Texas Trash Pie is a delightful treat that brings together rich chocolate, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut in a gooey, layered dessert. This easy-to-make pie is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual family dinner. Its unique combination of textures and flavors makes it a standout dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious pie ready to bake in no time.
- Decadent Flavor: The blend of chocolate, coconut, and pecans creates an irresistible taste that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, parties, or just a cozy night in, Texas Trash Pie fits every occasion.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like graham crackers and sweetened condensed milk, it’s easy to whip up anytime.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!
Tools and Preparation
To make Texas Trash Pie smoothly, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools will help you create a perfectly layered dessert without any hassle.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- 9×9-inch baking pan: The perfect size for even baking and easy slicing into squares.
- Mixing bowl: Makes combining ingredients simple and mess-free.
- Measuring cups: Ensure accurate measurements for the best flavor balance in your Texas Trash Pie.
Ingredients
For the Base Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
For the Middle Layers
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Topping
- 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 easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Base Layer
- Evenly sprinkle graham cracker crumbs across the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 3: Add Middle Layers
- Layer sweetened shredded coconut, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chopped pecans on top of the graham cracker layer.
Step 4: Pour the Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over all layers. Make sure it covers everything well.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown top that is bubbly when done.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the Texas Trash Pie to cool completely in the pan before slicing it into squares. Enjoy this delicious treat with friends and family!
How to Serve Texas Trash Pie
Texas Trash Pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its rich chocolatey layers and crunchy textures make it perfect for any gathering or casual dessert night.
Family Gatherings
- Serve Warm: Warm Texas Trash Pie enhances the gooeyness, making it even more appealing.
- Pair with Ice Cream: Top slices with vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of flavors.
Potlucks and Parties
- Cut into Small Squares: Make bite-sized pieces for easy sharing at potlucks.
- Garnish with Nuts: Sprinkle extra chopped pecans on top for added crunch and presentation.
Holiday Celebrations
- Drizzle Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of chocolate sauce elevates the dessert for special occasions.
- Add Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream to make it more festive.
How to Perfect Texas Trash Pie
To create the best Texas Trash Pie, follow these tips to ensure each slice is deliciously perfect.
- Bold Choice of Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate chips and fresh pecans for enhanced flavor.
- Bold Layering Technique: Layer ingredients evenly to ensure every bite has all the flavors and textures.
- Bold Cooling Time: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing; this helps maintain its structure.
- Bold Baking Check: Keep an eye on the baking time to avoid overcooking; look for golden brown on top.
- Bold Storage Method: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for longer shelf life.

Best Side Dishes for Texas Trash Pie
Texas Trash Pie pairs well with several side dishes that can complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances out the sweetness of the pie.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing adds creaminess and helps cut through the richness of the dessert.
- Chocolate Mousse: Serve alongside a small cup of chocolate mousse for a decadent experience.
- Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: These cookies offer a nice textural contrast and refreshing flavor.
- Coffee or Espresso: A hot cup of coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, making it a delightful pairing.
- Creamy Coleslaw: This adds a crunchy texture and tanginess, balancing out the dessert’s sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Texas Trash Pie can be simple, but small mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the cooling step: Allowing the pie to cool completely is essential. If you cut it too soon, it may fall apart and lose its structure.
- Not greasing the pan: Failing to grease your baking pan or line it with parchment paper can lead to sticking. Always prepare your pan to ensure easy removal of the pie.
- Using unsweetened coconut: Choosing unsweetened coconut can make your dessert less tasty. Stick with sweetened shredded coconut for the best flavor and texture.
- Overbaking the pie: Baking too long can cause the top to become too hard. Keep an eye on it and remove it once it’s golden brown and bubbly.
- Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Using cold butter instead of softened butter can alter how well your crust binds. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for better results.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Texas Trash Pie in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing Texas Trash Pie
- Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
- Frozen Texas Trash Pie can last up to three months without losing quality.
Reheating Texas Trash Pie
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie in a baking dish covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual squares on a microwave-safe plate for 15-30 seconds until warm. Be cautious not to overheat as this can make it chewy.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick skillet over low heat. Cover it with a lid and heat for about 5 minutes until warmed evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Texas Trash Pie?
Texas Trash Pie is a layered dessert made with graham cracker crumbs, coconut, chocolate chips, and pecans, all topped with sweetened condensed milk. It’s rich, gooey, and perfect for chocolate lovers!
Can I customize my Texas Trash Pie?
Absolutely! You can add different nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, or substitute white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
How should I serve Texas Trash Pie?
Slice the pie into squares and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s delicious on its own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Is there a gluten-free option for Texas Trash Pie?
Yes! You can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make this dessert gluten-free while maintaining its delightful taste.
Final Thoughts
Texas Trash Pie is an indulgent treat that combines rich chocolate flavors with crunchy pecans and sweet coconut. This versatile dessert is perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite ingredients! Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every gooey bite!

Texas Trash Pie
Texas Trash Pie is an irresistible layered dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, crunchy pecans, and sweet coconut, all enveloped in a gooey base. This easy-to-make pie is perfect for any occasion, be it a festive holiday gathering or a cozy family dinner. With just a few pantry staples, this delightful treat comes together in no time and is sure to impress your guests. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed at room temperature, Texas Trash Pie is a surefire way to satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Evenly sprinkle the graham cracker crumbs across the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Layer the sweetened shredded coconut, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and chopped pecans on top of the graham cracker layer.
- Pour the sweetened condensed milk evenly over all layers to ensure coverage.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly on top.
- Let cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Add variations by incorporating different nuts like walnuts or using white chocolate chips for a unique twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze individual squares for up to three months.