The Ultimate German Chocolate Pie Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Sweet chocolate dreams meet german chocolate pie in this irresistible dessert adventure that promises pure indulgence.

My grandmother shared this classic recipe decades ago, sparking countless family celebrations.

Rich cocoa and coconut create a magical combination that melts hearts instantly.

Layers of creamy filling nestle between delicate, flaky pastry that whispers comfort with each bite.

Pecans add a delightful crunch, elevating the entire experience from simple treat to memorable masterpiece.

Southern kitchens have long treasured this delectable creation, passing recipes through generations with love and care.

Baking this pie might just become your new weekend passion.

You’ll want to savor every decadent slice and share the deliciousness with everyone around you.

Instructions for That Fudgy, Nutty Finish

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Make sure the rack is centered and ready for pie magic.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Silk Filling

• Evaporated milk
• Chopped chocolate

Heat gently, stirring until chocolate transforms into a smooth river.

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Flour
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Gradually marry the chocolate mixture into your sugar blend, whisking until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Build The Pie Foundation

Gently nestle the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Pour the silky chocolate filling, creating a luxurious chocolate landscape. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the filling sets with a gentle puff. Let it cool completely, allowing flavors to settle.

Step 4: Craft Coconut Pecan Crown

• Evaporated milk
• Granulated sugar
• Egg yolks
• Butter

• Vanilla extract
• Shredded coconut
• Chopped pecans

Let the topping cool slightly, developing rich flavors.

Step 5: Crown Your Masterpiece

Spread the coconut pecan topping across the cooled pie, creating a glorious golden blanket.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the pie for at least an hour. Slice and serve this decadent dessert. Optional: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Tips to Nail the Signature Texture

• Chocolate Melting Mastery: Stir chocolate and evaporated milk gently over medium heat to prevent burning and achieve a silky smooth texture.
• Temperature Control Trick: Use a digital thermometer to ensure your filling reaches the perfect consistency without overcooking the eggs.
• Topping Texture Tips: Toast pecans and coconut briefly before adding to the topping for enhanced nutty flavor and crunchier texture.
• Crust Perfection Technique: Blind bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding filling to prevent a soggy bottom and maintain a crisp base.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie a day in advance and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and topping to set perfectly.

Storing German Chocolate Pie the Right Way

• Seal leftover German Chocolate Pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
• Refrigerate the pie for up to 4 days, keeping the coconut-pecan topping crisp and delicious.
• Transfer slices to an airtight container for easy storage and prevent moisture from affecting the texture.
• Freeze individual slices wrapped separately in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for maximum preservation, lasting up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen pie slices in the refrigerator overnight before serving, ensuring the best possible taste and consistency.

Sips and Sweets That Pair Beautifully

• Brew Creamy Coffee Companions: Pair this decadent German chocolate pie with a rich, smooth cappuccino or a velvety latte. The coffee's robust flavor will complement the pie's sweet, nutty profile, creating a luxurious dessert experience that dances on your taste buds.
• Explore Dessert Wine Matches: Select a sweet dessert wine like a Port or Madeira to elevate the pie's chocolate and coconut notes. These fortified wines bring out the depth of the chocolate while harmonizing with the toasted pecan and coconut textures.
• Serve Cooling Ice Cream Sidekicks: Top the pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or butter pecan ice cream. The cold, creamy contrast will enhance the pie's rich, warm flavors, creating a delightful temperature and texture play that makes each bite more exciting.
• Craft Nutty Beverage Pairings: Enjoy a glass of hazelnut-flavored liqueur or a nutty almond milk to echo the pie's pecan and coconut elements. These smooth, complementary drinks will tie together the dessert's complex flavor profile in a deliciously indulgent way.

Twists on This Classic Dessert

• Tropical Paradise: Replace pecans with macadamia nuts and add a layer of fresh mango puree between the chocolate filling and coconut topping for a Hawaiian-inspired version.
• Coffee Chocolate Dream: Incorporate espresso powder into the chocolate filling and sprinkle ground coffee over the coconut-pecan topping for an intense coffee flavor profile.
• Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the coconut-pecan topping and garnish with crunchy caramel bits for an indulgent twist.
• Dark Chocolate Bourbon: Mix bourbon into the chocolate filling and use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate, then top with bourbon-soaked pecans for a rich, adult-friendly dessert.

German Chocolate Pie Questions Answered

• What makes German Chocolate Pie different from other chocolate pies?

