If you’re craving a fall dessert that packs a flavorful punch with a beautiful visual twist, this Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie Recipe is destined to become your new favorite. It combines the cozy, spiced richness of pumpkin pie with luscious ribbons of dark chocolate swirled throughout for a decadent yet comforting treat. Every slice reveals a perfect harmony of creamy pumpkin and bittersweet chocolate, making it a true showstopper on any holiday table or cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round pie placed on a gray cloth, which rests on a rustic brown wooden surface with worn textures. The pie has a crimped edge crust that is light golden brown and slightly flaky. The filling inside has a swirl pattern with two distinct layers: a smooth, burnt orange layer mixed with rich dark brown swirls, creating a marbled effect in the center. The colors blend softly, giving the pie an artistic, textured look. The pie is in a clear glass dish, and the background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward crafting this delightful Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie Recipe. Each component plays a significant role—from the nutty aroma of whole-wheat pastry flour to the rich depth of unsweetened chocolate—that comes together to create the perfect texture and flavor.

Whole-wheat pastry flour: Adds a wholesome nuttiness and tender texture to the pie crust that’s a bit heartier than all-purpose flour alone.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the dough, ensuring it holds together beautifully.
Maple sugar or brown sugar: Lends a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the spices in the filling.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness just right.
Cold unsalted butter: Critical for creating rich, flaky layers in the crust.
Avocado oil or organic canola oil: Adds moisture and tenderness without overwhelming flavor.
Ice water: Helps bind the dough just enough without making it tough.
Unsweetened chocolate: The star of the swirl—rich and intense, it brings an elegant chocolate depth.
Unsalted butter: Used to melt with the chocolate for a silky smooth mixture.
Dark maple syrup: Infuses the filling with natural sweetness and a hint of maple complexity.
Large eggs: Divide them to create structure and richness in both the chocolate and pumpkin mixtures.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Boosts the chocolate flavor in the swirl without extra sweetness.
Pumpkin puree: The heart of this pie, offering creamy texture and that unmistakable autumn flavor.
Half and half: Adds luscious creaminess that makes the filling silky and smooth.
Pumpkin pie spice: Elevates the pumpkin with warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
Vanilla extract: A delicate touch of vanilla rounds out the filling’s flavor beautifully.

How to Make Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Step 1: Make the Crust

Start by pulsing the whole-wheat pastry flour, all-purpose flour, maple sugar, and salt in a food processor until well combined. Add the cold unsalted butter pieces and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal—that crumbly texture means the butter is perfectly distributed. Next, drizzle in the avocado oil while pulsing gently to combine, then add ice water a tablespoon at a time until the dough just comes together when pressed. Form this dough into a disk, wrap it tightly in plastic, and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour to let the gluten relax and the butter firm up, which will help achieve a tender crust.

Step 2: Prepare and Chill the Pie Shell

When your dough is ready, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange your oven rack in the lower third. Roll the chilled dough out on a floured surface to a 14-inch circle—an easy and fun step! Transfer it carefully to a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges to give your pie that classic homemade look. Pop the crust back into the refrigerator to keep it cold while you get the luscious filling ready.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Swirl Mixture

In a small saucepan, melt the unsweetened chocolate and butter over low heat, stirring with care to keep it smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and whisk in half a cup of dark maple syrup, followed by one of the eggs to enrich this luscious chocolate mixture. To intensify that deep chocolate flavor, whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder too. This chocolate component is what makes this pumpkin pie recipe wildly unique and irresistibly decadent.

Step 4: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

In a large bowl, whisk the pumpkin puree, half and half, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, the remaining half cup of maple syrup, and three eggs until smooth and well combined. Take about one-third of this pumpkin mixture and whisk it into the chocolate mixture to lighten it up just a bit. This ensures the chocolate swirls blend beautifully when assembled.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Start by pouring two-thirds of the pumpkin mixture into your chilled pie crust, spreading it gently but evenly. Next, pour the chocolate mixture over the top, creating a rich layer. Dot the surface with the remaining pumpkin mixture in small spoonfuls. Use a sharp knife to run through the layers in gentle swirls—this is the magical step where the pie gains its striking marbled appearance. Place the pie on the bottom rack of the preheated oven and bake for 22 to 25 minutes, just until the crust begins to brown. Lower the oven temperature to 325 degrees and bake for another 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is set with no wiggle when you gently shake it. Let the pie cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, serve each slice topped with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream. A light sprinkle of crushed toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar adds beautiful texture and a cozy aroma that complements the pumpkin and chocolate swirl perfectly.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs harmoniously with warm spiced cider, a robust cup of coffee, or even a glass of creamy vanilla bean liqueur. These beverages accentuate the pie’s sweet and spicy profile, creating a soul-warming experience that lingers long after the last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by serving mini versions of the Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie Recipe in individual tart pans or mason jars for a charming twist. You can also layer pieces in a trifle with whipped cream and crushed gingersnap cookies for something festive and fun to share at a gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover pie covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—perfect for savoring a slice or two after a busy day.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this pie later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing. When properly wrapped, the pie can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture quality.

Reheating

To warm up a slice, pop it in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the crust crispy and preserve that dreamy swirled filling texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of whole-wheat pastry flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour if you don’t have whole-wheat pastry flour, but the crust will be lighter in color and texture. The pastry flour adds a nice nutty flavor and tenderness that complements the pumpkin and chocolate perfectly.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before rolling it out?

Chilling the dough is highly recommended because it helps relax the gluten, making the crust easier to roll out and less likely to shrink while baking. It also firms the butter, which contributes to a flakier crust.

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree?

It’s best to use pure pumpkin puree for this recipe because canned pumpkin pie filling already contains added sugars and spices, which will alter the flavor balance of your pie. The homemade blend allows you to control the sweetness and spice level perfectly.

How do I know when the pie is fully baked?

The best way to tell is if the crust is golden brown and the filling no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pie. The center might have a slight wobble, but it should not be liquidy or sloshy.

Can I make this pie vegan or dairy-free?

With some adjustments, yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use a flax or chia egg in place of the eggs. Swap half and half for a creamy plant-based milk like coconut or oat milk. Keep in mind that the texture and flavors will shift somewhat, but it can still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made a Chocolate Swirl Pumpkin Pie Recipe before, this is the perfect one to dive into. It’s comforting, a little indulgent, and packed with flavors that celebrate the best of fall—and beyond. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will find a cozy spot on your table for every special occasion and maybe even a few ordinary days. So go ahead, grab your apron, and bring this beautiful treat to life—you’re going to love every bite!