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Pioneer Woman German Chocolate Pie

Pioneer Woman German Chocolate Pie - recipe card
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This indulgent pie layers a buttery, flaky crust with a rich, chewy coconut-pecan filling, all crowned by a smooth, dark chocolate ganache. It’s a decadent twist on the classic German chocolate cake, perfect for celebrations or a special weeknight treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (156g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (113g)
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water
  • 1 cup whole milk (240ml)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (32g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped (60g)
  • 2/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut (75g)
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (90g)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (60ml)

Instructions

  1. Make the pie crust: In a food processor, pulse the flour and salt together until combined. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of ice water and pulse just until the dough starts to come together; add the remaining tablespoon if needed. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, shape into a disk, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 12-inch round, about 1/8-inch thick. Carefully transfer to a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim the overhang to about 1/2 inch, then fold under and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
  3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Remove the parchment and weights, then bake for an additional 8-10 minutes, until the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack while you prepare the filling.
  4. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Place over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks to temper them, then pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking constantly, for another 2 minutes, until the mixture is very thick and smooth. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Fold the toasted pecans and shredded coconut into the custard until well distributed. Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust and spread it evenly. Set aside.
  7. Make the ganache: Place the chocolate chips in a small heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (small bubbles appear around the edge). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
  8. Pour the ganache over the coconut-pecan filling, spreading it gently to cover the surface completely. Use a spatula to create a swirl pattern if desired.
  9. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, until the filling and ganache are set. Serve chilled, sliced into 4 generous portions. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Notes

Storage: This pie keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil. Freezing: You can freeze the fully assembled pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to slightly soften the ganache and crust. If you prefer the ganache to be shinier, add 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup when making the ganache.

Nutrition

Keywords: German chocolate pie, chocolate coconut pecan pie, Pioneer Woman pie, chocolate pie, coconut pecan dessert, homemade pie, Thanksgiving dessert, chocolate pie recipe

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-german-chocolate-pie/