German Chocolate Pie Recipe for Heavenly Indulgence

Whipping up a decadent german chocolate pie can transport you to a world of rich, velvety indulgence.

Sweet layers of coconut and pecans create a mesmerizing texture that dance across your palate.

Chocolate lovers will find themselves enchanted by this classic dessert’s luxurious depth.

Southern bakers have long cherished this pie as a celebration of flavor and tradition.

Creamy chocolate mingles with toasted nuts, promising a sensory experience that delights every bite.

Each forkful reveals a carefully crafted balance of sweetness and complexity.

You won’t be able to resist another slice of this irresistible treat.

Try These Twists on German Chocolate Pie

• Gluten-Free German Chocolate Pie: Replace traditional flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version without compromising rich chocolate flavor.
• Vegan Chocolate Coconut Pie: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, replace butter with coconut oil, and select dairy-free chocolate chips for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar German Chocolate Pie: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content, and use dark chocolate with higher cocoa percentage to maintain decadent taste.
• Nut-Free Alternative Pie: Remove pecans from topping, replace with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for similar crunch and texture while accommodating nut allergies.

Questions About This Pie? Look Here

• How do I know when the pie is fully baked?

The pie is done when the filling is set and slightly puffed, typically after 35-40 minutes of baking. The center should look mostly firm with a slight wobble when gently shaken.

• Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. After adding the coconut-pecan topping, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. The flavors actually improve when chilled overnight.

• What if my coconut-pecan topping is too runny?

Continue cooking the topping over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a spreadable consistency. This usually takes 5-7 minutes. Allow it to cool slightly before spreading over the pie.

• Is it necessary to use both granulated and brown sugar?

While you can use just one type of sugar, using both adds depth of flavor and helps create a more complex sweetness in the pie’s filling.

Why German Chocolate Pie Is Always a Hit

• Perfect for satisfying serious chocolate lovers with minimal kitchen effort. The recipe transforms classic German chocolate cake flavors into an irresistible pie format.
• Streamlined steps make this dessert achievable for bakers of all skill levels, requiring only basic mixing and baking techniques without complicated procedures.
• Creates an impressive dessert that will wow guests at dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or potluck events with its rich, luxurious appearance and deeply indulgent taste profile.
• Offers flexibility in enjoying- serve chilled for a refreshing treat, topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence, making it adaptable to different preferences and occasions.

What Goes Into German Chocolate Pie

• Pie Crust: Foundational base for the pie, holds the filling and provides a crisp texture. Best when homemade or high-quality store-bought.

• Evaporated Milk, Chocolate: Creamy base for rich, smooth chocolate mixture. Choose full-fat evaporated milk for best results. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works well.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar, Eggs: Provide sweetness and structure to the filling. Brown sugar adds deeper caramel notes. Use fresh, room-temperature eggs.

• Butter, Flour, Vanilla Extract, Salt: Add richness, thickening power, depth of flavor, and balance. Use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.

• Evaporated Milk: Creates silky, smooth consistency for coconut-pecan layer. Full-fat version recommended.

• Granulated Sugar, Egg Yolks, Butter: Provide sweetness, richness, and help thicken the topping. Use fresh egg yolks for best texture.

• Vanilla Extract, Shredded Coconut, Chopped Pecans: Add aromatic flavor, chewy texture, and nutty crunch. Use unsweetened coconut for more control over sweetness.

How to Build Layers of Chocolate and Coconut

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 375F (190C) and get ready for a delicious baking adventure.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Magic

• Evaporated milk
• Chopped chocolate
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Flour
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Heat evaporated milk and chocolate in a saucepan, stirring until smooth and glossy. In a separate large bowl, whisk together all other ingredients until well blended. Slowly incorporate the melted chocolate mixture, creating a silky-smooth filling.

Step 3: Pie Crust Transformation

Nestle the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the luxurious chocolate filling into the crust. Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the filling sets and puffs up slightly. Let it cool completely.

