German Chocolate Brownies

If you’re a fan of brownies and the rich flavors of German chocolate cake, these German Chocolate Brownies are your dream dessert! Imagine fudgy brownies topped with a gooey, nutty coconut frosting that’s sweet, indulgent, and oh-so-irresistible. This recipe takes a classic treat to the next level by combining two beloved desserts into one unforgettable bite. Perfect for special occasions or just when you’re craving something indulgent.

One evening, I wanted to surprise my husband with a special treat, and I knew his love for both brownies and German chocolate cake. That’s when I decided to combine the two, creating these German Chocolate Brownies. The moment he took the first bite, his eyes lit up—rich, fudgy chocolate paired perfectly with the classic coconut-pecan frosting. Now, it’s become a staple dessert in our house for family gatherings, special occasions, or even when we just want something decadent to share on a cozy evening.

Why You’ll Love German Chocolate Brownies

•Two Desserts in One: Combines the fudgy goodness of brownies with the iconic topping of German chocolate cake.

•Perfect for Chocolate Lovers: Rich, indulgent, and chocolatey—these brownies will satisfy any chocolate craving.

•Easy to Make: Even though it looks fancy, this recipe is simple to follow with ingredients you likely have on hand.

•Crowd-Pleaser: Great for parties, family gatherings, or anytime you need a show-stopping dessert.

Ingredients Notes for German Chocolate Brownies

•Brownie Base: You can use a boxed brownie mix for convenience or make them from scratch using your favorite recipe.

•German Chocolate Frosting: The key to that iconic taste—made with evaporated milk, butter, sugar, egg yolks, and of course, shredded coconut and pecans.

•Chocolate Chips: Optional, but a great addition if you want an extra chocolate boost in your brownies.

Recipe Steps for German Chocolate Brownies

Step 1: Make the Brownies

1.Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2.Prepare your favorite brownie recipe (or a boxed mix) and pour the batter into the prepared dish.

3.Bake according to the recipe or package directions. Let the brownies cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the German Chocolate Frosting

1.In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup evaporated milk, 1 cup sugar, 3 egg yolks, and 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens, about 10-12 minutes.

2.Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 1/2 cups shredded coconut, and 1 cup chopped pecans.

3.Let the frosting cool slightly before spreading it over the cooled brownies.

Step 3: Assemble and Serve

4.Once the brownies are cooled and the frosting is ready, spread the coconut-pecan frosting evenly over the top.

5.For an extra chocolatey touch, drizzle melted chocolate or add a few chocolate chips on top (optional).

6.Let the brownies set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing into squares and serving.

Storage Options

•Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

•Freezer: You can freeze these brownies for up to 3 months. Simply wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container.

Variations & Substitutions

•Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans and add more coconut or swap for another favorite nut like almonds.

•Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for a dairy-free version of the frosting.

•Extra Chocolatey: Stir in some chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra gooeyness.

German Chocolate Brownies

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Course: Dessert

Kitchen: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 12 brownies

Ingredients

 

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• ▢ For the Brownies:
• ▢ 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter
• ▢ 1 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 2 large eggs
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon salt
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• ▢ For the Coconut Pecan Topping:
• ▢ 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• ▢ 1 cup chopped pecans
• ▢ 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• ▢ 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
• ▢ 1/4 cup 1/2 stick unsalted butter
• ▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ▢ 2 large egg yolks

Instructions

• Prepare the Brownies:
• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
• Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
• Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract until smooth.
• Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
• Bake Brownies: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
• Prepare the Coconut Pecan Topping:
• Make the Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the evaporated milk, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Cook until the mixture is bubbly, stirring frequently.
• Add Coconut and Pecans: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans until well mixed. Allow the topping to cool slightly.
• Assemble: Once the brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and spread the coconut pecan topping evenly over the top while they are still warm.
• Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and serve.