There’s something magical about a dessert that combines sweet, salty, crunchy, and gooey all in one bite. That’s exactly what you get with Texas Trash Pie—a wonderfully indulgent, throw-it-all-together dessert that is as easy to make as it is delicious. Despite the name, there’s nothing “trashy” about this pie. It’s a rich, decadent treat filled with chocolate chips, caramel, shredded coconut, pretzels, pecans, and crushed graham crackers, all held together with sweetened condensed milk.
This pie originates from Round Top, Texas, at the famous Royer’s Round Top Café, where it became a cult favorite. It follows the idea of throwing a mix of pantry ingredients together to create something unexpectedly delicious. The result? A dessert that is a little crunchy, a little chewy, and completely irresistible.
One of the best things about Texas Trash Pie is how easy it is to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment or advanced baking skills—just a few ingredients, a frozen pie crust, and an oven. It’s the perfect dessert for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
If you love desserts that are rich, buttery, and filled with texture, this is the perfect recipe for you. And let’s be honest—anything involving chocolate, caramel, and pretzels is bound to be a winner! Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy it straight from the fridge, this pie will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love this Texas Trash Pie, and once you make it, you’ll see why it has become a classic dessert for so many.
First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. There’s no need for a mixer or complicated steps. You simply combine the ingredients in a bowl, pour the mixture into a frozen pie crust, and bake. That’s it!
Another reason this pie is amazing is its incredible combination of flavors and textures. You get the crunch from the pretzels and pecans, the chewiness from the coconut, the gooey richness from the caramel and sweetened condensed milk, and the classic sweetness of chocolate. Every bite is an explosion of deliciousness.
It’s also a great make-ahead dessert. Texas Trash Pie holds up well in the fridge and can even be frozen for later. This makes it perfect for holidays, potlucks, or last-minute guests.
And let’s not forget—this pie is completely customizable. If you love peanut butter, add peanut butter chips. If you’re a fan of white chocolate, swap out the semisweet chocolate chips. You can mix and match the ingredients to make this pie uniquely yours.
Health Benefits
While Texas Trash Pie is definitely an indulgent treat, some of its ingredients offer surprising health benefits.
Pecans, for example, are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. They help support heart health and can aid in lowering bad cholesterol levels.
Dark chocolate chips, if used instead of milk chocolate, are a great source of antioxidants and can improve brain function.
Shredded coconut provides healthy fats and fiber, making it a great addition to your diet in moderation.
And even though this pie is rich, it’s also satisfying, meaning you only need a small slice to feel like you’ve had a truly indulgent dessert. Enjoying treats like this in moderation can help satisfy sweet cravings without overindulging in processed junk food.
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: About 55 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Calories per serving: ~400-500 calories (varies based on ingredient choices)
Ingredients List
- 1 frozen deep-dish pie crust (9 or 10-inch)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- ¾ cup shredded coconut
- ¾ cup caramel bits
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the rack in the second-lowest position in the oven.
- Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix the chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, crushed graham crackers, shredded coconut, caramel bits, and chopped pecans. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Add the Binding Ingredients
- Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and melted butter. Mix thoroughly to coat all the dry ingredients. This will create a sticky, rich filling.
- Fill the Pie Crust
- Pour the mixture into the frozen pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the Pie
- Place the pie in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Cool Before Serving
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This will help it set and make slicing easier.
How to Serve
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for even more gooey goodness.
- Enjoy chilled or at room temperature for a firmer texture.
Pairing Suggestions
- Beverages: Serve with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or a tall glass of cold milk.
- Side Desserts: Pair with fresh fruit or a light sorbet to balance the richness.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds per slice or bake at 300°F for 10 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: The pie should be golden brown, not dark brown.
- Not mixing ingredients well: Make sure every ingredient is coated with sweetened condensed milk.
- Skipping the cooling step: Cutting too soon will cause it to fall apart.
Pro Tips
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Lightly crush the pretzels and graham crackers—you want texture, not crumbs.
- For extra crunch, add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
How to Customize Texas Trash Pie to Your Taste
One of the best things about Texas Trash Pie is how versatile it is. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have in your pantry. If you love peanut butter, swap out the semisweet chocolate chips for peanut butter chips. Prefer a more caramel-forward pie? Increase the caramel bits and reduce the chocolate. For an extra crunch, add chopped almonds, walnuts, or even crushed toffee pieces. If you want a slightly less sweet version, use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet. You can even experiment with different cookie or cracker bases—try crushed Oreos, Biscoff cookies, or even shortbread instead of graham crackers. The beauty of this pie is that it’s forgiving and adaptable, making it perfect for anyone who loves experimenting in the kitchen.
Holiday and Special Occasion Ideas for Texas Trash Pie
Texas Trash Pie is already a crowd-pleaser, but you can make it even more festive for holidays and special occasions. For Thanksgiving, add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling to complement the fall flavors. During the holiday season, mix in crushed peppermint candies for a minty twist. For a summer version, serve it chilled with fresh whipped cream and berries on top. If you’re making this for a birthday, consider drizzling white chocolate over the cooled pie and adding colorful sprinkles. For Valentine’s Day, use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut out individual servings and top them with a chocolate ganache drizzle. Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a big celebration, this pie can be easily dressed up to fit the occasion.
How to Fix Common Baking Issues with Texas Trash Pie
Even though this pie is simple to make, a few things can go wrong if you’re not careful. If the pie turns out too runny, it may not have been baked long enough—make sure to check for a golden-brown top and allow it to set properly before slicing. If the crust gets too dark before the pie is fully baked, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning. If your filling seems too dry, you may not have used enough sweetened condensed milk. For a softer texture, let the pie cool at room temperature instead of putting it straight into the fridge. If the top cracks, don’t worry—just drizzle caramel or melted chocolate over it for a beautiful finish. With a few small adjustments, you can make sure your pie turns out perfect every time.
Fun Ways to Serve Leftover Texas Trash Pie
Leftovers of this pie are just as delicious, if not better, the next day. You can enjoy a slice straight from the fridge for a firmer texture, or warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooier bite. Try crumbling a slice over vanilla ice cream to make an over-the-top sundae. For a decadent breakfast treat, lightly toast a slice and spread a thin layer of peanut butter or Nutella on top. You can also chop the pie into small squares and mix them into yogurt or oatmeal for a sweet crunch. If you want to make a completely new dessert, blend a slice into a milkshake with vanilla ice cream and a splash of milk. However you choose to enjoy it, Texas Trash Pie always tastes amazing, no matter how it’s served.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a homemade pie crust?
Yes! A homemade crust will add even more flavor. Just pre-bake it slightly before adding the filling.
Can I make Texas Trash Pie nut-free?
Absolutely. Simply omit the pecans or replace them with sunflower seeds.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Wrap in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Texas Trash Pie is a decadent, easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a party, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this pie will not disappoint. Try it today and let me know how it turns out!
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Texas Trash Pie
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich, gooey, and crunchy pie packed with chocolate chips, caramel, coconut, pretzels, and pecans—all held together with sweetened condensed milk.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen deep-dish pie crust (9 or 10-inch)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- ¾ cup shredded coconut
- ¾ cup caramel bits
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place rack in the second-lowest position.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, crushed graham crackers, shredded coconut, caramel bits, and pecans.
- Add liquids: Stir in sweetened condensed milk and melted butter until fully combined.
- Fill pie crust: Pour the mixture into the frozen pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly.
- Serve warm with ice cream or caramel drizzle.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
