german chocolate cake pie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best german chocolate cake pie recipe

German chocolate cake pie is a dessert that has been around for decades, but its origins are unclear. Some say it came from the southern United States, where German immigrants brought their traditional cake recipes with them. Others claim it’s a creation of the 1950s, when bakeries began to sell pre-made cake mixes that included a special type of chocolate called ‘German’s chocolate.’

Regardless of its true origins, this dessert has become a staple in many American households, especially during holidays and special occasions. The combination of rich, mocha-flavored cake and creamy coconut custard is a match made in heaven, and the fact that it’s relatively easy to make at home only adds to its appeal. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, measuring out the ingredients and stirring the batter until it’s smooth and creamy. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to indulge in some decadent chocolate? The best part about this recipe is that it’s not just limited to special occasions; it’s perfect for a weeknight dessert or a quick treat on the go.

Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or potlucks. I’ve even been known to sneak an extra slice (or two) when no one is looking… don’t tell my family!

As for health benefits, I’ll admit that this recipe isn’t exactly the healthiest option out there. But let’s be real – life is short, and sometimes you just need to indulge in something delicious. That being said, if you’re looking for ways to make this recipe healthier, there are plenty of options available.

You can use almond milk instead of regular milk, swap out the sugar for honey or maple syrup, and even use coconut oil instead of butter. It may not be as traditional, but these tweaks can make a big difference in terms of nutritional value without sacrificing too much flavor.

German Chocolate Cake Pie

4.6 from 1908 votes

A rich, decadent German chocolate cake pie with a creamy coconut pecan filling and a chocolate ganache topping. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time1 hr 10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 30 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp ice water

For the German Chocolate Cake Filling

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Coconut Pecan Filling

1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 cups shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Ganache Topping

1 cup heavy cream
8 oz semisweet chocolate, finely chopped

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2In a food processor, pulse the flour, powdered sugar, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, then pulse again.
4Add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
5Press the dough evenly into a 9-inch pie dish.
6Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
7Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
8In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
9In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
10Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
11Pour the batter into the cooled pie crust.
12Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
13Allow the cake to cool completely in the pie dish.
14In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and salt.
15Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
16Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.
17Remove from heat and stir in the coconut, pecans, and vanilla extract.
18Pour the coconut pecan filling over the cooled cake layer, spreading it evenly.
19Allow the filling to cool and set for at least 30 minutes.
20In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
21Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate.
22Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until the chocolate is completely melted and the ganache is smooth.
23Pour the ganache over the coconut pecan filling, spreading it evenly to the edges of the pie.
24Allow the ganache to set at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving.

🔧Equipment

9-inch pie dish
Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Saucepan
Whisk
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 30g💛Saturated Fat: 18g❤️Cholesterol: 120mg🧂Sodium: 350mg🌾Total Carbs: 65g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 45g🥩Protein: 7g

📝Notes

Tips: For a smoother crust, you can blind bake the pie crust with parchment paper and pie weights before adding the cake filling. To make ahead, prepare the pie up to the ganache topping and refrigerate overnight. Add the ganache topping just before serving.

This German chocolate cake pie recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a holiday gathering, a potluck at work, or just a Tuesday night dessert. It’s easy to make ahead of time and freezes well too!

One tip I have is to use high-quality ingredients like real butter and fresh coconut milk – trust me when I say it makes all the difference in flavor. If you’re planning on serving this at an event or party, consider making individual servings in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins – they’re so cute and fun!

And don’t forget to pair it with some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About German Chocolate Cake Pie

Q: What is German chocolate cake pie?

A: German chocolate cake pie is a dessert made with layers of moist chocolate cake and creamy coconut custard.

Q: What type of chocolate do I need for this recipe?

A: You’ll need German’s chocolate or similar type of dark chocolate with high cocoa content.

Q: Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

A: Yes, you can use regular milk as a substitute for buttermilk in this recipe.

Q: How do I store leftover pie?

A: Store leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can substitute gluten-free flours like almond flour or coconut flour in place of wheat flour.

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