German Chocolate Pie

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4.98 from 93 votes
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Move over cake—this German Chocolate Pie is stealing the show! Inspired by a slice of pie I discovered in Amish country, it’s packed with rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut. Every bite is pure melt-in-your-mouth decadence.

Slice of German Chocolate Pie on a plate with a fork.

My Homemade German Chocolate Pie Story

While traveling through a small Amish town several years ago, we stopped at an authentic Amish restaurant that served German Chocolate Pie. It was so good, we ended up buying an entire pie to eat the next day. Ever since then, I have been dreaming about, drooling over, and seriously craving this pie.

After many attempts, I think I have finally perfected it! I knew I had it right when my family ate the entire pie out of the pan before it even had time to cool! If you are a fan of German Chocolate Cake, you will love this pie. Both have delicious flavors and texture of chocolate, pecans, and coconut.

❤️ Elise

Ingredients

Grab your pie plate and let’s get ready. These are all staple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.

Ingredients for German Chocolate Pie: Crust, Chocolate Chips, Pecans, Coconut, Butter, Flour, Sugar, Eggs, Brown Sugar, Vanilla.
  • Unbaked pie crust: You can buy a frozen or refrigerated crust or make your own homemade pie crust. Just don’t use a graham cracker crust for this one, you want a nice pastry like baked pie shell. Don’t cook the pie crust, it will cook along with the German Chocolate filling.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter works best.
  • Chocolate Chips: Use semi-sweet for a rich chocolate base.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the pie.
  • Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: A mix of both adds depth and sweetness.
  • Eggs: Essential for binding the filling. One reader with an egg allergy used flaxseed as a substitute.
  • Vanilla Extract: Boosts flavor and balances the chocolate.
  • Pecans and Coconut: The classic German chocolate combo!

How to Make German Chocolate Pie

Homemade Pie shell for German Chocolate Pie filling.
  1. Set the oven to preheat to 350°F. Place a prepared pie crust in a pie tin (unbaked).
Bowl of melted butter and chocolate for German Chocolate Pie filling. Wooden spoon on the side.
  1. Melt butter in a microwaveable bowl, then stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips until they are melted and the mixture is smooth.
Bowl of dry ingredients for German Chocolate Pie filling.
  1. In another bowl, stir flour, sugar, and brown sugar together until well-blended.
Bowl of chocolate mixture combined with dry ingredients for German Chocolate Pie filling.
  1. Add the dry mixture with the melted chocolate/butter mixture until well combined. The mixture will be thick.
Bowl of German Chocolate Pie filling mixture.
  1. Stir the eggs in one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Bowl of pecans, coconut and chocolate chips on German Chocolate Pie filling mixture.
  1. Fold in the pecans, coconut, and the remaining chocolate chips.
Unbaked German Chocolate Pie in a glass pie plate.
  1. Pour the batter into the unbaked pie crust. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top of the pie is set. Don’t over bake.
Baked German Chocolate Pie in a clear glass pie plate.
  1. A nice crust will form on top of the pie, similar to the top crust of a pan of brownies.

Substitutions and Variations

It’s not often I do this, but I really don’t recommend straying from this recipe as written. The only exception is for allergies.

  • Nut allergy – Omit the pecans.
  • Gluten allergy – Use a gluten-free pie crust and a gluten friendly flour substitute.
  • Egg allergy – Use flaxseed or another egg-substitute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called German chocolate?

Back in 1852, a man named Samuel German developed a type of dark baking chocolate for the chocolate company. He was known to be one of the best bakers back then. In honor of him, the company used his name for the Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate.

Can I make German Chocolate Pie ahead of time?

Yes! This is a great make ahead dessert. Bake it a day or two ahead, cool completely, and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze German Chocolate Pie?

Yes! After the pie has cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with a layer of cellophane wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. To thaw, place it on the counter for a 3-4 hours before serving.

Should I use sweetened or unsweetened coconut?

Definitely use sweetened coconut for the best texture and sweetness in German Chocolate Pie.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Double check labels for the other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Rave Review

Plate of German Chocolate Pie next to a fork holding a bite of pie.

“Well…I made this pie without the substitution and used the ingredients called for in the recipe and, OMG, this pie is totally awesome and had to come directly from a bakery off the golden streets in heaven…most likely the Pearly Gates bakery!! You are correct it is a very dense pie and so very rich. We could only eat a sliver at a time. We tried it room temp and straight from the fridge, but we found we like to microwave it for about 15 seconds, eat, or add a small scoop of ice cream or whipped cream. This will be a must have holiday pie from now on. I also plan to make some as gifts for the coming holidays. Thank you so much for sharing this, God Bless.”

– Scott

More Pie Recipes

We love to have a wide variety of pies for Thanksgiving and other special occasions. Try some more of our favorites!

Did this recipe become a new family favorite? 😋
We’d love to hear your story – please leave a comment and rating below!

German Chocolate Pie slice on a plate topped with whipped cream, toasted coconut and chocolate.

German Chocolate Pie

4.98 from 93 votes
This German Chocolate Pie recipe idea comes straight from Amish country. The rich, gooey, chocolate filling is to die for!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, German
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 uncooked pie crust store bought or homemade
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips divided
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 3/4 cup flaked coconut

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place uncooked pie crust in pie tin.
    Homemade Pie shell for German Chocolate Pie filling.
  • In small bowl, microwave butter until completely melted. Add 1 cup chocolate chips and stir until smooth.
    Bowl of melted butter and chocolate for German Chocolate Pie filling. Wooden spoon on the side.
  • In separate bowl, stir together flour and sugars. 
    Bowl of dry ingredients for German Chocolate Pie filling.
  • Slowly add chocolate/butter mixture and stir until blended.
    Bowl of chocolate mixture combined with dry ingredients for German Chocolate Pie filling.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla.
    Bowl of German Chocolate Pie filling mixture.
  • Fold in pecans, coconut, and ¼ cup chocolate chips.
    Bowl of pecans, coconut and chocolate chips on German Chocolate Pie filling mixture.
  • Pour into unbaked pie crust. Bake 35-40 minutes or until top is set. DON'T OVER BAKE!
    Unbaked German Chocolate Pie in a glass pie plate.
  • Allow to cool before serving.
    Baked German Chocolate Pie in a clear glass pie plate.
  • Optional: top with some whipped topping, toasted coconut, and chocolate shavings or dust with a little cocoa powder.
    Plate of German Chocolate Pie next to a fork holding a bite of pie.

Video

Notes

Storing Leftovers

  • Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • To freeze, wrap in plastic wrap then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Keep frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. 
  • You can serve cold, bring to room temperature, or warm slightly in the microwave.
 

Nutrition Information

Calories: 631kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 7gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 204mgPotassium: 311mgFiber: 5gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 444IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 4mg

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Elise Donovan

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4.98 from 93 votes (72 ratings without comment)

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Comments

    1. You can. I don’t know if the crust will turn out the way you want. Have you made a pie recipe in a cake pan before?

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