German Chocolate Pie Is A Tried-And-True Classic

German chocolate pie is similar to its popular cake counterpart—but with all of the key ingredients combined into one decadent filling.

In this recipe for German chocolate pie, you get all the rich chocolate, coconut, and pecan flavors without the weight (and work) of all the cake. This pie comprises a rich bittersweet chocolate pudding topped with sweetened, toasted coconut and pecans, all served up in a flaky buttery pie crust.

Learn how to make German chocolate pie. It is crowd-pleasing perfection!

German Chocolate Pie Ingredients

To make the crust, you will need only one ingredient: refrigerated pie crusts. (Alternatively, you can make your own pie crust and blind-bake it. You just need the crust to be fully baked because this is a cold-set pie.)  For the rest of the recipe, you'll need some classing baking ingredients, along with the signature pecans, coconut, and chocolate.

To make the filling you will need:

• Half and half: This slightly richer dairy product has the right fat level to make the pudding layer rich and thick. Regular milk likely won't work here.
• German’s sweet chocolate baking bars: For the sweetest chocolate flavor, we prefer baking bars over cocoa.
• Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a subtle hint of caramel flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps to thicken up the pudding filling.
• Eggs: You'll need only the yolks. (Save the whites for angel food cake or meringue.) Eggs help to thicken and set the filling.
• Vanilla extract: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and a creamy mouthfeel.

And to make the topping, you'll need:

• Salted butter: Helps to coat the coconut to cook it eventually and adds richness to the topping.
• Sweetened shredded coconut: Essential for anything calling itself German chocolate.
• Pecans: Classically part of German chocolate cake; here, they're coarsely chopped so you have an easier bite.
• Evaporated coconut milk: Such as Nature’s Charm evaporated coconut milk (available at Whole Foods). The flavored version carries through the coconut flavor so nicely. You can use the standard evaporated milk if you can't find this one.
• Light brown sugar: For a hint of caramel flavor and sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Elevates all the ingredients.
• Kosher salt: Helps to balance all the flavors of the topping.
• Eggs: Here again, you'll only use the yolks. They help to bind the topping together.
• Unsweetened whipped cream: For serving.

What Is German Chocolate Pie Made Of?

German chocolate pie is made with most of the same signature ingredients as German chocolate cake: chocolate, shredded coconut, eggs, and pecans. But the pie combines all the key ingredients together into the filling instead of separating it into layers (as with the chocolate cake and coconut-pecan frosting).

What's the Difference Between German Chocolate and Regular Chocolate?

Fun fact: The origin of German chocolate is not actually Germany, but rather it's from the South. German chocolate cake is distinct from traditional chocolate cakes because it uses a specific type of baking chocolate that is milder and sweeter because it contains lecithin, a fat found in egg yolks. Other chocolate cakes use cocoa powder or darker chocolate for a more intense flavor profile. 

How To Store German Chocolate Pie

Store German chocolate pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. We do not recommend freezing it as the pudding filling may split when thawed.

Ways To Serve German Chocolate Pie

We think you should serve this pie with unsweetened whipped cream. It is optional, but really helps cut the sweetness of this rich pie.

Our Tips for the Best German Chocolate Pie

The Southern Living Test Kitchen passes along a few good things to know:

• Leave the lumps: Strain the pudding before adding it to the crust to make sure there are no scrambled eggs inside. (This step is optional but can make a big difference to the finished product.)
• Chill out: Let the entire pie cool until it’s completely set (about three hours), or it will not cut cleanly. 
• All the layers: For an even easier recipe, adapt this into a German chocolate trifle: Bake boxed chocolate cake mix, cube it, and layer with the pudding and coconut filling.
• Nuts for coconut: For even more layered coconut flavor—and extra texture—roll coconut into the pie crust before baking. 

More Pie Recipes

Need another idea for a classic pie? Consider one of these favorites:

• Rhubarb Custard Pie
• Chocolate Silk Pie
• Millionaire Pie
• Florida Orange Grove Pie
• Water Pie