in a food processor and process until almost smooth.
- Place the eggs in a food processor and beat on medium speed.
- Add the sugar, vanilla, corn syrup, flour and salt to the eggs and continue to beat.
- To the mixer add the M&M's®, chopped pecans and butter and mix well.
- Pour into the cooled pie crust.
- Bake 45 – 50 minutes or until set.
- Let cool and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- In a small saucepan, bring all of the ingredients to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Remove from heat and serve!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
That was our take on a traditional favorite, what are some of the ways you’ll be kicking up your seasonal favorites? What are some of the things you do to help get into the autumn spirit? I would love to hear from you! Don't forget to print your coupon and save on your next M&M's®purchase!
If You Enjoyed Today’s Recipe…
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Enjoy with Love!
1
Beth says
Whoa! There is a whole lot of goodness there in one cake! Yay for fall!!
Liz says
Much as I'm not ready for summer to end, desserts like your fabulous pecan pie will make the transition much happier! I love that you added M&M's---genius!
Jessica Jarrell says
Yum! I love the idea of using mott's and snapple to make cider! What a great idea. I love, love, LOVE cider, so I will be testing this out for sure! Have a great weekend Catherine! 🙂
sandie says
You had me at chocolate pecan pie! That sounds so good and rich!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sharon @ What The Fork Food Blog says
I love pecan pie. My mom always used to put chocolate chips in it for us - so, so good! I love how you used the cake mix as a crust - great idea!
Stephanie says
Oh my, this looks amazing! I love pecan pie, but never thought of making it with chocolate. I'm so glad you shared this with Roses of Inspiration.
Comedy Plus says
I've never had a chocolate pecan pie before. Sounds fabulous.
Have a terrific day Catherine. Big hugs. ♥♥♥
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
What an amazing autumn cake! A splendid recipe and beautiful photos, Catherine.
Jenny B @ Honey and Birch says
I love this recipe combo - perfect for fall!!
Platter Talk says
What a timely and beautiful post; thanks for sharing this autumn beauty!
Laura@ Baking in Pyjamas says
Beautiful photo's, I love autumn and cannot wait for it to arrive. Your pie looks wonderful.
Patty Haxton Anderson says
What a clever use of all of the ingredients you were given!!!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron says
I am totally with you on that! It seems like stores start stocking the Halloween stuff way too early these days. And how fun is this pie? Love that there are M&Ms in there , so fun!
AnnMarie says
Pecan pie is one of my all time favorites! I must try it with M&M's. They go with everything. Pinned! I love Fall and looking forward to all the recipes you will be sharing!
Big Daddy Dave says
Catherine, That chocolate pecan pie is just beautiful! Save a slice for me... Thanks for the recipe. Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Del's cooking twist says
I love the sound of this pecan pie, looks gorgeous and delicious. Beautiful pictures too, it's a good way to welcome the fall season soon!
Beauty Follower says
Wonderful yummy colours!
http://beautyfollower.blogspot.gr/
manu says
Wow this cider looks divine!
xox
Aida@TheCraftingFoodie says
Catherine, this pie is just gorgeous! I've never heard of a pie crust recipe using cake mix. What a brilliant idea. And the spiced apple cider is making me look forward to autumn!
Dottie Sauchelli-Balin says
Dear Catherine,
Boy are you a pioneer in pie baking! You are fantastic when you whip up these dessert or meals. I never have tasted Pecan pie and Chocolate Pecan Pie well that takes it over the edge. Must be scrumptious! I like the crust that you made. The M&M's really add that party effect..I also love the way you have all the decorations of the leaves around the pie. I can't wait for those chilly fall days...The Spiced Apple Cider drink is right up my alley. Love these type of drinks, especially when the fall is really upon us..Good post and what delicious recipes..thanks for sharing. Have a blessed week ahead..
