Name: Texas Trash Pie: 1 Divine Recipe, Zero Guilt
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade); ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut; ½ cup crushed pretzels; ½ cup graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; ½ cup white chocolate chips; ½ cup chopped pecans; 1 cup sweetened condensed milk; ¼ teaspoon salt

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Texas Trash Pie has become my go-to dessert for potlucks and family gatherings, ever since I first tasted its magic at a friend’s barbecue. I remember biting into that sweet, salty, crunchy, and chewy slice, and immediately knew I had to get my hands on this amazing Texas Trash Pie recipe. It’s like a party in your mouth, a delightful chaos of chocolate, pretzels, coconut, and pecans all bound together. The aroma of it baking fills my kitchen with such warmth and anticipation, making my easy ground turkey dinner feel complete. This pie truly lives up to its name in the best possible way, combining all the best “leftovers” into one glorious, indulgent treat. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Texas Trash Pie

I promise you, this Texas Trash Pie is going to be your new favorite dessert. It’s not just a pie; it’s an experience, offering a perfect blend of everything wonderful in a single slice. Here’s why I adore it:

It’s an incredibly satisfying dessert, hitting all the sweet, salty, and crunchy notes in one bite.
This easy Texas Trash Pie recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
The combination of flavors and textures in this pie is simply unmatched, creating a truly memorable treat.
It’s a budget-friendly option, often using ingredients you already have in your pantry.
Everyone, from kids to adults, absolutely adores this fun and unique dessert, making it family-friendly.
The delightful contrast of the sweet and salty trash pie elements is utterly addictive and keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients for Texas Trash Pie

Gathering your Texas Trash Pie ingredients is the first step to creating this wonderfully delicious dessert. You’ll find most of these items are pantry staples, which makes whipping up this pie a breeze! I love how simple yet impactful each component is.

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust – whether store-bought or your favorite homemade recipe, this forms the perfect base.
½ cup sweetened shredded coconut – adds a delightful tropical sweetness and chewy texture to the pie.
½ cup crushed pretzels – this is where that essential salty crunch comes from, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
½ cup graham cracker crumbs – provides a subtle honey flavor and helps bind the filling together.
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – for that classic chocolatey goodness that melts perfectly within the pie.
½ cup white chocolate chips – introduces another layer of creamy sweetness, making each bite even more indulgent.
½ cup chopped pecans – offers a nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch, a true Southern touch.
1 cup sweetened condensed milk – the magical binder that holds all the fantastic Texas Trash Pie elements together, creating a rich, gooey texture.
¼ teaspoon salt – a pinch that enhances all the other flavors and really makes the sweet and salty notes sing.

How to Make Texas Trash Pie

Learning how to make Texas Trash Pie is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner bakers. I’ll walk you through each step to ensure your pie turns out perfectly golden, gooey, and utterly delicious. Just follow these simple instructions, and you’ll have a fantastic dessert ready to impress!

Step 1: First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, carefully place your unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie plate. If you’re feeling fancy, you can crimp the edges for a decorative touch. Make sure your crust is thawed if you’re using a frozen one; this helps prevent it from getting soggy.
Step 2: In a generously sized bowl, combine all your exciting mix-ins: the sweetened shredded coconut, crushed pretzels, graham cracker crumbs, semi-sweet chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and chopped pecans. This is where the magic really starts to come together, creating that signature “trash” mix.
Step 3: Now, pour in the star binder—1 cup of sweetened condensed milk. Stir everything together thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are beautifully coated and the mixture is thick and wonderfully sticky. You’ll notice the rich aroma of chocolate and coconut starting to emerge.
Step 4: Spoon this delightful filling into your prepared pie crust. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly, pressing it down slightly to ensure it’s compact and fills the crust perfectly. This step is crucial for a well-formed slice of Texas Trash Pie.
Step 5: Evenly sprinkle the ¼ teaspoon of salt over the top of the filling. This small addition makes a huge difference, enhancing all those sweet and salty flavors that make this pie so addictive.
Step 6: It’s time to how to bake Texas Trash Pie! Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling invitingly around the edges. Keep an eye on the crust; if it starts to brown too quickly, just loosely cover the edges with a bit of foil.
Step 7: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven. This is perhaps the hardest part: let it cool completely on a cooling rack for at least 2-3 hours at room temperature. This cooling time is essential for the filling to set properly, ensuring you get clean, perfect slices of your delicious Texas Trash Pie. For an even firmer pie, you can refrigerate it after it’s cooled to room temperature.

Irresistible Texas Trash Pie with a golden crust and gooey filling, perfect for sharing at gatherings

Pro Tips for the Best Texas Trash Pie

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that truly elevate my Texas Trash Pie from great to absolutely unforgettable. These simple tips will ensure your pie consistently turns out perfectly, with that ideal balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy textures. Trust me, these small adjustments make a big difference in the final result.

Don’t over-mix the filling; just combine until everything is coated.
Always use a good quality pie crust, whether store-bought or homemade.
Let the pie cool completely, even overnight, for the best set and cleanest slices.
Feel free to customize with your favorite additions like toffee bits or different nuts.

What’s the secret to perfect Texas Trash Pie?

