Introduction
German Chocolate Pie is a luscious, indulgent dessert inspired by the classic flavors of German chocolate cake. With a rich chocolate custard filling, topped with a layer of coconut and pecans, this pie combines creamy textures with a delightful crunch. Perfect for celebrations or a special treat, it’s sure to impress anyone with a sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
1 pie crust, unbaked
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Melt the chocolate chips and butter in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth.
Once melted, remove from heat and gradually stir in the evaporated milk.
In a separate bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly blend this dry mixture into the chocolate mixture in the saucepan.
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously, until it comes to a boil. Boil and stir for 1 minute.
Slowly incorporate at least half of the hot mixture into the beaten eggs, then return it all to the saucepan, blending thoroughly.
Boil and stir for 2 more minutes.Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
In another bowl, combine the shredded coconut and chopped pecans, then evenly distribute this mixture over the top of the pie.
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is firm.
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for a few hours before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Once cooled, slice the pie and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Storage: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain its best flavor, allow the pie to come to room temperature before serving.
Tips for Success:
Temper the eggs carefully when adding them to the hot chocolate mixture to avoid scrambling them. Stir constantly and add the hot mixture slowly.
During the final 10 minutes of baking, monitor the pie closely.. If the coconut starts to brown too much, loosely cover the pie with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Allow ample cooling time before serving to let the filling set properly.
Health Benefits:
While this German Chocolate Pie is undeniably a rich and indulgent dessert, it still has some benefits:
Pecans are a great source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins like vitamin E.
Coconut provides a source of dietary fiber and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can aid in metabolism and energy production.
Chocolate contains flavonoids, which have been linked to improved heart health when consumed in moderation.
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 8 servings):
Calories: 520
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 60g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 40g
Protein: 6g
Variations and Substitutions:
Dairy-Free Option: Replace the butter with a non-dairy alternative and use coconut milk in place of evaporated milk for a similar creamy texture.
Nut-Free Option: If you or your guests have nut allergies, simply omit the pecans and increase the coconut topping.
Dark Chocolate: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips for a more intense, slightly less sweet flavor.
Crust Alternatives: Use a graham cracker crust or even a chocolate cookie crust to add extra flavor.
Conclusion
German Chocolate Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience of rich textures and flavors that come together in perfect harmony. The velvety smooth chocolate filling, contrasted by the chewy coconut and crunchy pecans, makes each bite a journey. Whether you serve it at a special gathering or enjoy it on a quiet evening at home, this pie is a true showstopper that will have everyone reaching for a second slice. It’s the kind of dessert that turns an ordinary day into something memorable—one decadent bite at a time.