How Much Does Cracker Barrel‘s Chocolate Pecan Pie Cost? The Ultimate Guide
Hey there! If you‘re curious about Cracker Barrel‘s chocolate pecan pie, you‘ve come to the right place. As a seasoned pie enthusiast and home baker, I personally love the chocolatey twist Cracker Barrel puts on a classic pecan pie. Their rich filling chock-full of gooey chocolate, Karo syrup, and pecans makes for one unforgettable dessert.
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll give you all the details on Cracker Barrel‘s chocolate pecan pie so you can enjoy this Southern specialty knowing exactly what to expect. You‘ll learn about pricing, ingredients, nutritional information, reheating instructions, and tips for ordering. I‘ll also share some fascinating pecan pie history and fun food facts along the way! So let‘s dive in – here‘s everything you need to know about Cracker Barrel‘s chocolate pecan pie.
An Overview of Cracker Barrel‘s Chocolate Pecan Pie
Cracker Barrel starts their famous chocolate pecan pie with a buttery, flaky crust enveloping a sweet and nutty chocolate pecan filling. Their filling contains:
- Karo light corn syrup – provides a sweet base
- Butter – gives richness
- Eggs – help set the custard-like filling
- Brown sugar – adds molasses notes
- Pecans – provide crunch and nutty flavor
- Cocoa powder – infuses chocolate taste
- Chocolate – takes it over the top for chocolate lovers!
According to Cracker Barrel test kitchen experts, the hint of cocoa powder enhances the flavors of the Karo syrup and brown sugar without overpowering the pecan taste. It‘s a perfect balance of flavors.
The pie serves 6-8 people and measures approximately 9 inches in diameter. Each pie is sliced into 6-8 hearty wedges and packaged in Cracker Barrel‘s signature old-fashioned brown baking boxes with their logo.
Cracker Barrel‘s Chocolate Pecan Pie Price
Now for the important part – how much does this chocolatey pecan treat cost? As of October 2022, the retail price for a full chocolate pecan pie at Cracker Barrel is $9.99.
This pricing may vary a little across locations but remains largely consistent at Cracker Barrel stores nationwide. At just under $10 for a 9-inch pie, it‘s quite a steal compared to other gourmet pecan pies on the market. The price makes it easy to treat a crowd on a budget!
To give you a sense of value, one slice of a comparable chocolate pecan pie at Whole Foods sells for $4.99. So you‘d pay nearly $40 for a whole pie there compared to Cracker Barrel‘s $9.99 pie. It‘s a no-brainer for your wallet!
Price and Selection of Other Cracker Barrel Pies
Cracker Barrel‘s chocolate pecan may be its most legendary, but the menu has lots of other fantastic pie flavors too. Here‘s a breakdown of current prices for some of Cracker Barrel‘s most popular pies:
| Pie Flavor | Price |
|---|---|
| Pecan Pie | $9.99 |
| Apple Pie | $8.99 |
| Strawberry Rhubarb Pie | $8.99 |
| Peach Pie | $8.99 |
| French Silk Pie | $8.99 |
| Coconut Custard Pie | $8.99 |
| Chocolate Chess Pie | $9.99 |
As you can see, most Cracker Barrel pies range from $8.99 – $9.99, making them an affordable everyday treat. Like the chocolate pecan, these pies all feed 6-8 people.
Cracker Barrel also has seasonal pie flavors that rotate throughout the year. Be on the lookout for sweet potato pie in fall, strawberry in spring, and other holiday favorites!
Heating and Serving Suggestions
One of the best parts about Cracker Barrel‘s pies is that they taste amazing heated up or eaten straight from the package at room temp. Here are my tips for heating and serving your Cracker Barrel chocolate pecan pie:
Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F
- Place the whole pie or individual slices on a baking sheet
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is warm throughout
Microwave:
- Microwave single pie slices for 30 seconds at a time, checking frequently, until heated through
À La Mode:
- Top your slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a hot and cold twist! The sweet cold cream balances the gooey warmth of the pie.
With Whipped Cream:
- Lightly sweetened or plain whipped cream pairs perfectly with the rich pie. I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top too.
With Extra Pecans:
- For some crunch, garnish your heated slice with chopped or whole pecan halves. It adds a nice textural contrast.
You really can‘t go wrong – whether you like it cold, warm, à la mode, or with whipped cream, Cracker Barrel‘s chocolate pecan pie satisfies every craving!
Ordering Cracker Barrel Pies In-Store vs. Online
When the chocolate pecan hankering hits, you have a couple convenient options for getting this iconic pie in your hands.
If you want to see and select the pie yourself, head to your nearest Cracker Barrel store. The pies are kept freshly stocked in the bakery area so you can browse all the selections in person before choosing. Just let one of the friendly team members know which flavor you‘d like, and they‘ll grab you a pie from the case. Easy as (chocolate) pie!
To save yourself the trip to the store, you can also order pies for delivery directly through Cracker Barrel‘s website or mobile app. Your freshly baked pie will arrive straight to your doorstep within 2-3 business days of ordering.
Cracker Barrel even offers seasonal pie subscription boxes, delivering your choice of pie flavors on a recurring basis. Pie of the month club? Yes, please!
The online ordering process is quick and convenient. And if the craving hits on short notice, in-store pickup is speedy too. However you slice it, getting your hands on this chocolatey dessert is a piece of (pecan) cake.
Holiday Pies and Thanksgiving Catering
Cracker Barrel is a popular spot for holiday treats and Thanksgiving catering. They really go all out for the most wonderful time of the year!
