If you’re a fan of rich, nutty desserts with a little chocolate flair, you are absolutely going to love this Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites Recipe. Imagine perfectly toasted pecans nestled in a luscious, gooey filling that combines coconut, chocolate, and brown sugar, all resting atop a buttery, cocoa-tinged shortbread crust. These bite-sized bars are the perfect fusion of classic German chocolate cake flavors and the nostalgia of pecan pie, all packed into a snackable, portable treat that’s as impressive as it is irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the key to nailing this recipe, as each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- Pecan halves: Toasting them intensifies their nutty aroma and adds a delightful crunch.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for our rich, crumbly crust that holds everything together.
- Confectioners’ sugar: Smooth and delicate, it keeps the crust tender and adds subtle sweetness.
- Cold butter, cubed: Ensures a tender, flaky crust when combined with the dry ingredients.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds depth and a hint of chocolate bitterness for a more complex crust flavor.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melt just right to create a luscious, glossy layer between crust and filling.
- Large eggs: Bind the filling, giving it structure and a creamy texture.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a rich molasses sweetness that perfectly complements the pecans and coconut.
- Light corn syrup: Provides that classic chewy-smooth texture in the filling.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps meld the filling ingredients.
- Sweetened flaked coconut: Offers a chewy contrast and evokes the traditional German chocolate touch.
How to Make Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Toast the Pecans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Toasting the pecan halves on a baking pan brings out their natural oils and boosts the nutty flavor, essential for the texture and taste of these pie bites. Bake them for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even toasting, then set aside to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust Base
Line a 9” x 13” baking pan with aluminum foil, making sure to leave an overhang on two sides for easy removal later. Grease with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Whisk together the flour, confectioners’ sugar, and cocoa powder for a gorgeous chocolate-hued base. Cut in the cold butter until the mix looks like coarse crumbs, then press it firmly into the pan, including about 3/4 inch up the sides for that perfect pie-like edge.
Step 3: Bake the Crust and Add Chocolate Layer
Bake the crust for 15 minutes until just set, then immediately sprinkle the semisweet chocolate chips across the warm crust. Allow the pan to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes so the chocolate can gently melt and meld with the crust, creating a decadent, glossy layer that will hold the filling perfectly.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the eggs lightly before adding the brown sugar, light corn syrup, and melted butter. Stir until smooth and velvety. Next, fold in the toasted pecans and sweetened coconut, ensuring each bite has that trademark texture and flavor burst from this classic combination.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Bars
Pour the filling mixture evenly over the crust layered with chocolate chips. Bake for 28 to 34 minutes, watching carefully for those golden edges and a filling that’s set but still tender. Once finished, let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before refrigerating for an hour to firm up that luscious filling. This final step makes cutting and serving neat and easy.
Step 6: Cutting and Serving
Use the foil overhang to lift the bars from the pan gently and transfer them to a cutting board. With a sharp knife, slice into 16 squares or smaller bite-sized pieces. Get ready to enjoy slices of pure decadent delight!
How to Serve Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites Recipe
Garnishes
Bring an extra touch of elegance by sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of additional cocoa powder or powdered sugar over the bars just before serving. You could also add a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce to enhance the indulgence factor.
Side Dishes
These bites pair exceptionally well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. Their rich, nutty sweetness complements creamy or slightly bitter beverages, balancing the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special occasions, arrange Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh mint leaves or edible flowers. You can also serve them in decorative mini cupcake liners for easy grabbing, making them a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stored in an airtight container, these bars stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature, though refrigeration is best for preserving the gooey texture and nutty crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving to bring back that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Reheating
If you like them a little warm, reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5–7 minutes. This revives the melty chocolate and soft filling without drying out the crust.
FAQs
Can I use chopped pecans instead of halves?
Absolutely! Chopped pecans will integrate more evenly in each bite, but halves provide a lovely, crunchy texture and visual appeal if you prefer that contrast.
Is there a substitute for corn syrup in this recipe?
Yes, you can use honey or maple syrup as natural alternatives, though the texture may be slightly different. Corn syrup helps give the signature chewiness to the filling, so keep that in mind.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend of your choice, ensuring it contains xanthan gum to provide structure to the crust.
How long do these pie bites keep their freshness?
When refrigerated properly, they can stay delicious for up to a week, but they are truly best enjoyed within the first few days for maximum flavor and texture.
Can I make these in smaller or larger batches?
Yes, scale ingredient quantities proportionally, keeping bake times in mind—smaller batches may cook faster, so watch them closely to avoid overbaking.
Final Thoughts
You’re going to fall head over heels for the Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites Recipe. It’s a stunning marriage of flavors and textures that feels lovingly homemade yet effortlessly special. Whether sharing with friends or savoring a sweet moment for yourself, these bars are sure to become a treasured favorite. So go ahead—bake a batch, enjoy every bite, and watch how this delightful treat becomes the star of any dessert table.
Print
Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 57 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German-American
Description
These Decadent German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bites combine a rich cocoa crust with a luscious filling of toasted pecans, coconut, and chocolate chips. Perfectly portioned into bars, they offer a delightful blend of textures and flavors inspired by the classic German chocolate pie, making a delicious treat for gatherings or any sweet craving.
Ingredients
For the Toasted Pecans
- 3 cups (330g) pecan halves
For the Crust
- 1 & 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (82g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 cup (21g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup (170g) cold butter, cubed
For the Filling
- 1 & 1/2 cups (255g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (150g) firmly packed light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup (177ml) light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup (56g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (85g) sweetened flaked coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for toasting pecans and baking.
- Toast the Pecans: Arrange the pecan halves in a single layer on a shallow baking pan and bake for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they become lightly toasted and aromatic. Remove and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Crust: Line a 9″x13″x2″ baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on two short sides for easy removal. Grease the foil with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, confectioners’ sugar, and cocoa powder to ensure even distribution.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the cold cubed butter to the dry mixture and use a pastry blender or fingertips to cut or rub it in until the texture resembles coarse meal.
- Form the Crust: Press this mixture evenly into the bottom and about 3/4-inch up the sides of the prepared pan to create an even crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes to set the crust and allow partial cooking.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the crust from the oven and immediately sprinkle semisweet chocolate chips evenly over the hot crust so they begin to melt slightly. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then whisk in light brown sugar, corn syrup, and melted unsalted butter until smooth and fully combined.
- Add Pecans and Coconut: Stir the toasted pecans and sweetened flaked coconut into the filling mixture to distribute evenly.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour the filling evenly over the partially baked crust with the melted chocolate chips.
- Bake the Bars: Bake for 28-34 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the filling has completely set, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Cool Completely: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool fully on a wire rack to room temperature, allowing the filling to solidify.
- Refrigerate to Firm Up: After cooling, place the bars in the refrigerator for about an hour to ensure the filling firms up for easier slicing.
- Cut and Serve: Using the foil overhang, lift the dessert from the pan and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into 16 bars with a sharp knife and serve.
Notes
- Ensure pecans are toasted evenly by stirring halfway through to enhance their flavor.
- Using cold butter in the crust helps achieve a tender, crumbly texture.
- The foil lining helps remove the bars easily without breaking them.
- Allowing the chocolate chips to melt slightly on the crust adds gooey texture in every bite.
- Refrigeration after baking is essential for the filling to set properly before cutting.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