This pie is unique because it features a rich, decadent chocolate filling topped with a signature coconut-pecan topping inspired by traditional German chocolate cake. The combination of smooth chocolate and nutty, sweet topping sets it apart from classic chocolate pies.

• Is this pie actually from Germany?

Despite its name, German Chocolate Pie isn’t a traditional German dessert. The recipe is an American creation, named after Samuel German, who developed a type of dark baking chocolate for Baker’s Chocolate Company in the 1850s. The pie evolved from the popular German chocolate cake recipe.

• Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie is perfect for making in advance. You can prepare the entire pie up to 2 days before serving and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve as they sit, making it a great make-ahead dessert for special occasions or gatherings.

• What are the key ingredients that give this pie its signature flavor?

The key ingredients are the combination of chocolate, evaporated milk, coconut, and pecans. The chocolate filling creates a rich base, while the coconut-pecan topping adds a distinctive sweet and nutty layer that makes this pie truly special and irresistible.

Why German Chocolate Pie Deserves the Spotlight

• Craft a Decadent Dessert: This German Chocolate Pie transforms classic flavors into a show-stopping pie that feels like a luxurious treat without requiring professional baking skills.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: The recipe comes together easily with straightforward steps, making it perfect for home bakers who want impressive results without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Celebration Dish: Ideal for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and special occasions, this pie delivers rich chocolate and nutty coconut-pecan topping that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Quick Preparation Delight: From start to finish, you can create this delectable dessert in under two hours, including cooling time, which means you can whip up a spectacular pie without spending all day in the kitchen.

The Must-Have Ingredients for This Pie

• Unbaked Pie Crust: Classic base for the German chocolate pie, providing a crisp and flaky foundation.

• Evaporated Milk: Creamy liquid that helps create a smooth and rich chocolate mixture.
• Chopped Chocolate: Provides deep chocolate flavor and contributes to the filling's luxurious texture.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that balance and enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps set the filling and create a custard-like consistency.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps smooth out the filling.
• Flour: Helps thicken the filling and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances and deepens the chocolate flavor.
• Salt: Balances and highlights the sweet elements.

• Evaporated Milk: Creamy base for the topping.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the topping.
• Egg Yolks: Provides richness and helps thicken the topping.
• Butter: Adds smoothness and depth of flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds aromatic complexity.
• Shredded Coconut, Chopped Pecans: Signature topping that provides texture and traditional German chocolate flavor.

German Chocolate Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent German chocolate pie tantalizes taste buds with rich cocoa and coconut layers of pure bliss. Silky chocolate filling nestled in a flaky crust promises a delectable dessert you’ll savor down to the last delightful crumb.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 large eggs
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 9-inch pie crust

Chocolate and Dairy:

• 2 cups (480 milliliters) evaporated milk
• 4 ounces (115 grams) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50 grams) brown sugar, packed

Baking and Flavor Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup (85 grams) sweetened shredded coconut
• ½ cup (60 grams) chopped pecans
• ¼ teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Craft the chocolate base by gently melting chocolate with evaporated milk over medium heat, stirring until completely smooth and glossy.
2. Whisk together sugars, eggs, butter, flour, vanilla, and salt in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a silky foundation for the decadent filling.
3. Gradually incorporate the molten chocolate mixture into the egg blend, whisking continuously to ensure a uniform, velvety texture without lumps.
4. Carefully transfer the liquid chocolate mixture into a prepared pie crust, ensuring an even distribution across the entire surface.
5. Position the pie in a preheated oven at 375F (190C), allowing the filling to transform from liquid to a delicate, slightly puffy consistency over 35-40 minutes.
6. While the pie bakes, craft the luxurious topping by combining evaporated milk, sugars, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan over moderate heat.
7. Continuously stir the topping mixture until it thickens to a rich, creamy consistency, approximately 5-7 minutes.
8. Remove the topping from heat and fold in vanilla, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans, creating a luscious, textured coating.
9. Once the pie has completely cooled, generously spread the coconut-pecan mixture across the surface.
10. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of one hour to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
11. Slice and serve chilled, optionally accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

• Choose high-quality chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor that elevates the entire pie’s taste profile.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty depth and bring out a more complex, aromatic crunch in the topping.
• Use room temperature eggs to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent filling texture without lumps or streaks.
• Prevent pie crust from becoming soggy by brushing a thin layer of melted chocolate on the bottom before adding the filling, creating a protective barrier.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 28g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 100mg