German Chocolate Pie

On Thanksgiving we reflect on what’s important and we give thanks. My parents always celebrated Thanksgiving with gratitude and a house filled with family. My mother loved coconut and my father liked chocolate, so this recipe for German Chocolate Pie would have made them happy. This one’s for you Mom and Dad!

When we were kids, my mother taught us to say a prayer before meals. It was short and concise and I am sure many of you will recognize it. It went like this, “God is good, God is great. Thank you for our food, Amen.” We repeated this for years at every meal and now I realize that it was important to her because she wanted to make sure we were thankful for our food, for our home, for each other and for God. So, on Thanksgiving I think of her and my father and I am thankful for their love and for the values they instilled in us as we were growing up.

German Chocolate Pie Recipe

What’s needed?

• 1 Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust

For Chocolate Filling:

• 4 ounces German sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 1 -14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pecan Topping:

• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup butter, cubed
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 cup flaked coconut
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, divided

How to make German Chocolate Pie?

• Prepare the pie crust according to package instructions. Bake at 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

• In a microwaveable bowl, melt the chocolate, stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
• Whisk in milk, egg yolks and vanilla. Poor into the crust.

• Bake 17-19 minutes or until filling is set. Cool on a wire rack.
• In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter and cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat and stir to dissolve  the sugar. Remove pan from the heat.
• In a small bowl, whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks, return all to the pan, whisking constantly. Cook 2-3 minutes or until mixture thickens, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in coconut, 1/4 cup pecans, and vanilla.

• Pour the topping over the pie. Sprinkle addition 1/4 cup pecans over the topping. Refrigerate until pie is cold.

I like to serve this delicious German Chocolate Pie with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. It goes so well with the chocolate and pecans in this yummy dessert. Whether you are celebrating with a crowd or a few, enjoy your time together and remember to reflect on what makes you most thankful. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!