Name: German Chocolate Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pie crust (9-inch), pre-baked; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 cup evaporated milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped or chips; 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut; 1 cup chopped pecans; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for topping); 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for topping); 1/2 cup evaporated milk (for topping); 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)

Rich, gooey, and unapologetically indulgent, this German Chocolate Pie is everything dessert dreams are made of. Picture a flaky, buttery crust filled to the brim with a luscious chocolate custard, topped with a chewy layer of coconut-pecan glory. Every bite is a deep dive into Southern comfort and nostalgic sweetness, all wrapped up in a pie that looks like a showstopper but is incredibly doable in your home kitchen.

It’s the perfect dessert to bring to family dinners, holiday feasts, or whenever you need to impress without the stress. The combination of creamy chocolate and the caramel-like coconut-pecan topping is a flavor marriage that simply works. It’s not too fussy, but it tastes like you’ve spent hours making it. And the best part? It keeps well, so you can sneak slices for days.

Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Pie

This pie is a dessert lover’s fantasy: chocolatey, nutty, rich, and textured. The chocolate filling is silky smooth with a deep cocoa base, while the topping delivers sweet crunch and chew from coconut and pecans. Together, it makes every slice decadent yet balanced. Plus, it uses simple ingredients you likely already have, and you don’t need to be a pro baker to get it just right. It’s a bake-once, wow-always kind of pie.

What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use for German Chocolate Pie?

Bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate works best to create a deep, luxurious base that isn’t overly sweet. This helps balance the sweetness from the coconut topping. Avoid milk chocolate as it can make the filling overly sugary. Choose good quality chocolate chips or bars—it’ll make a difference in both flavor and texture.

Ingredients for the German Chocolate Pie

Creating a pie that feels like a cozy hug comes down to just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of love.

Pie crust: A flaky, pre-baked crust holds everything together beautifully. Store-bought or homemade works just fine.
Butter: Adds richness and depth to both the chocolate filling and coconut topping.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard to balance the cocoa’s bitterness.
Eggs: These bind the chocolate custard and give it a smooth, silky texture.
Evaporated milk: Offers creaminess without overpowering the pie with extra liquid.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors and brings warmth.
Bittersweet chocolate: The star of the show, melted into the filling for rich flavor.
Shredded coconut: Adds a chewy texture and tropical sweetness.
Chopped pecans: Gives that buttery, nutty crunch that German chocolate desserts are known for.

How To Make the German Chocolate Pie

Step 1: Prep the Crust

Pre-bake your pie crust according to package or recipe directions, and let it cool completely before adding any filling.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and bittersweet chocolate together. Whisk until smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in the sugar, evaporated milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 3: Bake the Chocolate Base

Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or until the center is just set. Allow it to cool while you make the topping.

Step 4: Make the Coconut-Pecan Topping

In another saucepan, melt more butter and stir in sugar and evaporated milk. Bring to a gentle simmer. Add shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 5: Finish the Pie

Spread the warm topping over the cooled chocolate base. Let the pie chill in the fridge for at least an hour before slicing. The result is a pie that cuts cleanly and tastes heavenly.

Serving and Storing This Chocolate Pie Delight

This German Chocolate Pie serves up to 8 generous slices, though you might find yourself going in for seconds. Serve it chilled for clean slices, or slightly warmed for a gooier bite that melts on your tongue. Either way, it’s the kind of dessert that gets people talking.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator covered tightly for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the whole pie (wrapped well) for up to a month—just thaw in the fridge overnight.

What to Serve With German Chocolate Pie?

Coffee or Espresso

A strong cup of coffee brings out the pie’s deep cocoa flavors.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness to the rich filling.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Melting over a warm slice, vanilla ice cream is a match made in heaven.

Fresh Berries

Raspberries or strawberries offer a tart contrast that cuts through the sweetness.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

Adds extra indulgence and a hint of savory.

Bourbon or Irish Cream

A splash on the side or in your coffee makes dessert feel grown-up.

Glass of Milk

Simple but perfect for balancing the richness.

Toasted Coconut Flakes

Sprinkle some on top before serving for added texture and aroma.

Want More Pie Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this German Chocolate Pie, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:

Baby Lemon Impossible Pies for a bright citrus twist in every bite.
Pecan Pie Lasagna for layers of nutty goodness in a sliceable dessert.
Ooey Gooey Butter Cake if you crave buttery decadence in every forkful.
Easter Chocolate Lasagna for chocolate overload in the best way.
Peanut Butter Smores Sandwich Cookies when you want pie flavors in cookie form.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toast the coconut? Add a splash of bourbon to the filling? Or sneak in some dark chocolate chips?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

German Chocolate Pie brings together the elegance of a silky chocolate custard with the rustic delight of a coconut-pecan topping. It’s a pie that feels special enough for holidays, yet simple enough for a weekend craving. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it has a permanent place in the comfort dessert hall of fame.