The real secret to the best Texas Trash Pie recipe lies in the balance of textures and flavors. Ensuring you have a good mix of crunchy pretzels, chewy coconut, and melty chocolate, all bound by the rich condensed milk, creates that irresistible experience. Don’t skimp on the salt; it truly amplifies the sweetness!

Can I make Texas Trash Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie is actually fantastic when made ahead. You can bake it a day or two in advance. Once cooled completely, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature. The flavors meld beautifully, making it even more delicious for your gathering.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Texas Trash Pie?

The most common mistake is not letting it cool long enough before slicing; this results in a gooey, unformed mess. Another pitfall is over-baking, which can dry out the filling. Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes. Lastly, don’t forget the salt; it’s vital for that signature sweet and salty punch in your Texas Trash Pie.

Best Ways to Serve Texas Trash Pie

Serving your freshly baked Texas Trash Pie is almost as much fun as making it! This delightful dessert is incredibly versatile, and I’ve found a few ways that truly elevate the experience. Because it’s so rich and full of flavor, a small slice often goes a long way, especially when paired thoughtfully.

For a classic treat, I love serving a warm slice of Texas Trash Pie dessert alongside a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cold, creamy ice cream perfectly contrasts the pie’s warm, gooey texture. Another fantastic option is a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. These additions enhance the pie’s inherent sweetness and add another layer of indulgence.

You can also enjoy it simply on its own, perhaps with a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. The rich, sweet, and salty notes of this pie make it a satisfying end to any meal or a delightful afternoon snack. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser!

Delicious slice of Texas Trash Pie on a plate, showcasing its layers of chocolate, pretzels, and pecans

Nutrition Facts for Texas Trash Pie

I know many of you are curious about the nutritional breakdown of this indulgent treat. While it’s certainly a dessert meant for enjoyment, I’ve provided an estimate of the nutrition facts per serving for this delicious Texas Trash Pie. Remember, these values can vary slightly based on the specific brands and exact measurements of your ingredients.

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 500
Protein: 5g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 45g
Sodium: 220mg
Cholesterol: 20mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Texas Trash Pie.

How to Store and Reheat Texas Trash Pie

Properly storing your Texas Trash Pie is key to enjoying its deliciousness for days, and even weeks! After baking, always allow your pie to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation which can make the crust soggy. I usually let my homemade Texas Trash Pie cool for at least 2-3 hours before covering.

For short-term storage, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. If you’re looking to save some for later, this pie freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat, you can gently warm slices in a microwave for 20-30 seconds, or in an oven at 250°F (120°C) for about 10-15 minutes until just warmed through. Frozen slices can be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Enjoy your perfectly preserved Texas Trash Pie!

Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Trash Pie

What is Texas Trash Pie?

Texas Trash Pie is a wonderfully indulgent dessert that combines a delightful mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy ingredients, typically including chocolate chips, pretzels, coconut, and pecans, all baked into a buttery pie crust and bound by sweetened condensed milk. It’s often called an “everything but the kitchen sink” pie because of its eclectic mix of pantry staples.

Why is it called Texas Trash Pie?

The name “Texas Trash Pie” playfully refers to its “everything but the kitchen sink” nature, suggesting it’s made from a hodgepodge of ingredients, much like how one might gather “trash” or odds and ends. Despite the humorous name, it’s a delicious and beloved dessert, especially in the South, known for its unique blend of textures and flavors.

Can I use different mix-ins for my Texas Trash Pie?

Absolutely! One of the best things about Texas Trash Pie is its versatility. I often experiment with different mix-ins. You can easily swap out ingredients for things like butterscotch chips, toffee bits, mini marshmallows, different types of nuts, or even crushed potato chips. Just keep the total volume of mix-ins similar to ensure the pie sets correctly.

Does Texas Trash Pie taste like pecan pie?

While Texas Trash Pie often contains pecans, it’s quite different from a traditional pecan pie. Pecan pie has a distinct custardy, syrupy filling with a strong pecan flavor. Texas Trash Pie offers a much more complex profile, with multiple textures and a balance of sweet and salty notes from the chocolate, pretzels, and coconut. It’s a unique dessert in its own right!

Variations of Texas Trash Pie You Can Try

One of the aspects I love most about Texas Trash Pie is how incredibly adaptable it is. If you’ve mastered the classic recipe, you might be looking for new ways to personalize this delightful dessert. These Texas Trash Pie variations offer exciting twists on the original, allowing you to cater to different tastes or dietary preferences without sacrificing any of that signature sweet and salty goodness.

Gluten-Free Version: Simply swap out the regular pie crust for a gluten-free one, and use gluten-free pretzels and graham cracker crumbs. The rest of the ingredients are typically naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adjustment for those with sensitivities.
Nut-Free Option: If you have nut allergies, you can easily omit the pecans. Replace them with extra pretzels, more chocolate chips, or even sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: For the ultimate chocolate experience, use dark chocolate chips in addition to semi-sweet and white. You could also swirl in a bit of chocolate syrup before baking.
Southern Comfort Twist: Incorporate butterscotch chips or toffee bits for an extra layer of rich, buttery flavor that complements the pecans and coconut beautifully. This adds another dimension to your Texas Trash Pie.