German Chocolate Brownies Recipe

The Best German Chocolate Brownies Recipe: Rich & Fudgy Delight

Rich German chocolate brownies revolutionize ordinary dessert into a decadent experience that tantalizes taste buds with unexpected layers of flavor.

chocolate lovers find themselves instantly captivated by this indulgent treat that bridges traditional brownie recipes with luxurious German chocolate complexity.

Sweet cocoa notes intertwine with nutty undertones, creating a harmonious blend that elevates the classic brownie concept.

Distinct ingredients carefully selected for their complementary characteristics ensure each bite delivers maximum sensory pleasure.

The recipe balances intense chocolate depth with subtle textural variations that make these brownies truly memorable.

Subtle hints of caramel and toasted nuts dance across the palate, promising a sophisticated dessert experience.

Passionate bakers will appreciate the nuanced approach to crafting these irresistible brownies.

Tips for Gooey Layers and Perfect Swirl in German Chocolate Brownies

  • Prevent Dry Brownies: Measure ingredients precisely and avoid over-mixing to maintain a moist, fudgy texture.
  • Create Clean Cuts: Let brownies cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped with hot water between slices for smooth, clean edges.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast pecans before adding to the topping to release their rich, nutty essence and boost overall taste.
  • Control Topping Consistency: Watch the caramel-like topping carefully while cooking, stirring constantly to prevent burning and achieve the perfect thickness.
  • Master Chocolate Intensity: Use high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips for a more complex, decadent brownie flavor profile.

Keep German Chocolate Brownies Moist Days After Baking

  • Refrigerate: Seal brownies in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Protect the delicate coconut topping by placing a piece of parchment paper between layers.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheat: Warm brownies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften the topping and restore their gooey texture.

Drinks and Scoops That Go Great with German Chocolate Brownies

  • Pair with Creamy Coconut Chai Latte: Create a velvety coconut chai latte that echoes the brownie's tropical topping. The warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon will complement the rich chocolate and nutty pecan flavors perfectly.
  • Match with Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of salted caramel ice cream alongside the brownies. The cold, creamy texture and salty-sweet profile will balance the dense, fudgy chocolate and enhance the coconut-pecan topping.
  • Enjoy with Dark Roast Coffee: Brew a bold, dark roast coffee that cuts through the brownies' richness. The intense coffee notes will highlight the deep chocolate flavor and provide a robust contrast to the sweet, nutty topping.
  • Combine with Dessert Wine: Select a sweet port or late-harvest Riesling to accompany these decadent brownies. The wine's subtle sweetness and complex flavor profile will harmonize beautifully with the chocolate and coconut elements.

Ways to Elevate Classic German Chocolate Brownies

  • Coconut Pecan Paradise: Enhance the coconut flavor by adding extra shredded coconut to the brownie batter and toasting the pecans before mixing them into the topping for a deeper, nuttier profile.
  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Indulgence: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the cooled German chocolate topping to create an extra layer of rich, decadent flavor.
  • Dark Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips and use dark cocoa powder in the brownie base for an intense, less sweet chocolate experience.
  • Tropical Nutty Escape: Replace pecans with macadamia nuts and add a splash of rum extract to the topping for a Caribbean-inspired twist on the classic German chocolate brownie.

German Chocolate Brownies That Drip with Caramel and Crunch

  • Indulge in Decadent Chocolate Bliss: These German chocolate brownies offer an irresistible combination of rich, fudgy chocolate base with a luxurious coconut-pecan topping that elevates the classic brownie experience.
  • Master a Simple Yet Impressive Dessert: The recipe requires minimal baking skills, with straightforward steps that even novice bakers can confidently execute, creating a show-stopping treat that looks and tastes professionally made.
  • Enjoy a Perfect Texture Symphony: Sink your teeth into a wonderfully moist, dense brownie bottom contrasted by a creamy, crunchy coconut-pecan topping that provides multiple layers of textural excitement in every single bite.
  • Customize Your Comfort Dessert: The recipe offers flexibility with optional sea salt sprinkle and allows easy adaptation for different preferences, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser for gatherings, potlucks, or personal indulgence.

