Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Harmony: The combination of sweet chocolate, nutty pecans, and salty pretzels creates a balanced and satisfying flavor profile.
- Textural Contrast: Each bite offers a delightful mix of crunchy nuts and pretzels with a gooey, caramelized filling.
- Simplicity: Utilizing common pantry ingredients, this pie is straightforward to prepare, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Versatility: Perfect for various occasions, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120g) light corn syrup
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
- 1 cup (90g) shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup (60g) crushed pretzels
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Layer the Dry Ingredients: Evenly spread the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the bottom of the pie crust. Follow with layers of chopped pecans, shredded sweetened coconut, and crushed pretzels.
- Add the Liquid Mixture: Slowly pour the sugar mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. If the crust starts to overbrown, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Serve as is, or top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Variations
- Nut Substitutions: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds to suit your preference.
- Additional Flavors: Incorporate butterscotch or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
- Drizzle Topping: For extra flair, drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the cooled pie before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheating: To enjoy warm, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
FAQs
What is Texas Trash Pie?
Texas Trash Pie is a Southern dessert that combines ingredients like chocolate chips, coconut, pecans, and pretzels in a caramel-like filling within a pie crust. The name reflects the mix of various “leftover” ingredients, resulting in a rich and indulgent treat.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a store-bought pie crust works well and saves time. Ensure it’s unbaked and fits a 9-inch pie dish.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. Texas Trash Pie can be made a day in advance. Store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and serve it when ready.
How do I prevent the crust from overbrowning?
If the crust edges brown too quickly during baking, cover them with foil or use a pie crust shield to protect them while the filling continues to cook.
Can I freeze Texas Trash Pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What type of pretzels should I use?
Use salted pretzels for the best salty-sweet contrast. Crush them coarsely to retain some crunch in the pie.
Can I add other ingredients?
Feel free to customize the pie by adding ingredients like dried fruit, different types of nuts, or various baking chips to suit your taste.
Is light corn syrup necessary?
Light corn syrup helps achieve the gooey, caramel-like consistency of the filling. Substituting it may alter the texture and
Print
Texas Trash Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Texas Trash Pie is a decadent Southern dessert that blends sweet, salty, and crunchy elements into one irresistible treat. Featuring a mix of semi-sweet chocolate chips, chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and crushed pretzels in a rich caramel-like filling, all nestled in a flaky pie crust, this pie is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you crave a unique indulgence.
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120g) light corn syrup
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
- 1 cup (90g) shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup (60g) crushed pretzels
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Fit the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Prepare the Filling – In a mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Layer the Ingredients – Spread chocolate chips evenly over the bottom of the pie crust. Layer with chopped pecans, shredded coconut, and crushed pretzels.
- Pour the Filling – Slowly pour the sugar mixture over the layered ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Bake – Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch drips. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. If the crust browns too quickly, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool and Serve – Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. Serve as is or with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Nut Swap – Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
- Extra Flavors – Try butterscotch or white chocolate chips.
- Drizzle Topping – Add melted chocolate or caramel drizzle before serving.
- Storage – Keep at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American