Ah, German Chocolate Pie—just the name makes my taste buds do a happy dance. Imagine a pie that’s a bit like a warm hug from your grandma, with its gooey chocolate filling and a coconut-pecan topping that’s almost too indulgent. (It’s like the comfort food equivalent of your favorite old sweater.) This pie is a must-try, especially now that fall’s here, and you need something to savor by the fireplace—though, let’s be real, it’s perfect any time!
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350?F and prepare a baking sheet with foil. Roll out the pie dough on a floured surface into a 12-inch circle, ensuring it doesn’t stick. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently against the sides, and crimp the edges.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and butter, microwaving at 50% power in 30-second intervals until melted, stirring between each interval. Transfer the melted mixture to a large bowl, add eggs, and whisk until smooth. Incorporate the condensed milk, salt, vanilla, pecans, and coconut, mixing well.
- Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared crust, place the pie on the baking sheet, and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the filling puffs slightly and the top is set but the center remains a bit jiggly. Let the pie cool completely on a rack for about 2 hours, then finish by topping with whipped cream, extra pecans, coconut, and shaved chocolate.
Ingredients
- 1 Perfect Pie Crust round, thawed slightly
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans, plus extra for topping
- 3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, plus extra for topping
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Shaved chocolate, for topping
FAQ
- What ingredients are in a German chocolate pie?
- German chocolate pie includes key ingredients such as chocolate, eggs, pecans, and shredded coconut. Unlike the traditional cake which has separate layers, the pie combines everything into the filling, with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla to enhance the flavor.
- How do you determine when a German chocolate pie is fully baked?
- The pie is ready to come out of the oven when the top appears slightly puffed, yet the center of the pie remains a bit jiggly. It’s important to refrigerate the pie afterward to allow the filling to set properly.
- Is it necessary to refrigerate a cooked chocolate pie?
- Yes, due to its custard-like filling, a German chocolate pie needs refrigeration. Once cooled, cover it loosely with plastic wrap before placing it in the fridge to maintain its freshness.
- Can I prepare German chocolate pie in advance for an event?
- Absolutely, this pie can be made a day ahead. Just ensure it is properly refrigerated after cooling to keep it fresh for your event.
Tips
- Cool the Pie Completely: Ensure the pie cools entirely before slicing to allow the filling to set properly. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture.
- Manage the Chocolate Melting Process: Melt the chocolate and butter at 50% power in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring each time. This prevents burning and ensures a smooth mixture.
- Check for Doneness: The pie is ready to be removed from the oven when the filling puffs slightly and the top is set, but the center remains a bit jiggly. This indicates the pie will continue to set as it cools.
- Refrigerate After Cooling: Since the pie has a custard filling, it’s important to refrigerate it once completely cooled. Wrap it loosely in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
Equipment
- 9-inch pie pan
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk
- Rolling pin (for rolling out the pie dough)
- Cooling rack
