What Exactly Is Texas Trash Pie?

When you think of Texas's most popular culinary staples, you likely conjure up images of tender meat smothered in BBQ sauce, your favorite Tex-Mex dishes, or crispy chicken-fried steak. Whatever your go-to Texan dishes are, there's one thing everyone has in common when it comes to dining in the South: waiting around for dessert. Some regions are not as well known for sugary cakes and pies, but Southern cooking is full of delicious after-dinner treats that are worth waiting for. Whether you're a peach cobbler stan or enjoy a classic funnel cake, Texas has plenty of iconic desserts to choose from. But, one lesser-known dessert may just become your next favorite.

Texas trash pie has an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach to pie making. This gooey, caramely, and crunchy dessert may just be the best twist on a classic pecan pie that has ever been invented. This pie features everything from pecans to pretzels to chocolate chips to coconut and more. So, whether you're known for your sweet tooth or you simply like trying regional staples, it's definitely worth diving into the history around this pie.

You may have gathered from the name that Texas trash pie originated in none other than the lone star state itself. However, you may not have guessed that this popular pie was first invented in the very tiny town of Round Top, Texas, a place with a population of under 100 people. Nearly halfway between Austin and Houston, this small town is known for a few things, including the Royers Round Top Café. Southern Living notes that it was the Royer family, owners of the café, who first created this one-of-a-kind dessert. Bud, "the Pieman" Royer, according to the company's website, is the current pie maker, passionately pushing out this sugary concoction.

This pie has grown incredibly popular, especially in this area of Texas. However, the café does offer nationwide shipping for those looking for a slice of this not-so-trashy pie outside of the state.

When we said that this pie takes an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach to pie making, we weren't kidding. This ingredient line up may just be the sweetest we've ever seen, and most of it can be found in any baker's (or sweet tooth's) pantry.

This pie's ooey-gooey filling features plenty of sweets, including chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and caramel bits to ensure it has a sugary taste. There's also, possibly more surprisingly, pretzels, crumbled graham crackers, and pecan pieces to provide a satisfying crunch and fun textural experience. Butter and sweetened condensed milk are also included to be the "glue" in this recipe.

The pie crust can either be homemade or conveniently be a frozen pre-made pie crust from the store. After all, Texas trash pie doesn't have to be made with overly fancy ingredients. The name keeps it humble, but it's still overwhelmingly tasty. It's also pretty easy to make yourself.

If you aren't planning on doling out cash anytime soon to try an authentic slice of Texas trash pie for yourself, that's okay. You can make this dessert at home, and it is easy to make.

The first step is to simply mix all your sweet ingredients together along with the condensed milk. Once everything is combined well, it is poured into the frozen pie crust and pressed down to form an even and flat surface. The pie is then baked, cooled, sliced, and served! Easy as ... well, pie!

This dessert is best served warm, but make sure it's not too hot. You can dress it up the way you do any of your other favorite pies, whether that's plenty of whipped cream, caramel drizzle, or an extra helping of chocolate chips on top.

Southern Living notes that Royers Round Top Café serves their slices of pie topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. So, if you want to serve this dessert the Texan way, don't skip out on the dairy.