Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here from Grill Drip, ready to share one of my all-time favorite creations that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds sing. We’re talking about the one, the only… Texas Trash Pie! Trust me, this isn’t your average pie.

This Texas Trash Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a total flavor adventure! What started as a late-night craving turned into a kitchen experiment gone right. I wanted something sweet, something salty, and something totally unexpected.

And that’s how this beautiful mess of deliciousness was born! It’s a happy accident I’m so excited to share with you. Get ready for a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to devour. Let’s get cooking, and let’s make some magic! 💕

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Texas Trash Pie ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Don’t be scared by the “trash” in the name – it’s just a playful way to describe the mix of sweet and savory goodness. Grab these ingredients during your normal shopping trip:

1 (14.3 ounce) package of graham crackers: Crushed into fine crumbs for the crust.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Melted, to bind the graham cracker crust.
1 cup granulated sugar: For the perfect touch of sweetness.
1 cup light corn syrup: This helps with that smooth, gooey texture.
4 large eggs: Beaten, to give the filling that perfect richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: I’m telling you, it boosts all the flavors.
1 cup chopped pecans: Adds that nutty crunch we all love.
1 cup chocolate chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate, your choice!
1 cup salted caramel bits: For that irresistible sweet and salty combo.
1 cup mini pretzels: Roughly crushed, because a little salty crunch takes it to the next level.

No worries if you don’t have caramel bits! I use chopped caramels mixed with a pinch of sea salt all the time in my Texas Trash Pie. And I love adding extra pretzels to my Texas Trash Pie for that extra kick. Store any extras in an airtight container.

This Texas Trash Pie gets its amazing taste from the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Salty pretzels against sweet chocolate? Yes, please! This recipe is forgiving, so don’t worry about being precise. Trust your taste buds!

Let’s Make Some!

This is my favorite part of making Texas Trash Pie – watch the magic happen! I’ve tweaked this trash pie recipe over the years, and these steps will give you the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy in every bite.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get that oven ready for some serious pie action!
Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. This will be the base for your Texas Trash Pie masterpiece!
Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling. This helps the crust hold its shape and adds a nice toasty flavor.
Mix the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and corn syrup until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. This is where the magic starts happening!
Add the “trash”: Fold in the pecans, chocolate chips, caramel bits, and crushed pretzels. Make sure everything is evenly distributed throughout the filling. Don’t be shy – load it up with all those delicious goodies!
Pour into the crust: Pour the filling into the prepared graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly to ensure every slice is packed with flavor.
Bake the pie: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown. The center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid. In my kitchen, this Texas Trash Pie usually takes about 32 minutes to reach perfection.
Cool completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is crucial! The filling needs time to set properly. While your Texas Trash Pie is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas!
Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, slice and serve. Prepare for happy dances! Don’t worry if your Texas Trash Pie looks a little rustic – that’s part of its charm!

Trust your instincts in the kitchen. If you like extra chocolate chips, throw them in! That’s why this is the ultimate pecan pie alternative. For more easy desserts, check out my Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet. This is a weeknight winner that doesn’t sacrifice on taste.

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Texas Trash Pie hits the table with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I love serving this Texas Trash Pie slightly chilled – it brings out all the flavors even more. This is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!

This Texas Trash Pie is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for potlucks, game nights, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family with a dessert that’s both delicious and unique. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for the Yummy and easy dessert I make a Texas trash pie with pecans.

For a bold flavor pairing, try serving this sweet and salty pie with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream. The extra saltiness really complements the sweetness of the pie. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a little extra caramel sauce on top.

Leftovers (if you have any!) can be transformed into amazing ice cream sundaes. Just crumble the pie over vanilla ice cream, add some whipped cream and a cherry on top, and you’ve got a decadent treat. Or try crumbling the Texas Trash Pie over yogurt for a breakfast treat!

I’ve experimented with adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the pie just before serving. The slight saltiness takes it to another level! For presentation, a simple dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance. No one can resist a slice of this Texas Trash Pie!

FAQs:

Fellow food lovers often ask me questions about this Texas Trash Pie, so here are some answers to help you on your baking journey!

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Texas Trash Pie? Absolutely! This recipe is super forgiving. If you can crush graham crackers and stir ingredients, you’re golden. The beauty of this Texas Trash Pie is that it’s supposed to be a little messy and rustic.
What if I mess up my Texas Trash Pie? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!) Honestly, even if it doesn’t look perfect, it will still be delicious. The combination of flavors is just too good to fail. Maybe it will become a new Texas Trash Pie variation!
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! In fact, I recommend it. The Texas Trash Pie needs time to chill and set properly. You can bake it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How can I prep this Texas Trash Pie for busy weeknights? Crush the graham crackers and mix them with the butter ahead of time. You can also chop the pecans and crush the pretzels. Store everything in airtight containers until you’re ready to bake.
Can I use a pre-made graham cracker crust? Absolutely! That’s a great shortcut for busy weeknights. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. I always have a pre-made graham cracker crust on hand.
What if I don’t like pecans? You can substitute them with walnuts, almonds, or any other nuts you prefer. Or just leave them out altogether! More chocolate chips are always a good idea!
Can I freeze this Texas Trash Pie? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Why is it called “Trash Pie”? It’s called “Trash Pie” because it’s a mix of all sorts of delicious odds and ends – like you just threw everything tasty into a pie! Don’t be fooled by the name – it’s pure deliciousness!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can! Just use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. You may also need to check the labels of the other ingredients to make sure they are gluten-free.

CONCLUSION:

This Texas Trash Pie brings me so much joy because it’s a reminder that the best things in life are often the result of happy accidents. It’s a celebration of bold flavors and unexpected combinations. I’m excited for you to try this graham cracker crust pie!

My Texas Trash Pie Flavor Secrets:

Don’t be afraid to experiment: This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add your own favorite ingredients – like peanut butter chips, toffee bits, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top.
Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the pie. Splurge on good chocolate chips and fresh pecans. You will taste the difference!
Let it cool completely: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, this pie is much better when it’s had time to cool and set properly.

I’ve tested a few delicious Texas Trash Pie variations:

Peanut Butter Texas Trash Pie: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter chips to the filling and drizzle with melted peanut butter before serving. Perfect for peanut butter lovers!
Spiced Texas Trash Pie: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg to the filling for a warm, cozy flavor. Ideal for the holidays!
Chocolate Lover’s Texas Trash Pie: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet and add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the filling. This is perfect for the serious chocolate fan.

For a fun twist, serve the peanut butter version at a kid’s birthday party. The spiced version is perfect for Thanksgiving. Trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen! I’m excited to hear about your cooking adventures! Go forth and create some delicious magic with this Texas Trash Pie!

Texas Trash Pie

Print Recipe

This Texas Trash Pie is a surprisingly delicious dessert featuring a buttery cracker crust, a sweet and salty filling, and a crunchy pecan topping. It’s the perfect crowd-pleasing treat for any occasion!

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 sleeve (4 oz) Ritz crackers, crushed
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup

4 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate.
In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
Pour the filling over the cracker crust.
Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the top.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

Serve chilled or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements this pie beautifully.