Dottie 🙂
mia xara says
This is a great fall combo, Catherine!!! The chocolate pecan pie looks very tempting... Have a great week 🙂
Kathleen @ Yummy Crumble says
This looks amazing! I'm so ready for fall now. I had no idea that M&Ms made pecan pie flavored candy!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
Dear Catherine, What a decadent pie for fall! I love the M & M's. I'm sorry to report some of my children are averse to nuts. I know. Hard to imagine. But they all love chocolate. Perhaps this lovely pie will win them over to pecans....
Miz Helen says
Your pie will sure get us in the mood for fall. This is a beautiful Pecan Pie, it looks delicious. Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a great week!
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Florian @ContentednessCooking says
This looks absolutely stunning! , Awesome idea with the spiced apple cider, love the flavors! Beautiful cake as always, Catherine!
swathi says
Chocolate pecan pie looks delicious and perfect transition to fall, thanks for sharing with Hearth and soul blog hop, pinning and tweeting.
Jess says
This sounds A-MAZING!
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
justine @ Full Belly SIsters says
This is just BREATHTAKING.
April J Harris says
What wonderful recipes, Catherine! Love both the Chocolate Pecan Pie and the Spiced Apple Cider. What a fantastic crust you have used on the pie. Love all the autumn flavours you have used!
Angie says
This delicious post is being featured on my blog today as part of Tuesdays with a Twist blog hop: http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/2015/09/time-to-link-up-tuesdays-with-twist-126.html
Thanks
Angie
MRS MAJOR HOFF says
FOUND YOU VIA PROJECT INSPIRE{D} LINK PARTY AND I'M SO GLAD! WHAT FABULOUS PICTURES! I CAN'T WAIT TO TRY THE RECIPE!
Samantha K says
This looks amazing! Pecan pie is my husband's favorite pie and I bet he would LOVE this! (client)
Manila Spoon says
Chocolate Pecan Pie is my ultimate fall dessert! Your pie looks so scrumptious in any angle, Catherine! Love it and thanks for the step-by-step tutorials!
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
Wow the pictures are gorgeous and I can only imagine how amazing this pie is!
Janette@culinaryginger says
This is my kind of Autumn dessert. Love the presentation.
KC the Kitchen Chopper says
What a beautiful presentation. I can't believe we're about to enter into the holiday season. Your recipe for the pecan pie and apple cider make me happy fall is just around the corner.
Linda (Meal Planning Maven) says
What a wonderful combination of autumn treats to welcome the change of seasons!
Sherry says
This looks delicious! Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home!
Krsiten says
wow! what a way to take it to the next level!!!! I can't wait for fall!!!
Diane says
I love the way you used those M and Ms! This pie is a stunner! Yes, I'm going crying into the shorter days. I'm not ready fort he dreariness. But fall is SO beautiful, as your post reminds. Thank you for brightening my day!
Katerina says
I can never say no to chocolate! This pie with the m&m's looks simply irresistible!
Debi @ Life Currents says
I can hardly believe that we are in fall already. But, your pie seems like the perfect way to usher it in. Thanks so much for the wonderful recipe!
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry says
Oh my gosh - soooooooo perfect as I need something to make for OH's birthday party soon.
Diana Rambles says
OH wow! This looks amazing!
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
Gorgeous looking pie!
Jillian @ Food, Folks and Fun says
Both look amazing, and perfect for fall!
Julie says
Hi and Happy Friday. Thanks so much for sharing these wonderful recipes at Cooking and Crafting with J & J.
Have a nice weekend and we hope to see you again on Monday!
Julie
Stephanie says
Just dropping in to let you know that this amazing post will be featured at Roses of Inspiration later today. Thanks for sharing and have a great week!
Julie says
I love these recipes and they are perfect for fall. I'm just letting you know that I featured you this week at our Monday Cooking and Crafting with J & J Link Up.
We hope to see you again this week.
Thanks and have a nice week.
Julie @ Julie's Lifestyle
Heaven says
Your picture hooked me and the recipe sounds delicious! So creative, too. Pinning, stumbling, and yumming. Following your board on Pinterest, too!
Elizabeth says
Love this post! You have put me in the autumn mood! Pumpkin flavored breads and coffees are my first things of fall!