Texas Trash Pie is the ultimate indulgent dessert for any occasion, especially when you’re looking for something decadent and crowd-pleasing. With layers of rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and sweet caramelized goodness, this pie is a perfect blend of textures and flavors. It’s the kind of dessert that everyone will rave about and go back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Rich and indulgent: The combination of chocolate, caramel, and crunchy nuts makes this pie a true treat for your taste buds.
- Easy to make: This dessert doesn’t require any fancy techniques, just simple ingredients and a few easy steps.
- Crowd-pleasing: Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want a special dessert for the family, this pie is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Here’s a look at the ingredients for this Texas Trash Pie. Check the full list and measurements in the recipe card below.
- Pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- Chocolate chips for that rich, gooey center
- Brown sugar to give it that caramel-like flavor
- Eggs for binding the ingredients together
- Sweetened condensed milk to make the filling creamy
- Chopped pecans for crunch and flavor
- Vanilla extract to enhance the overall taste
- A pinch of salt to balance the sweetness
For the full ingredient list, see the recipe card below.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your pie crust by fitting it into a 9-inch pie dish and crimping the edges.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix until smooth.
- Add the chocolate: Stir in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set but still a little jiggly. The top should be golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool completely before slicing. It will firm up as it cools. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the pie toward the end of the baking time. If the crust starts to get too brown, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
- Let it cool: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly and doesn’t run.
- Try different nuts: While pecans are traditional, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a different flavor profile.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Add a touch of spice: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, spicy note to the pie, perfect for fall and winter.
- Gluten-free version: Use a gluten-free pie crust to make this pie suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-free option: Substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk, and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Texas Trash Pie is rich on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce. For drinks, a cup of hot coffee or a cold glass of milk is the perfect complement to this sweet, indulgent treat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Reheat: If you prefer a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or reheat it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Yes! You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Do I have to use pecans?
While pecans are traditional, you can substitute them with any nuts you prefer, such as walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, this pie can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the fridge. It’s actually better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together.
Can I use a graham cracker crust instead of a regular pie crust?
Absolutely! A graham cracker crust will add a nice crunch and a slightly different flavor. It’s a great alternative for those who prefer a sweeter crust.
Conclusion
Texas Trash Pie is the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your guests. With its rich chocolatey filling, crunchy pecans, and caramel-like sweetness, it’s the kind of dessert that everyone will rave about. Whether for a holiday dinner or just a weekend treat, this pie is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!
Print
Texas Trash Pie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Texas Trash Pie is a decadent and delicious dessert that’s loaded with all sorts of goodies! With a buttery, crunchy crust and a sweet and salty filling, it’s a truly irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen deep-dish pie crust (9 or 10-inch)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup pretzels, coarsely crushed
- 1 cup graham crackers, coarsely crushed
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup pecan pieces
- 1 cup Kraft caramel bits
- 1/2 cup (8 tbsp.) butter, melted
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the oven rack on the second to the lowest spot in your oven. Heat butter in a large microwave-safe bowl until melted. Coarsely crush pretzels and graham crackers into pieces (not too small).
- Combine Filling: Combine all filling ingredients (chocolate chips, pretzels, graham crackers, coconut, pecans, caramel bits, butter, and sweetened condensed milk) in a large bowl until well blended.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the entire filling into the frozen pie crust, and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the pie is set and the top is golden brown. (*Check the pie about 25 to 30 minutes in and if the top is getting too dark, cover it with a piece of foil.)
- Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Pie Crust: You can use a homemade pie crust if you prefer.
- Crushing: Don’t crush the pretzels and graham crackers too finely. You want some texture in the filling.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pie while it’s baking. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
- Cooling: Allowing the pie to cool will help it set and make it easier to slice.
- Serving Size: This pie is rich, so smaller slices are recommended.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 700kcal
- Sugar: 70g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 90g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg