German Chocolate Brownies Recipe

Irresistible German Chocolate Brownies Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Chocolate lovers swirl through this decadent german chocolate brownies landscape with pure delight.

Coconut and pecan layers create an unexpected twist on classic dessert traditions.

Silky ganache melts into rich brownie textures that surprise and comfort.

Southern baking secrets peek through each delectable square of sweetness.

Bakers seeking intense chocolate experiences will find magic in these carefully crafted treats.

Comfort meets indulgence in a recipe that promises pure culinary joy.

Prepare to experience a dessert that transforms ordinary moments into memorable celebrations.

What We Love in German Chocolate Brownies

  • Unlock Effortless Baking: Craft delectable German Chocolate Brownies with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers seeking a guaranteed delicious treat.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Sensation: Impress family and friends with a rich, decadent dessert that combines classic brownie texture with luxurious German chocolate topping, making it ideal for gatherings and special occasions.
  • Stress-Free Preparation: Enjoy a straightforward recipe with simple ingredients and clear steps, allowing you to create a gourmet-style dessert without complex techniques or extensive cooking knowledge.
  • Customizable Sweet Indulgence: Elevate the brownies with optional flaky sea salt or adjust ingredients to suit personal taste preferences, making this recipe versatile and adaptable for different palates.

Ingredients for German Chocolate Brownies

Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: Rich and creamy base for the brownie texture.
  • Sugar: Sweet ingredient for depth of flavor.
  • Eggs: Binding agent for brownie structure.
  • Water: Helps create moisture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds classic flavor enhancement.
Dry Ingredients:
  • Cocoa Powder: Deep chocolate base.
  • Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and smoothness.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure.
  • Salt: Balances overall sweetness.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Provides extra chocolate bursts.

Topping Ingredients:

Liquid Base:
  • Evaporated Milk: Creamy and rich component.
  • Brown Sugar: Deep caramel-like sweetness.
Protein Binder:
  • Egg Yolks: Creates smooth custard texture.
Fat Components:
  • Butter: Rich and smooth element.
  • Salt: Flavor enhancer.
Flavor Add-Ins:
  • Vanilla: Warm aromatic touch.
  • Pecans: Nutty crunch.
  • Coconut: Tropical sweetness.
Finishing Touch:
  • Flaky Sea Salt: Optional flavor booster.

German Chocolate Brownies Prep Plan

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Space

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Line a 9×9 square pan with foil or parchment paper, creating overhang on two sides for easy brownie removal.

Lightly grease the lining to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Brownie Batter

Whisk melted butter and sugar vigorously for one minute.

Add the following ingredients:
  • Eggs
  • Water
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk for another 30 seconds.

Sprinkle the dry ingredients over the wet mixture:
  • Cocoa powder
  • Powdered sugar
  • Flour
  • Salt

Stir with a rubber spatula until glossy and well combined.

Fold in chocolate chips.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 18-20 minutes.

Check doneness with a toothpick – it should come out with moist fudgy crumbs.

Avoid overbaking.

Remove from oven and cool on a rack.

Step 4: Craft the Topping

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine:
  • Evaporated milk
  • Brown sugar
  • Egg yolks
  • Butter
  • Salt

Whisk constantly while bringing to a gentle simmer.

Continue simmering for 3-4 minutes, whisking frequently until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens.

Remove from heat and stir in:
  • Vanilla
  • Pecans
  • Coconut

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Spoon topping over brownies, spreading evenly.

Optionally sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

Allow topping to firm up before cutting.

Refrigerate to speed up setting.

Best served at room temperature.

Tips for German Chocolate Brownies

  • Stir brownie batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the texture fudgy and tender, avoiding tough, dense brownies.
  • Insert a toothpick at an angle near the center – a few moist crumbs are perfect, while completely clean means potential overbaking.
  • Use a small offset spatula or back of a spoon to spread the coconut-pecan mixture evenly, ensuring consistent coverage across brownies.
  • Toast pecans briefly before adding to the topping to release their natural oils and create a more intense, nutty flavor profile.
  • Refrigerate brownies for 15-20 minutes after cooling to help the topping set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.

