These German Chocolate Brownies are chewy, fudgy, and covered in a delicious coconut and pecan caramel topping. This recipe is an easy way to upgrade brownies with very little effort.
The caramel nut topping is the same one I use to top chocolate cake, or to make these delicious German Chocolate Cookies. If youโre looking for more homemade brownies, you can also try our Best Chewy Fudge Brownie recipe or these irresistible Grasshopper Brownies.
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German Chocolate Brownies
Fans of German chocolate cake will love these rich and fudgy German Chocolate Brownies. Theyโve got a perfectly chewy brownie base with a gooey caramel coconut pecan frosting spread over the top.
For a super easy recipe hack, you can also substitute your favorite boxed brownie mix. Just bake as directed on the box and spread this brownie topping over the cooled brownies.
Key Ingredients
- Butter - this will need to be melted before mixing with the other ingredients.
- Sugars - this recipe uses both white granulated sugar and light brown sugar. The combination creates an ideal texture and flavor for this cake.
- Cocoa Powder - for the best chocolate flavor, use a high quality cocoa powder.
- Eggs - any kind of large eggs will work great. Itโs best if they are at room temperature before using. Or, you can run them under warm water for a minute.
- Flour - all-purpose flour works great for these brownies.
German Brownies Topping
- Egg Yolks - you only need the yolks so either save the whites for another use or discard.
- Evaporated Milk - make sure you use evaporated milk and not sweetened condensed milk.
- Butter - you can use either salted or unsalted butter, depending on your personal preference.
- Coconut - sweetened shredded coconut works great. You can use unsweetened if you prefer.
- Coconut Extract - coconut extract really enhances the coconut flavor so I highly recommend using it in addition to the vanilla extract.
- Pecans - for the best flavor, be sure to toast the pecans before using.
How to Make German Chocolate Brownies
- Mix the brownie batter. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cocoa powder. Mix until combined, then add the eggs and vanilla and whisk to combine. Add the flour to the butter and sugar mixture and fold in using a rubber spatula.
- Transfer to a baking dish. Prepare your baking dish by spraying with non-stick cooking spray and then lining it with parchment paper. Line the bottom of 9" x 9" baking dish for thick brownies or 9" by 13' baking dish for thin brownies.
- Bake. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 30-40 minutes for a 9" x 13" pan or about 60 minutes for a 9" x 9" pan. Bake until the edges of the brownies are crisp and the center is just set. Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool to room temperature.
- Toast the pecans. Roughly chop the pecans, then toast the chopped pecans in a dry medium saucepan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until they are fragrant and golden brown on the edges.
- Make the brownie topping. In a medium sized pot, add the egg yolks, evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and salt. Whisk to combine. Heat and stir over medium heat, bringing to a boil while whisking. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and add the shredded coconut, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and pecans.
- Spread over the top and cool. Spread the brownie topping over the cooled brownies and allow to set at room temperature before cutting and serving. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
While the brownie itself isnโt any different, German Chocolate Brownies have a coconut pecan topping spread over the top.
Absolutely! If you want to freeze, wrap tightly with plastic and store frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw just transfer to the fridge overnight.
You sure can! If you want to save a little time, just use your favorite brownie mix and top with the German Brownie topping from this recipe.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: store in an airtight container or wrapped well with plastic for up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Freezer: if you want to freeze your brownies, let them cool completely before transferring to either freezer bags or an airtight container. Store frozen for up to 2 months.
German Chocolate Brownies Recipe
Ingredients
Homemade Brownies
- 1 cup Butter melted
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Cocoa Powder
- 4 large Eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Flour
German Chocolate Topping
- 3 large Egg Yolks
- 1 cup Evaporated Milk
- 1 cup Sugar
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- ยฝ teaspoon Salt
- 1ยฝ cups Shredded Coconut
- 1ยฝ teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- ยฝ teaspoon Coconut Extract
- ยพ cup Pecans toasted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, sugar, brown sugar, salt, and cocoa powder. Mix until combined, then add the eggs and vanilla and whisk to combine.
- Add the flour to the butter and sugar mixture and fold in using a rubber spatula.
- Prepare your baking dish by spraying with non-stick cooking spray and then lining it with parchment paper. Line the bottom of 9" x 9" baking dish for thick brownies or 9" x 13' baking dish for thin brownies. (I used a 9" by 9" in these pics.)
- Bake in a preheated oven for 30-40 minutes for a 9" x 13" pan, or about 60 minutes for a 9" x 9" pan. Bake until the edges of the brownies are crisp and the center is set.
- Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool to room temperature.
How to Make German Chocolate Brownie Topping
- Roughly chop the pecans, then toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes or until they are fragrant and golden brown on the edges. Stir or toss them frequently to toast them evenly and watch closely so they don't burn. Remove from heat while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In a medium sized pot, add the egg yolks, evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and salt. Whisk to combine. Heat over medium heat, bringing to a boil while whisking. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and add the shredded coconut, vanilla extract, coconut extract, and pecans. (If you aren't serving this right away, wait to add the pecans until you're ready to serve it.)
- Spread the brownie topping over the cooled brownies and allow to set at room temperature before cutting and serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
More of the Best Chocolate Desserts
- Chocolate Cream Puffs
- Chocolate Parfait
- Homemade Chocolate Syrup
- Chocolate Brownie Waffle Cookies
- Chewy Fudge Brownies
- Chocolate Covered Caramels
- Easy Homemade Chocolate Fudge
- Chocolate Cream Pie
- Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies
- More Dessert Recipes
- More Bars and Brownies
This easy German Chocolate Brownie recipe is made with a fudgy brownie base and a gooey coconut and pecan topping. It's a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
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