Name: No-Bake German Chocolate Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: German
Ingredients: 1 9-inch prepared graham cracker crust; 1 3.9 oz package instant chocolate pudding mix; 1¾ cups cold milk; 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade); 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; ½ cup chopped pecans; ½ cup sweetened condensed milk; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; Optional: shaved white chocolate or extra pecans for garnish

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 8 reviews

Get ready to meet your new favorite dessert: No-Bake German Chocolate Pie. This luscious pie layers a creamy chocolate pudding base with a sweet, nutty coconut-pecan topping, all nestled inside a buttery graham cracker crust. It skips the oven entirely, making it absolute perfection for those moments when you want decadence without turning on your oven. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, cooling off at a summer picnic, or just treating yourself to something extraordinary on a weekday, No-Bake German Chocolate Pie always brings the wow factor—and it comes together in minutes with ingredients you probably already have!

No-Bake German Chocolate Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it simple yet utterly irresistible. Every ingredient in No-Bake German Chocolate Pie plays a starring role, contributing to the irresistible layers of flavor, creamy texture, and beautiful presentation you’ll fall in love with.

9-inch prepared graham cracker crust: The crunchy, buttery base that gets the party started and makes serving a breeze.
Instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz): Delivers deep, chocolatey richness while helping the pie set beautifully without baking.
Cold milk (1 ¾ cups): Activates the pudding and brings everything together for the silkiest filling.
Whipped topping (1 cup, such as Cool Whip or homemade): Lightens the chocolate base and makes it extra dreamy; homemade whipped cream adds an even richer touch.
Sweetened shredded coconut (1 cup): Adds a chewy, tropical sweetness that’s classic to German chocolate desserts.
Chopped pecans (½ cup): Brings in a buttery crunch for the topping—giving every bite texture and contrast.
Sweetened condensed milk (½ cup): Binds the topping together and infuses it with caramel-like sweetness.
Butter, melted (2 tablespoons): Adds rich flavor and helps the topping hold together.
Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the sweetness with warm, aromatic notes.
Pinch of salt: Just a touch elevates both the chocolate and coconut flavors, making them pop.
Optional: shaved white chocolate or extra pecans: For a beautiful, celebratory finishing touch to your No-Bake German Chocolate Pie.

How to Make No-Bake German Chocolate Pie

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture is thick and glossy—this only takes about two minutes, and you’ll see it transform before your eyes. Once the pudding is ready, gently fold in the whipped topping. This step adds a cloud-like lightness to the chocolate filling—don’t overmix, as you want to keep as much fluff as possible!

Step 2: Fill the Crust

Take your prepared graham cracker crust and pour in the luscious chocolate mixture, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula so it reaches every corner. The combination of creamy chocolate and crunchy crust is unbeatable, and it creates the perfect foundation for that signature coconut-pecan topping.

Step 3: Prep the Coconut-Pecan Topping

In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened shredded coconut, chopped pecans, sweetened condensed milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Give it all a good stir until everything’s thoroughly coated and glossy. The mixture should be thick and scoopable—if you want more depth of flavor, you can toast the pecans first (just pop them in a dry skillet for a couple of minutes until fragrant).

Step 4: Layer and Chill

Spoon the coconut-pecan mixture evenly over the chocolate layer in the pie crust. Take your time here—swirl it on gently for those tempting ripples and mounds. Now, all that’s left is a little patience: refrigerate your No-Bake German Chocolate Pie for at least four hours, or until completely set. (Overnight chilling makes slicing even neater!)

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

When you’re ready to serve, add a shower of shaved white chocolate or a handful of extra pecans on top for drama and crunch. Each slice is a masterpiece—creamy, sweet, and absolutely show-stopping—and best of all, you didn’t have to turn on the oven!

How to Serve No-Bake German Chocolate Pie

Garnishes

Elevate your No-Bake German Chocolate Pie with a final flourish: a flourish of shaved white chocolate adds a little extra elegance, while a sprinkle of toasted pecans emphasizes the nutty, crunchy topping. If you’re feeling extra festive, a dollop of whipped cream on each slice makes it even more decadent!

Side Dishes

Pair this pie with something light and cool—fresh berries or a fruit salad work beautifully to balance out its richness. For a cozy winter treat, offer hot coffee or strong black tea on the side—the bitterness is the perfect complement to the sweet, chocolatey layers.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this recipe for a party by making individual No-Bake German Chocolate Pie jars or parfaits: simply layer the chocolate filling and coconut-pecan topping in small glass jars. For a special occasion, try drizzling caramel sauce over each slice or adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a gourmet twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra pie? Lucky you! Cover the No-Bake German Chocolate Pie tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it keeps beautifully for up to 5 days—making it a fantastic dessert to make in advance for gatherings or an anytime treat.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze No-Bake German Chocolate Pie! Wrap the entire pie (or individual slices) well in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to one month. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture—for extra insurance, place a piece of parchment between slices if freezing individually.

Reheating

This is one pie that should always be served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary! If enjoying from the fridge, just slice and serve. If frozen, let it thaw gently in the refrigerator before digging in—don’t use the microwave, or you’ll lose that lovely, creamy texture that makes No-Bake German Chocolate Pie irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade crust for No-Bake German Chocolate Pie?

Absolutely! If you prefer, make your own graham cracker or even an Oreo crust. Just press the mixture firmly into your pie pan and chill before filling.

What’s the best chocolate pudding to use?

Stick with instant chocolate pudding mix for that thick, foolproof texture—either regular or dark chocolate works great. Avoid “cook and serve” types, as those require heating and won’t set up the same way.

Can I make this pie dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based milk and a dairy-free whipped topping for the chocolate layer, and swap out the butter and sweetened condensed milk in the topping with vegan substitutes. The result is still fabulously creamy and flavorful.

How far ahead can I assemble No-Bake German Chocolate Pie?

You can make it up to 2 days in advance and keep it chilled until ready to serve. This is a major time-saver for special events or when prepping for a crowd!

How do I prevent the coconut-pecan topping from getting too hard or runny?

Make sure to measure all your ingredients accurately—use the exact amount of sweetened condensed milk for a sticky, spreadable topping. Also, don’t skip the chilling step, as it helps the topping set just right!

Final Thoughts

Seriously, if you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert with minimal fuss, No-Bake German Chocolate Pie will have everyone swooning after the very first bite. It’s rich, dreamy, and so easy that you’ll find yourself making it on repeat. Grab those ingredients and treat yourself—you truly deserve it!