Texas Trash Pie is a delightful dessert that combines layers of graham cracker crumbs, sweet coconut, pecans, and chocolate. This gooey treat is perfect for celebrations, family gatherings, or whenever you crave something sweet. Its unique combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout choice for dessert lovers.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Base
- For the Filling
- How to Make Texas Trash Pie
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Prepare the Base Layer
- Step 3: Add Layers of Goodness
- Step 4: Pour Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Step 5: Bake It Up
- Step 6: Cool Down Before Serving
- How to Serve Texas Trash Pie
- Serve with Ice Cream
- Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- Top with Whipped Cream
- Add Fresh Berries
- Serve Warm or Cold
- How to Perfect Texas Trash Pie
- Best Side Dishes for Texas Trash Pie
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Texas Trash Pie
- Reheating Texas Trash Pie
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Texas Trash Pie?
- How do I know when Texas Trash Pie is done?
- Can I make Texas Trash Pie ahead of time?
- What variations can I try with Texas Trash Pie?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious pie in no time.
- Rich Flavor: The blend of chocolate, coconut, and pecans creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dessert: Ideal for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night in; this pie suits any occasion.
- Gooey Goodness: The layers come together to create a wonderfully gooey texture that is simply irresistible.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This Texas Trash Pie is sure to impress your friends and family with its delightful flavor and presentation.

Tools and Preparation
To make the Texas Trash Pie, you’ll need to gather some essential tools to ensure a successful baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or spatula
- Oven
Importance of Each Tool
- Baking Pan: A sturdy 9×9-inch pan ensures even baking and easy serving.
- Mixing Bowl: A good mixing bowl helps you combine ingredients thoroughly without making a mess.
- Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your pie.
Ingredients
Texas Trash Pie is a gooey, chocolatey dessert layered with graham cracker crumbs, coconut, pecans, and sweetened condensed milk. Perfect for any occasion!
For the Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
For the Filling
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
How to Make Texas Trash Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Base Layer
Sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan. This forms a delicious base for your Texas Trash Pie.
Step 3: Add Layers of Goodness
Layer on top of the graham crackers:
Sprinkle the sweetened shredded coconut evenly.
Follow with semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Add chopped pecans on top of the chocolate chips.
Step 4: Pour Sweetened Condensed Milk
Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over all the layers. This will help bind everything together while baking.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid over-baking.
Step 6: Cool Down Before Serving
Allow the pie to cool completely in the pan before slicing it into squares. This will help ensure clean cuts and maintain its lovely layers.
Enjoy your homemade Texas Trash Pie!
How to Serve Texas Trash Pie
Texas Trash Pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you are serving it at a family gathering or a casual get-together, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.
Serve with Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate and nutty flavors of the pie, adding a creamy contrast.
Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce
- A drizzle of warm chocolate sauce enhances the chocolatey goodness and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Top with Whipped Cream
- Light and airy whipped cream balances the richness of the pie and makes for an elegant presentation.
Add Fresh Berries
- Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a burst of freshness that complements the dessert beautifully.
Serve Warm or Cold
- Enjoying Texas Trash Pie warm from the oven offers a gooey texture, while chilled slices provide a firmer, more cohesive bite.
How to Perfect Texas Trash Pie
To make your Texas Trash Pie even more delicious, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure each bite is as good as it can be.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh coconut and high-quality chocolate chips to enhance flavor.
Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your pie while baking; it should be golden brown and bubbly, but not overly hard.
Layer Evenly: Make sure to spread each layer evenly for consistent flavor and texture throughout the pie.
Cool Completely: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps it set properly for cleaner cuts.
Best Side Dishes for Texas Trash Pie
Pairing side dishes with your Texas Trash Pie can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that complements the dessert’s richness with its cool creaminess.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances sweetness.
Coffee: A cup of strong coffee enhances the chocolate flavors and provides a nice contrast to the sweetness.
Chocolate Milkshake: For chocolate lovers, this creamy shake is a fun addition that amplifies the dessert experience.
Pecan Pralines: These sweet treats echo the pecan flavors in the pie and make for a delightful crunchy side.
Whipped Cream Topped Hot Cocoa: This warm drink pairs well with dessert, especially on chilly days, creating a comforting treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Texas Trash Pie can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Avoid these pitfalls for a perfect treat.
- Layering: Not layering ingredients properly can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure to layer the graham cracker crumbs first, followed by the coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans.
- Baking Time: Overbaking or underbaking can ruin the texture. Keep an eye on your pie and remove it from the oven once it’s golden brown and bubbly.
- Cooling: Cutting the pie too soon can result in messy squares. Allow it to cool completely in the pan before slicing for neat pieces.
- Ingredient Substitutions: Using different types of nuts or chocolates may change the flavor significantly. Stick to pecans and semi-sweet chocolate chips for the best results.
- Measuring Ingredients: Incorrect measurements can throw off your dish. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure accuracy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store Texas Trash Pie in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Texas Trash Pie
- Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place them in a freezer-safe container; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Texas Trash Pie
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place slices on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Texas Trash Pie?
Texas Trash Pie is a rich dessert made with layers of graham crackers, chocolate chips, coconut, and pecans, all held together with sweetened condensed milk.
How do I know when Texas Trash Pie is done?
It’s done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.
Can I make Texas Trash Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What variations can I try with Texas Trash Pie?
Feel free to experiment with different nuts or add more chocolate for extra richness. You could also use crushed Oreos as a base instead of graham crackers!
Final Thoughts
Texas Trash Pie is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This gooey dessert is perfect for any occasion. Customize it by adding your favorite nuts or chocolates! Give this recipe a try; your friends and family will love it!
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Texas Trash Pie
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
Description
Texas Trash Pie is a deliciously gooey dessert that brings together the rich flavors of chocolate, coconut, and pecans in a delightful layered treat. With its buttery graham cracker base and sweetened condensed milk binding all the components together, this pie is perfect for any celebration or cozy night in. Its easy preparation makes it a go-to recipe for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with fresh berries for an irresistible indulgence that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Spread graham cracker crumbs evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Layer sweetened shredded coconut, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chopped pecans over the crumbs.
- Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over the layers.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Cool completely before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg





