German Chocolate Pie – A Decadent Southern Classic

First off, thank you. Thank you for being here, for sharing your love of baking, and for coming along as we turn simple ingredients into something truly magical. If you’re a fan of gooey chocolate, toasted pecans, and rich coconut caramel, then this German Chocolate Pie is about to become your new favorite dessert!

This one is special. It’s everything we love about German chocolate cake, but nestled into a buttery, flaky pie crust. And the smell when this is in the oven? Absolutely divine. One bite in, and it’s all toasted coconut, nutty pecans, and deep chocolate richness. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and indulgent—everything a homemade dessert should be.

💌 Want this recipe sent straight to your inbox? Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a crave-worthy creation!

What is German Chocolate Pie?

German Chocolate Pie is a rich, custard-based pie featuring melted German sweet chocolate, a creamy condensed milk filling, and a caramelized coconut-pecan topping. It’s inspired by the classic German chocolate cake (which, fun fact, is named after Samuel German—not the country!).

This pie is baked in a pre-made or homemade pie crust, then chilled until set, topped with a gooey coconut-pecan layer, and served cold or at room temperature. It’s luxurious, layered, and perfect for special occasions—or any day that needs sweetening up.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Pie

Incredibly Rich and Velvety: The chocolate filling is creamy, smooth, and indulgent.
That Topping!!: Toasted coconut + brown sugar + cream = the ultimate chewy, caramelized finish.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It needs chilling, so it’s perfect for prepping a day ahead.
Crowd-Pleaser: 141 five-star reviews can’t be wrong!

What Does German Chocolate Pie Taste Like?

It’s chocolatey, yes—but not in an overwhelming, fudge-like way. The filling has a custard texture with that signature sweetness from condensed milk and German chocolate. The topping brings in that buttery brown sugar flavor with just the right amount of chew from coconut and crunch from pecans.

Every bite is creamy, chewy, and nutty with a crisp pie crust base. Anything but boring!!

Benefits of Making This Recipe

No electric mixer needed!
Uses pantry-friendly ingredients.
Vegetarian and perfect for holidays.
Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

🥧 For the Pie Crust:

1 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

🍫 For the Filling:

4 oz German sweet chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp butter
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
4 large egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup pecans, chopped

🥥 For the Topping:

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup butter, chopped
2 large egg yolks
1 cup flaked coconut
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup pecans, chopped

Tools You’ll Need

9-inch pie dish
Medium saucepan
Mixing bowls
Whisk and spatula
Cooling rack
Sharp knife (for serving—this one slices like a dream!)

Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions

No German chocolate? Use semi-sweet chocolate and add 1 tsp of extra sugar.
Nut-free version? Swap pecans for sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely.
Want it boozy? Add 1 tbsp bourbon to the topping—trust me, it’s next-level!
Gluten-free? Use a gluten-free pie crust (store-bought or almond flour based).

How to Make German Chocolate Pie (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling

In a medium saucepan, melt chocolate and butter over low heat. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the condensed milk, egg yolks, and vanilla until glossy and thick. Fold in the chopped pecans.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is just set and the edges are puffed. Cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).

Step 4: Prepare the Coconut Topping

In another saucepan, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened (about 8–10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.

Step 5: Assemble & Chill

Spread the coconut topping over the cooled pie. Chill again until set—about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Slice and serve!

What to Serve With German Chocolate Pie

A dollop of freshly whipped cream
Vanilla bean ice cream
A cup of strong black coffee or espresso
Fresh berries for a bright contrast

Tips for Success

Use room temperature eggs for a smoother filling.
Cool completely before topping—you want the layers to stay distinct.
Don’t skip the chill time—this pie sets as it cools.
Toast your coconut and pecans for extra depth of flavor (game changer!).

How to Store German Chocolate Pie

Refrigerator: Cover and store for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

FAQs About German Chocolate Pie

Can I use milk chocolate instead of German chocolate?

Yes, but it will be sweeter. Try semi-sweet for a closer match.

Do I need to prebake the pie crust?

No blind baking needed—just fill and bake!

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. It’s even better the next day after chilling.

Is this pie overly sweet?

It’s rich, but balanced by the buttery crust and toasty topping. Serve in small slices!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that feels like home and holiday rolled into one, this German Chocolate Pie is it. It’s decadent, nostalgic, and makes you look like a total rockstar in the kitchen—without being overly complicated.

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! From Thanksgiving tables to birthday celebrations, this pie delivers comfort and class in every single bite.

More Recipes You’ll Love if You’re a Peach (or Chocolate!) Fan:

Let’s Make It Social! 📸

Made this recipe? Leave a review, pin it to Pinterest, and tag your pie masterpiece with #MmmRecipes on Instagram! I love seeing your creations come to life!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Approximate – based on 9 servings

Calories: 510
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Sugars: 34g
Protein: 6g
Fiber: 3g

Contains: Tree Nuts, Eggs, Milk, Gluten.