German Chocolate Brownies
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If you love a good chocolate fix, these German Chocolate Brownies definitely need to be on the radar! These scrumptious, decadent fudgy brownies with a rich, homemade coconut pecan frosting deliver a delicious balance of flavors in every yummy bite!
Not only are German chocolate brownies scrumptious, but they are also surprisingly easy to make, plus we’ll give you the option to make homemade brownies or use a boxed brownie mix! Like these Easy Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownies and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frosted Brownies!
Who Created the German Chocolate Cake?
Contrary to what many people believe, this cake did not originate in Germany, but in America.
About 105 years after the creation of Baker’s German Chocolate, The Dallas Morning News published a cake recipe by a Texas homemaker, Mrs. George Clay. She called her unique recipe “German’s Chocolate Cake” because it called for this brand’s sweeter variety of chocolate.
Soon after, German chocolate cake’s popularity skyrocketed and the recipe, and the cake, became an American classic. German’s Chocolate Cake has become a favorite for family gatherings, holiday dinners, special occasions, and more — traditional and beloved by many.
The chocolatey combination, rich frosting, and unique flavor make it an ideal dessert for any event.
But since we love brownies, we did a recipe twist and made a German Chocolate Brownie Recipe! Whether it’s to satisfy a sweet craving or to bring joy to the people you love, these German Chocolate Brownies are sure to please!
What About the Coconut Pecan Frosting?
Not only is German chocolate cake traditionally made with a sweet chocolate, it also has a distinct Coconut Pecan frosting.
This famous frosting is made from a blend of sweetened condensed milk, butter, egg yolks, sweetened coconut flakes, vanilla and chopped pecans. It comes together to form a creamy, custard-like frosting and surprisingly delicious combination.
The coconut flakes and crunchy pecans add an extra element of texture and taste to the brownies, making it a favorite for many. The combination of the rich flavors and textures make these coconut pecan frosted brownies all the more delectable!
What’s more, you don’t have to be a professional baker to whip up a batch of these German brownies! Just head to your kitchen and follow our easy steps for success. Your friends and family will be asking for seconds!
German Chocolate Brownies Ingredients
German Chocolate Brownie Recipe OR Use Boxed Brownies Mix to Prepare
- unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- granulated sugar
- eggs
- vanilla extract
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
If Using Boxed Brownie Mix
- Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix
- 3 tablespoons milk of choice, I used almond milk – makes brownies more milk chocolate-like
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
How to Make Homemade German Chocolate Brownies
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray an 8×8 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line with parchment paper for easier removal, if desired.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together cooled melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour,baking powder and salt until until well blended and spread in pan.
- Bake in 8×8 inch pan for 25-30 minutes.
- Let brownies cool, before frosting.
How to Make German Brownies with Boxed Brownie Mix
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray an 8×8 inch or 9×9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line with parchment paper for easier removal, if desired.
- Stir brownie mix, milk, oil and eggs in medium bowl until well blended and spread in pan.
- For 8×8 pan, bake 45-50 minutes and a 9×9 pan, bake 32-36 minutes.
- Let brownies cool, before frosting.
Ingredients for Coconut Pecan Frosting Recipe
- sweetened condensed milk, not evaporated milk
- egg yolks, slightly beaten
- unsalted butter or salted butter
- vanilla extract
- sweetened coconut flakes
- pecans, chopped
- a pinch of salt or 2, if using unsalted butter
How to Make Coconut Pecan Frosting For German Chocolate Brownies
- Stir together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks and butter in medium saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes, until mixture is thickened and bubbly.
- Remove mixture from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, coconut and pecans. – Makes bout 2-2/3 cups frosting.
- Allow to cool for 15 minutes before spreading on brownies.
Storing Coconut Pecan Frosted Brownies
- Room Temperature – Coconut pecan frosted brownies do not need to be refrigerated in order for them to stay fresh. However, it is important to store it them an airtight container that will keep them from getting stale for up to 3-4 days.
- Refrigerator – You can also store brownies in refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze frosting in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can also make the frosting a few days in advance, stored in the fridge.
In conclusion, German chocolate brownies represent the best of both worlds—the familiar chocolate brownie and a sweet, gooey coconut pecan topping that adds a wonderful texture. Not only are they delicious, but they are also quite simple to make with the right ingredients and are delicious way to bring something special to your next gathering.
So go ahead, indulge yourself, and try your hand at making this German chocolate brownie recipe classic. You just might be surprised at the results how easy these are to make and more delicious to eat!
More Delish Desserts!
- Chocolate Coconut Layered Bars
- German Spiced Apple Cake
- Chocolate Pecan Pie Brownies
- “Phenomenal” Milk Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies
- Loaded Peanut Butter Bars
- Pecan Pie M&M Blondies
- No Bake Coconut Cream Layered Dessert
- Simple Homemade Coconut Pudding
Scrumptious German Chocolate Brownies with Coconut Pecan Frosting
Ingredients
Homemade Chocolate Brownies Recipe
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
If Using Boxed Brownie Mix
- Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix
- 3 tablespoons milk of choice I used almond milk - makes brownies more milk chocolate-like
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
Coconut Pecan Frosting Recipe
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk 14 oz (not evaporated milk)
- 3 egg yolks slightly beaten
- ½ cup unsalted butter or salted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ⅓ cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup pecans chopped
- a pinch of salt or 2 if using unsalted butter
Instructions
How to Make Homemade Chocolate Brownies
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray an 8x8 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line with parchment paper for easier removal, if desired.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together cooled melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk in the unsweetened cocoa powder, flour,baking powder and salt until until well blended and spread in pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Let brownies cool, before frosting.
How to Make Boxed Brownie Mix
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Spray an 8x8 inch or 9x9 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Line with parchment paper for easier removal, if desired.
- Stir brownie mix, milk, oil and eggs in medium bowl until well blended and spread in pan.
- For 8x8 pan, bake 45-50 minutes and a 9x9 pan, bake 32-36 minutes.
- Let brownies cool, before frosting.
How to Make Coconut Pecan Frosting
- Stir together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks and butter in medium saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 10 minutes, until mixture is thickened and bubbly.
- Remove mixture from heat and stir in vanilla, salt, coconut and pecans.
- Allow to cool for 15 minutes before spreading on brownies. Makes about 2-2/3 cups frosting.