Everything Inside These Rich German Chocolate Brownies

Main Ingredients:

Brownie Base:
  • Butter: Rich, creamy base that provides moisture and depth of flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender brownie texture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure to the brownie.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and dark color.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure and helps create the perfect brownie consistency.
  • Chocolate Chips: Add extra chocolate bursts and melty pockets.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Evaporated Milk: Creamy base that helps create a smooth, rich topping.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and moisture.
  • Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help thicken the topping.
  • Butter: Enhances flavor and creates a silky texture.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Pecans: Crunchy nuts that add texture and nutty flavor.
  • Shredded Coconut: Provides tropical sweetness and chewy texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Flaky Sea Salt: Optional garnish that balances sweetness with a savory touch.

Bake and Frost German Chocolate Brownies the Right Way

Step 1: Prepare Baking Workspace

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 inch square pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease the paper surface.

Step 2: Create Brownie Batter Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Melted butter
  • Granulated sugar

Mix vigorously for one minute. Add eggs, water, and vanilla extract. Whisk for 30 seconds until smooth.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle over wet mixture:
  • Cocoa powder
  • Powdered sugar
  • Flour
  • Salt

Stir with a silicone spatula until glossy. Fold in chocolate chips.

Step 4: Bake Brownie Foundation

Pour batter into prepared pan. Smooth the top evenly. Bake for 18-20 minutes until a toothpick shows fudgy crumbs. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Craft Decadent Topping

In a saucepan, combine over medium-low heat:
  • Evaporated milk
  • Brown sugar
  • Egg yolks
  • Butter
  • Salt

Whisk constantly until gently simmering. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Step 6: Finish Topping

Remove from heat. Stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Chopped pecans
  • Shredded coconut

Spread evenly over cooled brownies. Optional: Sprinkle flaky sea salt.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let topping set by refrigerating briefly. Cut into squares. Serve at room temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment.

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German Chocolate Brownies Recipe

German Chocolate Brownies Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Indulgent German chocolate brownies blend rich chocolate with classic coconut-pecan frosting, creating a luxurious dessert that marries traditional German baking with American brownie perfection. Sweet layers of intense chocolate and creamy topping promise a delightful experience that will transport you to a world of pure confectionery bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1½ cups (300 grams) granulated and brown sugar
  • 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (85 grams) chocolate chips

Dry Ingredients and Nuts:

  • ⅔ cup (50 grams) sweetened shredded coconut
  • ⅔ cup (75 grams) finely chopped pecans
  • ½ cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • A couple pinches of salt

Liquid and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) evaporated milk, full fat
  • ⅔ cup (160 milliliters) water
  • 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Craft a welcoming environment for baking by heating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×9 inch baking vessel with protective foil or parchment, ensuring slight overhang for effortless extraction. Apply a delicate layer of grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Energetically combine melted butter and granulated sugar in a spacious mixing vessel, whisking with vigor for a full minute. Incorporate eggs, water, and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until harmoniously integrated.
  3. Gently cascade cocoa powder, powdered sugar, flour, and salt across the liquid foundation. Manipulate with a flexible spatula, transforming the mixture into a glossy, uniform composition. Tenderly fold chocolate chips throughout the batter.
  4. Transfer the velvety brownie mixture into the prepared pan, meticulously smoothing the surface. Bake for 18-20 minutes, monitoring for a toothpick revealing moist, fudgy remnants without raw batter traces. Allow complete cooling on a wire rack before embellishing.
  5. Construct the decadent topping by merging evaporated milk, brown sugar, egg yolks, butter, and salt in a medium saucepan. Apply medium-low thermal energy, whisking continuously to prevent scorching.
  6. Maintain gentle simmering for 3-4 minutes, observing sugar dissolution and subtle thickening. Extinguish heat and introduce vanilla extract, chopped pecans, and shredded coconut, stirring with precision.
  7. Lavishly distribute the topping across cooled brownies, ensuring uniform coverage. Optional sea salt sprinkle adds sophisticated complexity. Refrigerate briefly to expedite firming, then slice into elegant squares.
  8. Present at ambient temperature to maximize flavor complexity and textural nuance.

Notes

  • Master the art of under-baking for supremely fudgy brownies, ensuring a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs but no raw batter.
  • Line your baking pan with foil or parchment paper to guarantee effortless brownie removal and pristine cutting.
  • Whisk wet ingredients vigorously to create a smooth, glossy batter that promises rich chocolate flavor and perfect texture.
  • Watch the topping carefully while simmering, constantly whisking to prevent scorching and achieve a silky-smooth consistency.
  • Cool brownies completely before adding the coconut-pecan topping to maintain structural integrity and prevent soggy results.
  • Refrigerate briefly to help the topping set quickly, allowing you to slice and serve these decadent German chocolate brownies sooner.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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