Texas Trash Pie

I still remember the first time I baked Texas Trash Pie. It was one of those curious days when I wanted to clean out my pantry and turn leftovers into something delicious—and what came out of the oven was absolute magic. The name might raise a few eyebrows, but don’t be fooled. This pie is a treasure trove of sweet, salty, crunchy goodness baked into one golden, gooey masterpiece. It’s the kind of dessert that never stays on the table for long. Whether it’s served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cold from the fridge the next day, there’s something addictive about each bite.

Why will you love this recipe? Because it’s everything you want in a dessert—chewy, nutty, chocolaty, and sweet—with a flaky crust holding it all together. It doesn’t require any fancy techniques or special equipment. In fact, most of the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. Plus, it’s one of those pies that looks rustic but tastes gourmet, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for parties, potlucks, and holiday dinners.

Another thing I love about Texas Trash Pie is how versatile it is. You can mix and match the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Don’t have chocolate chips? Add white chocolate or butterscotch instead. Not a fan of shredded coconut? Skip it and double the pecans or pretzels. The flexibility is what makes it such a go-to favorite for home bakers like me. You can personalize it every single time you make it.

This pie is also incredibly budget-friendly. There’s no need to go out and buy exotic items. Everything can be found at your local grocery store, often in your pantry already. It’s ideal for bakers who love using simple ingredients to create bold flavors.

Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need for this indulgent Texas Trash Pie:

• One unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

• Sweetened condensed milk

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips

• Butterscotch chips

• Shredded sweetened coconut

• Chopped pecans

• Crushed pretzels

• Crushed graham crackers

• A pinch of salt

• A touch of vanilla extract

This pie brings together everything that makes dessert irresistible—and it does it all without being fussy. That’s the beauty of Texas Trash Pie: it’s comfort food at its best, made from the scraps of the pantry but full of rich, satisfying flavor.

How to Prepare This Recipe 
Step-by-Step Instructions for Texas Trash Pie

Making Texas Trash Pie is one of the most enjoyable baking experiences. It’s simple, flexible, and requires no special baking skills. The result is a pie with incredible texture and flavor that’s bound to be a hit wherever you take it. If you’re looking for something quick, easy, and indulgent, this is it. Here’s how to bring it all together.

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position for even baking.

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Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust

If using a store-bought crust, remove it from the packaging and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the edges to ensure it fits snugly. If you’re using homemade crust, roll it out and fit it into the dish, trimming any excess around the edges. Prick the bottom lightly with a fork to prevent puffing.

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Step 3: Gather Your Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the following:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup butterscotch chips

• 1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut

• 1/2 cup crushed pretzels

• 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

• A pinch of salt

Toss everything together until well combined. This dry mix is the core of the pie’s unique texture—crunchy, chewy, and layered with flavor.

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Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

To the dry mixture, pour in:

• 1 can (14 oz or 396g) sweetened condensed milk

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the condensed milk evenly coats all the dry ingredients. The mixture should be thick and sticky—this is what binds the pie filling together as it bakes.

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Step 5: Fill the Pie Crust

Carefully spoon the mixture into the prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to press it down gently and spread it out evenly to the edges. It doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth—this pie is meant to look rustic.

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Step 6: Bake the Pie

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are golden brown and the filling is bubbling slightly in the center. The top should be set but not hard—keep an eye on it around the 30-minute mark.

If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover them with foil halfway through baking.

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Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. This is important, as the filling needs time to set up. If you try to slice it while warm, it may fall apart.

Letting the pie cool for at least 2 hours at room temperature ensures cleaner slices and a firmer texture. You can also refrigerate it after cooling for an even firmer bite.

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Quick and Easy Treat

This recipe is perfect for busy days when you need a dessert in a pinch. No mixers, no complicated techniques, and only one bowl required. Clean-up is just as easy as the prep!

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Customizable for Any Pantry

You can swap in whatever crunchy or sweet mix-ins you love or have available. Try crushed cereal instead of graham crackers. Use white chocolate, caramel chips, or chopped dried fruit for a different flavor profile. The condensed milk and base ingredients tie everything together, no matter the variation.

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Popular with All Ages

Whether you’re baking for kids, adults, or a mixed crowd, Texas Trash Pie is always a hit. The blend of sweet and salty appeals to everyone, and the gooey center makes each bite satisfying. It’s become one of those go-to recipes in my kitchen whenever I need something that guarantees smiles.

From potlucks and bake sales to holiday feasts and casual Sunday dinners, this pie fits right in. I’ve shared this recipe with friends and neighbors, and the feedback is always the same: “I need this recipe!”

With a little prep and pantry staples, you’ll have a golden-baked pie that delivers on flavor, texture, and joy.

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FAQs 
Frequently Asked Questions about Texas Trash Pie

1. What is Texas Trash Pie made of?
Texas Trash Pie is a delightful mix of pantry staples—chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, coconut, pretzels, graham crackers, and pecans—all held together with sweetened condensed milk and baked in a flaky pie crust. It’s the ultimate sweet-and-salty dessert.

2. Can I use a homemade crust instead of store-bought?
Yes, absolutely. A homemade pie crust will work perfectly and can even enhance the flavor. Just make sure it’s unbaked before adding the filling.

3. How should I store this pie?
Once cooled, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

4. Can Texas Trash Pie be frozen?
Yes, this pie freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely. The combination of chocolate, crunchy bits, and chewy sweetness is a big hit with children. It’s also fun to make with kids since it doesn’t involve any sharp tools or complicated steps.