Fudgy, rich brownies meet gooey, nutty perfection in this decadent take on a classic. These German Chocolate Brownies combine a dense, chocolatey base with a luscious coconut-pecan frosting, making them irresistible for anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether I’m baking for a party or just to treat myself, this recipe always steals the spotlight.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Brownies:
1 cup unsalted butter
8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Coconut-Pecan Frosting:
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Directions
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
In a saucepan over low heat, I melt the butter and chocolate, stirring until smooth, then let it cool slightly.
I whisk in both sugars, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. I stir in the vanilla.
Then I sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, gently folding the mixture just until combined.
I pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake it for 30–35 minutes, until the center is set. Then I let it cool completely.
For the frosting, I whisk together evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat. I cook it, stirring constantly, until it thickens—about 10 minutes.
After that I remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Once cooled to room temperature, I spread the frosting evenly over the brownies.
I slice them into squares and dig in.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 16 rich and satisfying brownies.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving
Variations
Sometimes I like to switch things up. Here are a few delicious ways I’ve customized this recipe:
Add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolate boost.
Use dark chocolate instead of semisweet for a deeper cocoa flavor.
Try toasted coconut in the frosting for a more intense nutty note.
Add a splash of bourbon to the frosting for a grown-up twist.
Make it gluten-free by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
I store these brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. If I want to enjoy them warm, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. They also freeze beautifully—just wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
FAQs
What makes German Chocolate Brownies different from regular brownies?
The key difference is the signature coconut-pecan frosting. While regular brownies are all about chocolate, these combine fudgy brownies with a rich, caramel-like topping that makes them unique.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Yes, I often make the frosting a day ahead. I store it in the fridge and let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the brownies.
Can I use boxed brownie mix?
Absolutely. When I’m short on time, I use a high-quality boxed brownie mix as a base and just make the frosting from scratch.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
I look for a set center and slightly cracked top. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
Can I omit the nuts or coconut?
Yes, though it won’t be traditional. I’ve made a nut-free version using just the coconut or a plain version with only the custard base for the frosting.
Conclusion
These Incredible German Chocolate Brownies are a treat I come back to again and again. They’re rich, comforting, and just fancy enough to serve at any special occasion. Whether I’m sharing them with friends or keeping them all to myself, they never disappoint.
Recipe:
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Incredible German Chocolate Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fudgy and rich, these Incredible German Chocolate Brownies combine a dense chocolate brownie base with a gooey coconut-pecan frosting for the ultimate indulgent treat.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter
8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar (for frosting)
3 large egg yolks
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
1 1/3 cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chopped semisweet chocolate, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Whisk in both sugars, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set. Let it cool completely.
- For the frosting, whisk together evaporated milk, granulated sugar, egg yolks, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens—about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Stir in vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the frosting cool to room temperature.
- Spread the cooled frosting evenly over the cooled brownies.
- Slice into squares and serve.
Notes
Add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolate boost.
Use dark chocolate instead of semisweet for a deeper cocoa flavor.
Try toasted coconut in the frosting for a more intense nutty note.
Add a splash of bourbon to the frosting for a grown-up twist.
Make it gluten-free by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds to enjoy warm.
Freeze wrapped individual pieces for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
