German Chocolate Pie: A Decadent Dessert for Chocolate Lovers
Indulge your sweet tooth with the rich and creamy goodness of German Chocolate Pie. This delightful dessert combines the irresistible flavors of chocolate, pecans, and coconut in a flaky pie crust, making it the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a delicious dessert, this recipe is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings and leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this decadent German Chocolate Pie from scratch!
Ingredients:
For the Pie:
- 1 9-inch pie crust
For the Filling:
- 4 oz German sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup butter, chopped
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch pie crust in a pie dish and set aside.
- Prepare Filling: In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the German sweet chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans.
- Pour into Pie Crust: Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare Topping: In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, heavy whipping cream, and chopped butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil. Remove from heat.
- Add Coconut and Pecans: Stir in the flaked coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Finish Pie: Pour the coconut-pecan topping over the baked pie, spreading it out evenly. Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Chocolate Variation: For an extra chocolatey flavor, you can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate instead of German sweet chocolate.
- Nut Variation: Feel free to use your favorite nuts in place of pecans, such as walnuts or almonds.
- Crust Variation: Experiment with different types of pie crusts, such as graham cracker crust or chocolate cookie crust, for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version:
- Replace the sugar in both the filling and topping with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Use unsweetened chocolate instead of German sweet chocolate to reduce the carb content of the pie.
Low-Carb Version:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in both the filling and topping, or omit it altogether for a lower-carb option.
- Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour to make a low-carb pie crust, or skip the crust altogether and bake the filling in individual ramekins for a crustless version.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making it from scratch? Absolutely! Store-bought pie crust works just fine for this recipe if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience.
2. How should I store leftover German Chocolate Pie? Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage – just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
3. Can I make the pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Prepare the topping just before serving for the best results.
4. Can I use sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened? Yes, you can use sweetened coconut if that’s what you have on hand. Just be aware that it will make the pie slightly sweeter overall.
German Chocolate Pie is a decadent dessert that’s perfect for satisfying your chocolate cravings and indulging your sweet tooth. With its rich and creamy filling, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut topping, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a delicious dessert, this recipe is a winner every time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a slice of homemade goodness with German Chocolate Pie!