Step 4: Coconut Pecan Topping Extravaganza

• Evaporated milk
• Granulated sugar
• Egg yolks
• Butter
• Vanilla extract
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Whisk evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and fold in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 5: Crown the Pie

Generously spread the coconut-pecan topping across the cooled pie, creating a decadent layer of deliciousness.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the pie for at least an hour. Slice and serve. For extra indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips That Help You Slice Clean and Neat

• Boost Chocolate Richness: Select high-quality dark chocolate for deeper, more complex flavor profile in the filling.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding chocolate filling to maintain crisp texture.
• Master Topping Consistency: Stir coconut-pecan mixture constantly while cooking to prevent burning and achieve smooth, creamy texture.
• Control Baking Time: Watch pie closely during last 10 minutes of baking to avoid overcooking; filling should be slightly jiggly when removed from oven.
• Enhance Serving Experience: Refrigerate pie for 2-3 hours before serving to allow filling to set completely and develop richer flavor profile.

Store and Serve German Chocolate Pie Like a Pro

• Store the German Chocolate Pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
• Wrap the pie carefully in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the whipped cream topping.
• Remove the pie from the freezer and let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight. This gentle thawing prevents soggy crust and maintains texture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated 325F oven for 10-15 minutes. Serve with fresh whipped cream for added deliciousness.

What to Pair with This Rich Dessert

• Strong, dark espresso cuts through the pie's sweetness, creating a bold contrast that elevates each decadent bite. The coffee's intensity complements the chocolate's deep, rich profile.
• Smooth bourbon with caramel undertones matches the pie's pecan and coconut layers. Its warm, slightly oak-aged character enhances the dessert's complex nutty essence.
• Chilled vanilla milkshake provides a cool, silky counterpoint to the warm chocolate and toasted pecan flavors. Its smooth texture and sweet profile balance the pie's richness perfectly.
• Aged port wine's deep berry notes and subtle sweetness intertwine beautifully with the German chocolate pie's luxurious filling. The wine's complexity mirrors the dessert's intricate flavor layers.

German Chocolate Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulge in pure bliss with this German Chocolate Pie, a delectable dessert that weaves rich chocolate, coconut, and pecan flavors into a creamy, irresistible experience. Sweet and nutty layers promise a delightful journey through classic German-inspired comfort you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

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Pie Main Components:

• 4 oz (115g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 3 large eggs
• 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Liquid and Sweet Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360ml) evaporated milk
• ½ cup (120ml) evaporated milk
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
• 2 large egg yolks

Additional Flavor and Binding Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (85g) sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating it to 375F (190C), ensuring optimal baking conditions for the pie.
2. Create the chocolate filling by melting chocolate into evaporated milk over medium heat, stirring continuously until smooth and glossy.
3. Develop a rich base mixture by whisking together granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
4. Gradually incorporate the melted chocolate into the sugar mixture, blending until a uniform, silky consistency is achieved.
5. Position the unbaked pie crust carefully into a 9-inch pie dish, maintaining an even surface.
6. Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent depth.
7. Bake the pie for 35-40 minutes, watching for a set and slightly puffed filling that indicates proper cooking.
8. While the pie bakes, craft the coconut-pecan topping by combining evaporated milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan.
9. Cook the topping mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and reaches a rich, creamy consistency, approximately 5-7 minutes.
10. Remove the topping from heat and enhance its flavor by stirring in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
11. Allow the pie to cool completely after baking, creating a stable foundation for the topping.
12. Spread the coconut-pecan mixture evenly across the cooled pie surface, ensuring full coverage.
13. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of one hour to set the topping and enhance flavor melding.
14. Serve chilled, optionally accompanied by whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Notes

• Customize Crust Options: Use graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust for extra flavor and texture variation.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding filling to ensure a crisp base.
• Smooth Chocolate Technique: Melt chocolate slowly and stir continuously to prevent burning or seizing.
• Topping Temperature Trick: Allow coconut-pecan topping to cool slightly before spreading to maintain optimal consistency.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare pie a day in advance and refrigerate for deeper flavor development.
• Pecan Alternatives: Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired, maintaining similar nutty crunch.
• Chocolate Intensity Control: Use dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate based on personal preference for richness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: German

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 100mg