German Chocolate Brownies

Brownies typically fall within a range of cake-like to fudgy and everyone has their preferences. These German Chocolate Brownies are my personal favorite — they’re incredibly moist and fudgy with all of the pecan and coconut frosting goodness.

 

Let it be known, though, that there is nothing related to German heritage that inspired these brownies (or their popular cousin, the OG chocolate cake that bears the same name). In fact, the cake itself — the inspiration for these brownies — was created in Texas in the 1950’s.

So why are chocolatey desserts like cakes and brownies, slathered with creamy coconut and pecan frosting, labeled German? 

What is German Chocolate?

The real reason that German chocolate brownies and cakes are called that is thanks to Samuel German. In 1852, he invented the specific sweet style of baking chocolate for now-well-known Baker’s chocolate company.

The company honored his sweet baking chocolate concoction by making it eponymous. Then, the Texan baker of the German chocolate cake made it famous, using that chocolate to make her cake.

While German chocolate is akin to semisweet chocolate, it has a higher sugar content. It may be somewhat lighter on the chocolate flavor, but in recipes like this one it works well with the thick frosting to make an amazingly decadent dessert.

Why You’ll Love Them

Fudgy brownies with a german chocolate frosting that takes them to the next level- what’s not to love! 

• Decadent – This is an ooey, gooey brownie with all of the goodness of a coconut frosting that brings sweetness and texture to the table. 
• Convenient – Outside of the German chocolate, most bakers will have these ingredients already handy.
• Simple – While there are a few steps to the process, everything is easy and quick. You can even prep the frosting while the brownies are baking. 
• Versatile – You can take these sweet treats to a baby shower, cookout, or bake sale. I’d even press a candle in one for a birthday!

German Chocolate Brownies Ingredients

Although these are homemade brownies and don’t use a boxed mix, you probably already have a lot of the ingredients on hand.

• Salted butter – Cut the butter into tablespoons to make it easier to mix. Having it softened will also help the mixing process.
• German chocolate baking bar – Make sure to make this an authentic recipe by using Baker’s German chocolate. If you can’t find it in your store, you can get it online.
• Sugar – Use regular white sugar. However, if you’re in a pinch you can experiment with brown sugar.
• Eggs – Use large eggs. Adding extra yolks can make a brownie fudgier, but this recipe is already fudgy enough.
• Vanilla extract – You likely have this in your cabinet already, but you can also substitute other flavors.
• Sea salt – Finely ground salt dissolves quickly when baking.
• All-purpose flour – Sift the all purpose flour so that it combines well. 
• Evaporated milk – This will lend a smooth creaminess to the icing.
• Salted butter – Slice this into tablespoons so it incorporates more easily. Typically for baking unsalted butter is better, but salted works best in this recipe for both the batter and the topping.
• Egg yolks – Separate the yolk from the white. Use the whites for another recipe.
• Toasted coconut – Just grab this from the grocery store. If you can’t find it toasted, just use another variety that you prefer.
• Toasted pecans – Chop the pecans somewhat finely so that it’s easier to slice up the brownies — plus, they’ll combine more evenly. If you don’t care for them toasted, just use what you like instead.
• Vanilla extract – It’s best to use vanilla in this part of the recipe, but you can use other extracts as well.
• Melted chocolate – Use plain milk chocolate wafers for garnish or melt those or dark chocolate wafers to drizzle over top, if you choose.

How To Make German Chocolate Brownies

Grab a large bowl and get to mixing, the best german chocolate brownies are only a few steps away!

1. Melt butter. Cut the butter and place it into a large saucepan or dutch oven. Melt butter over medium-low heat, stirring slowly to avoid browning it.
2. Add chocolate to melted butter. Add chunks of the chocolate bar to the pot, stirring occasionally. Completely combine butter with the melting chocolate until the mixture is smooth.
3. Whisk in sugar. Remove the mixture from the heat and whisk in the sugar until smooth. 
4. Eggs. Add the eggs one at a time. Whisk each fully into the chocolate and butter before adding the next egg.
5. Vanilla and salt. Add the vanilla and salt and whisk again until completely combined.
6. Flour. Slowly pour in the flour. Stir the flour into the mixture until it is fully combined with no dry patches, but be careful to avoid overmixing.
7. Add batter to pan and bake. Pour the brownie batter into the baking dish prepared with parchment paper. 
8. Remove from pan. Lift the brownies from the pan using the edges of the parchment paper. Place them on a wire rack to fully cool.
9. Make frosting. Place the sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks together into a medium-sized saucepot that allows plenty of room to stir.
10. Heat. Place over medium-low or medium heat and stir together consistently, ensuring that the unsalted butter melts and all ingredients are combined.
11. Remove from heat. Once the mixture hits a simmer and thickens slightly remove it from the heat.
12. Add coconut, pecans and vanilla. Next, add the coconut, pecans, and vanilla and stir it in to combine all ingredients evenly. 
13. Stir until thick. Continue to stir the mixture until it becomes thick. It should have a spreadable consistency.
14. Spread luscious coconut pecan frosting. Pour the delicious coconut pecan frosting on top of the german chocolate brownies and, using a spatula, smooth it so that it is evenly spread. 
15. Cool and cut. Allow the brownies to cool completely. Cut the brownies into bars. Then, drizzle melted chocolate over top if you choose.

Variations

There are plenty of ways for you to make these delicious german chocolate brownies your own.

• Switch out extracts – Try using a nutty or coffee-flavored extract instead of vanilla.
• Get saucy – Buy or make easy caramel sauce, warm it up, and spoon it over the top of the German chocolate brownies to transform these into turtle brownies.
• Change up your nuts – Instead of pecans, try walnuts, pistachios, or any nut you prefer. 
• Get caffeinated – Add espresso coffee to enhance the flavor and make it your own. 
• Go with coconut milk – Substitute some of all of the evaporated milk with full fat coconut milk.
• Get nutty – Melt some peanut butter and either add it to the batter or drizzle it over top.

Storage & Freezing

Storage: For best results, store these German chocolate brownies at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing: You can also freeze the brownies for up to three months, wrapped individually and stored in an airtight container between layers of wax paper to avoid them sticking together.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Bar Recipes

Dessert bars and brownies are so much fun and perfect for parties and potlucks. Here are a few more of our favs.