Some of Cracker Barrel‘s festive seasonal pies include:
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Pumpkin Pie – An autumnal must-have
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Pecan Pie – The quintessential Thanksgiving tradition
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Apple Pie – Cozy, classic flavor with hand-sliced Granny Smith apples
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Cherry Pie – Topped with a fluted lattice crust for a pretty presentation
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Chocolate Pecan Pie – For chocolate lovers celebrating the holidays
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Coconut Custard Pie – Smooth, cool coconut custard in a flaky crust
Cracker Barrel also puts together special Heat n‘ Serve Holiday Family Meal To-Go packages for easy Thanksgiving catering. Their packages feed up to 10 people and come with turkey, cornbread dressing, sides, and whole pies like pecan, pumpkin, or apple streusel. Just heat and serve for an impressive holiday meal!
You can order individual Thanksgiving dishes and whole pies à la carte too. Based on sales data, their top Thanksgiving pies year after year are pecan and pumpkin. The chocolate pecan is quickly rising through the ranks as well!
Nutrition Information on Cracker Barrel‘s Chocolate Pecan Pie
Cracker Barrel‘s chocolate pecan pie definitely qualifies as an indulgent splurge with its sweet filling and buttery crust. But just how indulgent is it nutrition-wise? Here‘s the full nutrition rundown per 1/6 slice:
| Nutrition Facts | Per 1/6 Slice |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Sodium | 250mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Protein | 4g |
With 43% of calories coming from fat and 83% of calories from carbohydrates, this chocolate treat is certainly more of a sometimes-food. The corn syrup and chocolate provide ample sweetness, ringing in around 56g sugar per slice!
The bottom line? While not an everyday choice, a slice of chocolate pecan pie can be enjoyed guilt-free as an occasional indulgence. Everything in moderation, right? I like to split a slice with a friend to keep individual portions balanced.
How Cracker Barrel‘s Pie Compares to Costco‘s
Costco is also famous for its giant bakery pecan pies. So how does the Cracker Barrel chocolate pecan stack up against Costco‘s basic pecan? Here‘s a side-by-side breakdown:
| Cracker Barrel | Costco | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 9 inches | 10 inches |
| Price | $9.99 | $9.99 |
| Ingredients | Adds chocolate | Traditional pecan filling |
| Flavors | Chocolate pecan | Classic pecan |
| Crust | Flaky | Dense |
| Sweetness | Slightly sweeter from chocolate | Traditional sweetness level |
The main takeaway is that Cracker Barrel offers a signature chocolate twist, while Costco sticks with a classic pecan approach. Both offer tremendous value at just a penny under $10.
In my opinion, Cracker Barrel‘s chocolate add-in and flakier crust give it the edge. But Costco‘s will satisfy true old-fashioned pecan pie purists. It comes down to personal taste preference – you really can‘t go wrong with either of these wallet-friendly pecan pies!
Storing and Reheating Pecan Pies Safely
Since pecan pies contain eggs, storing and reheating them properly is important for food safety. Here are my top food safety tips for enjoying Cracker Barrel‘s chocolate pecan pie:
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Refrigerate the pie ASAP if you‘re not eating it within 2 hours of purchasing. This prevents spoilage and bacteria growth.
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Once cut, store pie slices wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. This retains freshness.
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For optimum taste and texture, eat the pie within 3-4 days of refrigeration.
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You can freeze pie slices for longer storage. Frozen, they‘ll keep for 4+ months.
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Thaw frozen pie slices overnight in the fridge before serving.
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Reheat thawed frozen pie slices at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until warm throughout.
Following refrigeration and food safety best practices allows you to enjoy every last crumb without worries! A well-stored chocolate pecan pie makes the perfect autumn through winter dessert.
Why Pecan Pie Became a Thanksgiving Tradition
Pecan pie may seem like an odd choice for a holiday spread today, but its prominence actually makes a lot of historical sense. Here are some of the top reasons pecan pie became so tied to Thanksgiving tradition over the years:
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Pecan trees are indigenous to North America and provided a readily accessible nut in the American South where Thanksgiving began.
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Pie crust ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter were inexpensive, shelf-stable essentials making pies a thrifty option for early American families.
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Fall harvest time coincides with peak pecan season – late October through December. So pecans were bountiful for Thanksgiving.
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Pecan pie‘s rich, almost cloying sweetness provided a satisfying, sugary finale after a traditionally heavy, savory Thanksgiving meal.
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Sentimental family recipes and fond food memories helped pecan pie traditions take root and pass down through generations.
Though its background is humble, the comforting flavors and nostalgia baked into pecan pie help make it a lasting Thanksgiving tradition. With its own chocolatey twist, Cracker Barrel‘s version puts a fun new spin on this iconic dessert!
The Takeaway
There you have it, everything you could possibly need to know about Cracker Barrel‘s chocolate pecan pie! In summary:
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It‘s an affordable everyday indulgence at just $9.99
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Perfect for fall and winter with its warming chocolate and pecan flavors
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Easy to order in-store or online and tastes great heated or chilled
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Historically ties to Thanksgiving but can be enjoyed all season long
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Makes a thoughtful gift or tasty treat for family gatherings and parties
With its convenience, nostalgia, and melt-in-your-mouth filling, Cracker Barrel‘s chocolate pecan pie always hits the sweet spot. I hope this guide gave you helpful info and inspiration for enjoying this Southern specialty. Now grab a fork and dig in!