Introduction
If you love the rich flavors of German chocolate cake, you’ll adore this German Chocolate Pie! This indulgent dessert features a creamy, silky chocolate filling, nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust, and topped with a sweet and crunchy coconut-pecan topping. Every bite is a perfect balance of chocolatey richness, nutty crunch, and coconut sweetness.
Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or when you just crave an extra-special dessert, this easy-to-make pie will impress everyone at the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Rich & Creamy – A luscious chocolate custard filling that melts in your mouth.
✔ Crunchy & Nutty – The coconut-pecan topping adds a delightful texture.
✔ Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients with straightforward steps.
✔ Perfect for Chocolate Lovers – A must-try for anyone who loves deep, chocolatey flavors.
Ingredients Needed
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 large egg yolks, beaten
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Coconut-Pecan Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 large egg yolks, beaten
- ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine:
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Granulated sugar
- Melted butter
- Mix until crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let the crust cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together:
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, ensuring a smooth mixture.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Temper the egg yolks: Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the beaten yolks.
- Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in:
- Chopped semisweet chocolate
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the warm chocolate filling into the cooled crust.
- Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the filling’s surface.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, until fully set.
Step 3: Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Topping
- In a medium saucepan, combine:
- Granulated sugar
- Evaporated milk
- Unsalted butter
- Beaten egg yolks
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- Boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Stir in:
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped pecans
- Vanilla extract
- Allow the topping to cool slightly before assembling the pie.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Spread the coconut-pecan topping evenly over the chilled chocolate filling.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the topping to firm up.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Slice and serve the German Chocolate Pie chilled.
- Garnish with extra pecans, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream for a beautiful presentation.
Tips for the Perfect German Chocolate Pie
✔ Use High-Quality Chocolate – The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor.
✔ Let the Chocolate Filling Set Fully – Refrigerating for at least 4 hours ensures a firm texture.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Egg Yolks – Stir constantly to prevent curdling in the filling and topping.
✔ Toast the Pecans & Coconut – Toasting enhances the nutty, caramelized flavors.
✔ Make Ahead – This pie tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together.
Variations & Customizations
Extra Chocolatey Version
- Add ¼ cup cocoa powder to the filling for an even deeper chocolate flavor.
Caramel Pecan Topping
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the coconut-pecan topping before chilling.
No-Bake German Chocolate Pie
- Use a store-bought chocolate cookie crust and prepare the filling without baking.
Nut-Free Version
- Replace pecans with toasted oats or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Serving Suggestions
🍽 With Whipped Cream – A light, airy contrast to the rich pie.
🍽 With Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that enhances the chocolate flavor.
🍽 With a Hot Coffee or Espresso – The bitterness balances the sweetness.
🍽 With a Chocolate Drizzle – For extra decadence, drizzle melted chocolate before serving.
How to Store & Freeze
Refrigeration
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Freezing
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutritional Information
⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Chilling Time: 5 hours
🍽 Servings: 8
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 kcal |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Carbs | ~55g |
| Fat | ~25g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a pre-made crust?
Yes! A store-bought graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust works perfectly.
2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie tastes even better the next day. Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate.
3. How do I prevent a runny filling?
- Ensure the filling boils for at least 1 minute before adding egg yolks.
- Let the pie chill completely before slicing.
4. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet?
Yes! Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more) will give a richer, deeper flavor.
5. What’s the best way to toast pecans and coconut?
- Spread pecans and coconut on a baking sheet.
- Toast at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Conclusion
This German Chocolate Pie is a heavenly dessert, blending rich chocolate custard with sweet coconut-pecan topping. With its silky, creamy filling and crunchy topping, this pie is guaranteed to impress family and friends.
Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of chocolate indulgence!