If you’re a fan of rich, chocolatey desserts, you’re in for a treat! This Marie Callenders German Chocolate Pie Easy Copycat Recipe captures all the decadent flavors of the classic pie, with creamy chocolate filling, a hint of coconut, and a delightful crunch from pecans. This easy-to-follow recipe will have your friends and family wondering if you’ve been secretly taking baking lessons. With a 19-inch pastry pie shell, this pie is perfect for gatherings or celebrations. Let’s dive into the details of this delicious dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why It Works Every Time
The beauty of this pie lies in its simplicity and the balance of flavors. The combination of semisweet chocolate chips and dark chocolate pudding creates a rich, velvety filling that melts in your mouth. Adding in the shredded coconut and chopped nuts not only enhances the texture but also brings a nutty sweetness that complements the chocolate beautifully. The whipped cream topping adds a lightness that offsets the richness of the pie, making each bite a heavenly experience. Plus, the egg whites whipped to perfection create a fluffy finish that makes this copycat recipe feel like it came straight from Marie Callender’s kitchen.
Ingredients at a Glance
- 1 19-inch pastry pie shell
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 14-ounce box dark chocolate pudding (cooking, not instant)
- 1/2 cup finely shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 10 ounces whipped cream or Cool Whip topping
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 4 tablespoons sugar
Equipment & Tools
- Mixing bowl: For combining the chocolate filling ingredients.
- Whisk: To whip the egg whites and mix ingredients smoothly.
- Rubber spatula: For folding in the whipped cream gently.
- 9-inch pie plate: To hold your pie crust and filling.
- Oven: For baking the pie to perfection.
Directions: Marie Callenders German Chocolate Pie Easy Copycat Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pie crust bakes evenly and achieves a beautiful golden color.
Step 2: Prepare the Pie Shell
Place the 19-inch pastry pie shell in your pie plate. If using a store-bought crust, follow the package instructions for pre-baking. If you’re making your own crust, roll it out and fit it into the plate, trimming any excess.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Make the Chocolate Filling
In a large mixing bowl, prepare the dark chocolate pudding according to the package instructions. Once it’s thickened, fold in the melted chocolate until well combined.
Step 5: Add Coconut and Nuts
Gently fold in the finely shredded coconut and chopped pecans or walnuts into the chocolate mixture. This will give your pie that classic German chocolate flavor.
Step 6: Prepare the Egg Whites
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. This will create a fluffy layer for your pie.
Step 7: Combine Mixtures
Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture. This helps to lighten the filling and gives it a wonderful texture.
Step 8: Pour into the Pie Shell
Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared pie shell, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Step 9: Bake the Pie
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Allow it to cool at room temperature for a bit before refrigerating.
Step 10: Top with Whipped Cream
Once the pie is completely cooled, spread the whipped cream or Cool Whip topping evenly over the top. You can also sprinkle additional shredded coconut and chopped nuts for garnish.
Step 11: Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing easier.
Holiday-Friendly Variations
- For a festive twist, add a splash of peppermint extract for a holiday-inspired version.
- Substitute the pecans with crushed candy canes for a refreshing crunch.
- Top with seasonal fruit like raspberries for a pop of color and tartness.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If the pie filling seems too runny, ensure that you allow the chocolate pudding to thicken properly before adding the other ingredients.
- For a crispier crust, consider blind-baking the pie shell before adding the filling.
- If the egg whites don’t reach stiff peaks, make sure your mixing bowl is clean and free of grease.
- For a smoother filling, ensure the melted chocolate is slightly cooled before mixing it with the pudding.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
Once your pie is baked and cooled, store it in the refrigerator, covered, where it can last for up to 4 days. If you need to rewarm, serve it at room temperature, or you can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, just until slightly warmed. However, this dessert is best enjoyed chilled!
Marie Callenders German Chocolate Pie Easy Copycat Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate for the filling?
Absolutely! You can experiment with milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that this may alter the overall sweetness of the pie.
Is there a way to make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free pie crust or a homemade crust made with almond flour or gluten-free flour blends to make this pie gluten-free.
How can I make this pie ahead of time?
You can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just be sure to keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. The flavors will deepen and become even more delicious overnight!
What should I serve with this pie?
This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Fresh berries also make a great complement to this rich dessert.
Healthy-ish Favorites
Wrap-Up
This Marie Callenders German Chocolate Pie Easy Copycat Recipe is not just a dessert; it’s an experience to be shared with friends and family. The rich chocolate filling, combined with the nutty crunch of pecans and the sweet coconut, creates an irresistible treat that will elevate any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a cozy night in, this pie is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and get ready to serve up a slice of happiness!
Marie Callenders German Chocolate Pie Easy Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 19-inch pastry pie shell
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 14 ounce dark chocolate pudding (cooking, not instant)
- 1/2 cup finely shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 10 ounces whipped cream or Cool Whip topping
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 4 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
- Place the 19-inch pastry pie shell in your pie plate and prepare according to package instructions or your own recipe.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and microwave in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the dark chocolate pudding according to package instructions and fold in the melted chocolate until well combined.
- Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped nuts into the chocolate mixture.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form, then gradually add sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Carefully fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture.
- Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared pie shell, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Once cooled, spread the whipped cream topping evenly over the pie and garnish as desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- 9-inch pie plate
- Oven
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To rewarm, serve at room temperature or microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds.
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust.
