Why You’ll Love This Recipe
German Chocolate Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of a classic brownie with the sweet, coconut-pecan topping typically found on German Chocolate Cake. These brownies are decadent and full of flavor, offering the perfect balance of chocolatey goodness and nutty sweetness. They are ideal for dessert lovers who enjoy a little twist on a traditional treat.
ingredients
- (Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- unsalted butter
- semi-sweet chocolate
- sugar
- eggs
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- vanilla extract
- milk
- sweetened shredded coconut
- chopped pecans
- sweetened condensed milk
directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean (slightly fudgy).
- While the brownies are baking, prepare the topping by combining the milk, coconut, pecans, and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir occasionally until the mixture thickens and becomes golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the brownies are done, remove from the oven and let them cool for 10 minutes.
- Spread the coconut-pecan topping evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 16 brownies.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Topping preparation time: 10 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Add a few chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Use walnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- Top the brownies with a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an even richer treat.
storage/reheating
Store German Chocolate Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
To enjoy them warm, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
Yes, but the flavor will be more intense and slightly less sweet.
Can I make these brownies without coconut?
Yes, you can omit the coconut, though it’s a signature ingredient in the topping.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply use a 9×13-inch pan and adjust the baking time as needed.
Can I use a different nut instead of pecans?
Yes, walnuts or almonds can be used as a substitute.
Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?
No, they can be stored at room temperature for a few days.
Can I make these without sweetened condensed milk?
Sweetened condensed milk is key for the topping’s texture and flavor, but you could try a homemade caramel sauce as a substitute.
Conclusion
German Chocolate Brownies bring the best of both worlds with the dense, chewy texture of brownies and the sweet, coconut-pecan topping of German Chocolate Cake. They’re a perfect dessert for chocolate lovers, especially those who enjoy a bit of extra sweetness and crunch. Try them out and they may just become your new go-to brownie recipe!
PrintGerman Chocolate Brownies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Decadent brownies with a rich chocolate base topped with a sweet coconut-pecan frosting, inspired by the classic German Chocolate Cake.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 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
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg yolk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk, until combined.
- Fold in melted chocolate until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the brownies bake, prepare the frosting: In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to bubble.
- Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat and cook for another 5–7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Stir in the egg yolk, coconut, and pecans. Mix until well combined, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Once the brownies are finished baking, let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then spread the coconut-pecan frosting on top.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can use a store-bought coconut-pecan frosting for convenience.
- For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
- These brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerated for longer shelf life.
- For added texture, try sprinkling extra chopped pecans on top of the frosting before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (approx.)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
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