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Home » Brownies & Bars » German Chocolate Brownies

German Chocolate Brownies

Published: Jun 6, 2016 · Modified: Nov 3, 2020 by Allison · 18 Comments

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German Chocolate Brownies – Rich chocolaty brownies topped with a gooey homemade coconut pecan frosting. Make the brownies from scratch, or use a boxed brownie mix for the base of this recipe. You’ll love this decadent dessert!

Stack of brownies with coconut frosting.

That big stack of brownies is calling your name, isn’t it? Life is better with brownies, friends. It’s a fact.

The thing I LOVE about brownies (aside from their fudgy, gooey, chewy-edged deliciousness) is that no special occasion is needed to whip up a batch. Layer cakes are made for birthdays, fancy pies mark the end of a dinner party, and homemade pastries are for weekend brunch.

Brownies with coconut frosting.

But, brownies can be made for any reason…

It’s 3:00 and you’re craving chocolate → brownies.

You’re a mom struggling to potty train a stubborn toddler (ahem) → brownies.

You thought it was Friday and just realized that it’s actually Thursday (ugh) → brownies.

Stack of brownies with coconut frosting.

German Chocolate Brownies

  • Fudgy Brownies (boxed or homemade, no judgement)
  • Coconut Pecan Frosting (gimme!)

There are so many ways you can flavor brownies. In the past I’ve added peanut butter, creamy coconut, caramel, Nutella and espresso. These brownies are topped with a gooey, sticky, coconut pecan frosting. Feel free to use your favorite brownies for the base of this recipe. Here is my favorite Homemade Brownies, but you can absolutely use a boxed mix too.

My family loved these brownies. The frosting takes them over the top and adds fantastic texture and flavor. Note: Please, please, pretty please, stick a spoon in that frosting and take a big bite before pouring it over the brownies. Taste testing is half the fun of being in the kitchen, right?! You’re welcome. 😉

Brownies with coconut frosting.

After slicing the brownies, most of the frosting will hold up without dripping down the sides, but you might get a few spots of drippy, sweet deliciousness. You can choose to eat these brownies by hand or with a fork. My husband and son have an irrational fear of being sticky (true story), so there is no way they’d eat these with their hands. My daughter and I dove right in without utensils. In fact, my camera is currently covered in stickiness from moving these brownies around while photographing them. Sshhhhh, don’t tell my hubby.

Now hurry and get in your kitchen! Bake some brownies, drown them in coconut pecan frosting, and then dive in. Enjoy, friends!

You might also like: CHOCOLATE COCONUT BROWNIES or PECAN PIE BROWNIES

 

Stack of brownies with coconut frosting.

German Chocolate Brownies

Rich chocolaty brownies topped with a gooey homemade coconut pecan frosting. Make the brownies from scratch, or use a boxed brownie mix for the base of this recipe. You'll love this decadent dessert!
4.89 from 9 votes
Print Pin
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Dessert
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12
Calories: 214kcal
Author: Allison - Celebrating Sweets

Ingredients

  • One 8x8 or 9x9 pan cooked and cooled brownies, boxed or homemade
  • ⅔ cup evaporated milk, full fat
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk, beaten
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ⅔ cup chopped toasted pecans, see note
  • 1 ¾ cups sweetened shredded coconut

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolk and butter. Bring to a simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes, whisking constantly (make sure you're getting all around the pan). Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla extract, pecans and coconut.
  • Spoon onto the brownies and carefully spread the frosting into an even layer. Cool completely (until the frosting has firmed up a bit) before cutting. You can speed along the cooling by placing the brownies in the refrigerator or freezer for a short time. Don't leave them in too long or the brownies could dry out. I like these best served at room temperature.

Notes

To toast pecans: Place in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and toasted. Watch them closely so that they don't burn.
An 8x8 or 9x9 pan of boxed mix brownies can be substituted for homemade.

Nutrition

Calories: 214kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 32mg | Sodium: 50mg | Potassium: 109mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Nutritional Information is an estimate based on third-party calculations and may vary based on products used and serving sizes.

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!

This post originally appeared on Julie’s Eats and Treats where I am a regular contributor.

 

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Comments

  1. Maria

    March 06, 2018 at 5:36 pm

    5 stars
    I need one of this right now! And this frosting is everything! I would totally eat them with my hands because they look so good that I wouldn’t want to waste the time on getting a spoon. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Emily

    March 06, 2018 at 6:23 pm

    5 stars
    Totally pinned these. I LOVE German chocolate brownies!

    Reply
  3. Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts

    March 06, 2018 at 6:30 pm

    5 stars
    Coconut pecan frosting!!!!! SIGN ME UP!
    Brownies are my favourite baked goods, but that frosting….over the top deliciousness.

    Reply
  4. Lisa Huff

    March 06, 2018 at 6:39 pm

    5 stars
    German chocolate is one of my favorites! These look PERFECT!

    Reply
  5. Rebecca | Let's Eat Cake

    March 06, 2018 at 7:32 pm

    5 stars
    I love rich, fudgy brownies, but that coconut pecan frosting takes it to a whole new level. It would be really hard for me to not just eat it all with a spoon!

    Reply
  6. Alexa

    August 29, 2021 at 10:17 am

    4 stars
    I found that the coconut to liquid ratio was too high, leaving it more dry than gooey. Especially once it firmed up. I ended up making an extra half batch of the first part and adding it in and was happy with the consistency.

    Reply
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aboutHi, I'm Allison! I'm a busy wife and mom with a passion for cooking and baking. This is where you'll find my favorite homemade recipes, designed to help you make every day delicious! Read more....

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