Keep German Chocolate Brownies Tasting Fresh

  • Store German Chocolate Brownies in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. These treats will stay fresh for 3-4 days when kept in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen brownies maintain their delicious quality for up to 2 months.
  • Warm refrigerated brownies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid overheating to preserve their rich, fudgy texture.
  • Remove frozen brownies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying their delectable coconut-pecan topping.

What to Eat With German Chocolate Brownies

  • Pair Decadent Chocolate Wines: Select bold, dark red wines like cabernet sauvignon or port that complement the rich chocolate flavor, enhancing the brownie's deep cocoa notes and creating a luxurious tasting experience.
  • Sprinkle Nutty Espresso Accompaniment: Brew a strong, dark espresso to cut through the sweetness, matching the pecan and coconut topping while providing a robust caffeine contrast that elevates the dessert's complexity.
  • Serve Creamy Vanilla Counterpoint: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside the brownies, offering a cool, smooth texture that balances the warm, dense chocolate and provides a refreshing temperature difference.
  • Create Caramel Liqueur Complement: Drizzle a small amount of caramel-flavored liqueur like Baileys or Frangelico over the brownies, introducing a silky, sweet undertone that harmonizes with the German chocolate topping's richness.

Tweak German Chocolate Brownies Your Way

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Coconut Brownies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same rich texture while making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan German Chocolate Brownies: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk, swap butter with coconut oil, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version that maintains the classic flavor profile.
  • Nut-Free Tropical Brownies: Remove pecans from the topping and replace with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds, offering a crunchy alternative for individuals with nut allergies while keeping the coconut element intact.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Coconut Treat: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia in place of traditional sugar, reduce overall sweetness, and incorporate dark chocolate with higher cocoa content to maintain a rich chocolate experience for health-conscious bakers.

FAQs

  • What makes German Chocolate Brownies different from regular brownies?

These brownies feature a signature coconut-pecan topping that originates from German’s Sweet Chocolate brand, creating a rich, decadent dessert with a unique caramel-like coating that sets them apart from traditional chocolate brownies.

  • Do I need any special baking skills to make these brownies?

Not at all! This recipe is beginner-friendly. With clear step-by-step instructions and basic baking tools, even novice bakers can successfully create these delicious brownies. Just follow the measurements carefully and watch your baking time.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exactly what the recipe calls for?

Yes, you can make some substitutions. For cocoa powder, use dark cocoa for deeper flavor. If you don’t have pecans, try walnuts. Unsweetened coconut can replace sweetened coconut. Just keep the general proportions similar to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

  • How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for a toothpick test result with moist fudgy crumbs, not raw batter. The edges should look set, and the center should still be slightly soft. This usually takes 18-20 minutes at 350°F.

Print
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German Chocolate Brownies Recipe

German Chocolate Brownies Recipe


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4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sinful german chocolate brownies blend rich cocoa with classic german chocolate cake flavors, creating a luxurious dessert that melts in your mouth. Sweet coconut and pecan frosting elevates these brownies, promising pure chocolate bliss for chocolate enthusiasts seeking an indulgent treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and still warm
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare a 9×9 inch baking pan by lining it with foil or parchment paper, creating an overhang for easy removal. Lightly coat the liner with cooking spray.
  2. Create the brownie base by vigorously mixing melted butter and sugar until well incorporated. Introduce eggs, water, and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly for about 30 seconds.
  3. Gently fold cocoa powder, powdered sugar, flour, and salt into the wet mixture using a spatula. Ensure the batter becomes glossy and uniform, then fold in chocolate chips.
  4. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the surface. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 18-20 minutes, watching for a toothpick that comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
  5. While brownies cool, craft the decadent topping by combining evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, butter, and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
  6. Continuously whisk the topping mixture, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.
  7. Remove the topping from heat and incorporate vanilla, pecans, and coconut. Carefully spread the mixture over the cooled brownies in an even layer.
  8. Optional: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for added depth of flavor. Allow the topping to set by chilling in the refrigerator or letting it rest at room temperature.
  9. Slice and serve the brownies at room temperature, revealing the rich, indulgent layers of chocolate and coconut-pecan topping.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the brownie batter to keep the texture fudgy and prevent tough brownies.
  • Toast pecans before adding to the topping for deeper, richer nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
  • Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for more intense chocolate experience and better depth of flavor.
  • Refrigerate brownies briefly to help topping set faster and create cleaner cutting lines when serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 90 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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