German Chocolate Brownies
These German Chocolate Brownies taste like the classic cake but in handheld form. Rich chocolatey, brownies, topped with that classic pecan coconut frosting that makes these homemade brownies out of this world delicious.
There is just something so tasty about the combination of chocolate, coconut, and pecan flavors. And, these homemade brownies are no different. Whether you are a fan of traditional chocolate brownies or like to mix things up with added toppings and flavors, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Table of contents
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You only need a few simple ingredients to help you make this easy homemade brownie recipe.
- This recipe is easy enough that even beginners can make it, no special baking skills are needed.
- These bars also have all the same great taste as the traditional cake, so your friends and family will love them.
🛒Ingredients
To make this easy recipe, you will need a few ingredients. Gather these ingredients on your next trip to the grocery store so that you can whip up a batch of these brownies.
- flour
- salt
- cocoa powder
- semi-sweet chocolate chips
- butter
- sugar
- eggs
- vanilla
Frosting:
- milk
- egg yolks
- brown sugar
- butter
- vanilla
- shredded coconut
- chopped pecans
See the recipe card below for quantities.
🔪 How to Make These German Chocolate Brownies
Making these German chocolate brownies is so easy. Just follow these step-by-step instructions or check out the full recipe in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Mix the dry ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk the flour, salt, and cocoa powder together. And, melt the chocolate chips and butter in a double boiler.
Step 2: Finish the brownie batter
Once the butter and chocolate have completely melted, add in the sugar and whisk to combine. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before whisking in the eggs, 1 at a time. Add the vanilla and mix. Use a spatula to fold in the flour mixture.
Step 3: Bake the brownies
Pour into a greased 9×13 pan and place in the 350-degree preheated oven to bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out cleanly. Remove and allow to cool.
Step 4: Make the frosting
To make the frosting, place the milk, egg yolks and sugar in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat and whisk for 10-12 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken. Remove from heat and add vanilla, coconut, and pecans and stir.
Step 5: Frost the brownies
Pour over the top of the brownies and spread in an even layer. Allow to cool before slicing into squares and serving.
📝Variations
Do you want to change up this recipe and make it your own? Here are some ways that you can do that!
- Nuts – Want more nuts? Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans into the brownie batter for a little extra crunch.
- Frosting – Instead of using the coconut pecan frosting, you can use cream cheese frosting instead.
- Extra chocolate – You add extra chocolate chips to the brownie batter for even more chocolate flavor.
Do you love chocolate? If so, you may want to give these Chocolate Chip Espresso Shortbread Bars a try soon.
🥄 Equipment
This is a list of the equipment that you will need to help you make this delicious homemade brownie recipe:
- small bowl
- double boiler
- 9×13 baking pan
- medium saucepan
🥫 Storage
Storage – Store leftover brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing – You can also freeze these brownies wrapped in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months. Thaw the brownies on the counter for a couple of hours before serving.
Serve With
These brownies are delicious as a snack with a glass of milk, or with a cup of your favorite coffee. You can also enjoy one after your favorite meal such as this Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken recipe.
💭 Tips
Here are a few tips that you can use to ensure that these brownies turn out perfectly for you every time that you make them.
- Don’t have a double boiler? Don’t worry, you can make one by placing a glass or metal bowl on top of a saucepan with boiling water.
- For easy removal of your brownies, line your baking dish with parchment paper, and remove them from the pan once they are cool but before you frost them.
- Be careful that you do not overmix the brownie batter once you add the flour to the batter. Overmixing will give you tough or dry brownies.
- The brownies are done baking when a toothpick is inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs.
⁉️ FAQ
Do you have questions about this recipe? Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Yes, you can freeze these brownies. We recommend that you freeze them unfrosted.
Yes, these brownies can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
No, the cake was invented in America and was named after the inventor Samual German.
🍽 More German Chocolate Recipes
Do you enjoy German chocolate recipes? If so, give these recipes a try next time:
🧾Recipe Card
Want to make this recipe? Print the recipe card below, or pin this recipe, so you can find it later.
German Chocolate Brownies
Equipment
- small bowl
- double boiler
- 9×13 baking pan
- medium saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa powder
- 11 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup butter
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 5 eggs
- 2 teaspoon vanilla
Frosting
- 1 cup milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 ¾ cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a small bowl, whisk the flour, salt and cocoa powder together.
- Create a “double boiler” by placing a large bowl over a saucepan containing a small amount of water.
- Place the chocolate chips and butter in the bowl and turn the heat to low.
- Stir the chocolate and butter frequently while melting to avoid burning the chocolate.
- Once the butter and chocolate have completely melted, add in the sugar and whisk to combine.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before whisking in the eggs, 1 at a time.
- Add the vanilla and mix.
- Use a spatula to fold in the flour mixture.
- Pour into a greased 9×13 pan and place in the oven to bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out cleanly.
- Remove and allow to cool.
- To make the frosting, place the milk, egg yolks and sugar in a medium sized saucepan over medium heat and whisk for 10-12 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Remove from heat and add vanilla, coconut and pecans and stir.
- Pour over the top of the brownies and spread in an even layer.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares and serving.