If you love German chocolate cake, you’ll adore this Classic German Chocolate Pie. It captures all the indulgent flavors of the iconic cake — the rich chocolate, the coconut-pecan filling, and a silky custard — in a creamy, sliceable pie. No layers required, just a decadent pie that’s perfect for dessert tables, holidays, or any chocolate craving.

This pie is smooth, chocolatey, and topped with a luscious coconut-pecan mixture that’s sweet, nutty, and slightly caramelized. Every bite tastes like the beloved cake, but in a faster, simpler, and more versatile pie form.

Why You’ll Love This Pie

All the flavors of German chocolate cake in a pie

Smooth, rich chocolate custard filling
Classic coconut-pecan topping
Easy to prepare and assemble

Perfect for special occasions or weekend treats

It’s an elegant dessert that’s simple to make yet impressive on presentation.

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Pie Filling

1 cup granulated sugar

¼ cup cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
3 cups whole milk

4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Coconut-Pecan Topping

½ cup evaporated milk
½ cup granulated sugar

3 large egg yolks
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup sweetened shredded coconut
½ cup chopped pecans

For the Pie Crust

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking the crust.
Pre-bake your pie crust according to package or recipe instructions. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Custard Filling

In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.

Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
Slowly whisk in egg yolks, cooking 2–3 minutes more until fully incorporated.

Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour chocolate custard into the pre-baked pie crust.

Tip: Make sure the custard is fully smooth and free of lumps before adding chocolate.

Step 3: Make the Coconut-Pecan Topping

In a small saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in coconut and pecans.

Step 4: Top the Pie

Spread coconut-pecan mixture evenly over the chocolate custard layer.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until the topping is bubbly and lightly golden.
Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Chilling ensures the custard is fully set and the pie slices cleanly.

Texture & Flavor Profile

Filling: Smooth, creamy, rich chocolate custard

Topping: Sweet, nutty, and slightly chewy coconut-pecan mixture
Crust: Buttery, tender, and flaky

Every bite delivers a balance of chocolate richness and sweet, nutty crunch.

Variations

Mini German Chocolate Pies – Bake in individual tart pans for single-serving desserts.
Chocolate Ganache Layer – Pour a thin ganache layer over custard before adding topping for extra chocolate indulgence.
Caramel Coconut-Pecan – Drizzle lightly with caramel sauce for a richer topping.

Gluten-Free Option – Use a gluten-free pie crust.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store covered for up to 3–4 days.
Best served chilled, but can be slightly warmed before serving.

Freezer

Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Tips for the Perfect German Chocolate Pie

Constantly stir custard to prevent lumps or burning.

Use good-quality chocolate for a richer flavor.
Pat pecans dry if using roasted nuts to avoid soggy topping.
Chill before slicing for cleaner, easier slices.

Occasions for German Chocolate Pie

Holiday dinners (Thanksgiving, Christmas)
Birthdays and celebrations
Potlucks or dessert tables

Weekend indulgences for family or guests

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of:

Chocolate custard → creamy, smooth, indulgent

Coconut-pecan topping → sweet, nutty, slightly chewy
Buttery pie crust → tender base

…captures the essence of classic German chocolate cake while being faster and easier to assemble in pie form.

Final Thoughts

This Classic German Chocolate Pie is a dessert that combines indulgence, nostalgia, and simplicity. The rich chocolate custard paired with the sweet, nutty topping is a crowd-pleaser every time. It’s elegant enough for holidays but approachable enough for everyday dessert cravings.