German Chocolate Brownies

If there’s one dessert that has the power to turn an ordinary evening into a family celebration, it’s these German Chocolate Brownies. Picture this: rich, fudgy chocolate brownies crowned with a decadent coconut-pecan frosting. The first time I made these, it was for my son’s birthday party. Let’s just say they were gone before I had a chance to grab a second piece!

As a busy mom, I’m always looking for recipes that are both easy to make and guaranteed crowd-pleasers. This one checks all the boxes. I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a chocolate snob, but the combination of the gooey chocolate base and that nutty, toasted topping hits every note. My husband even called it “dangerously good,” and my kids think these brownies are better than any bakery treat.

I’ve experimented with countless brownie recipes over the years, but this one stands out because it’s simple yet indulgent. The coconut and pecan topping has a caramel-like richness that balances perfectly with the deep cocoa flavor. And let’s not even start on the texture—soft, chewy brownie layers with a slightly crisp edge, topped with crunchy pecans and toasted coconut. It’s perfection.

These brownies have become a family favorite, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you. Whether you’re baking for a party or just a weeknight treat, these German Chocolate Brownies are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive in!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a good-quality boxed brownie mix works perfectly as a base. Just make sure to prepare the topping from scratch for that authentic flavor.

Do I have to use pecans?
No, you can substitute walnuts or leave out the nuts entirely if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free version.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! These brownies taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

How do I toast the coconut?
Spread the coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Keep an eye on it; coconut can burn quickly.

What You Need to Make German Chocolate Brownies

Ingredients:

For the Brownies:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

1 cup evaporated milk

1 cup granulated sugar

3 egg yolks

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup shredded coconut, toasted

1 cup pecans, chopped

Tools:

Mixing bowls

9×13-inch baking dish

Parchment paper

Medium saucepan

How to Make German Chocolate Brownies

Prepare the Brownies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully combined. Gradually stir in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just blended. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake for 25-30 minutes. Allow the brownies to cool completely.

Make the Frosting:
In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, toasted coconut, and pecans. Let the frosting cool slightly.

Assemble:
Spread the coconut-pecan frosting evenly over the cooled brownies. For clean slices, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before cutting into squares.

Tips for Making the Best German Chocolate Brownies

Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps ensure everything blends smoothly and evenly.

Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so mix until just combined.

Chill before slicing: Refrigerating the brownies makes them easier to cut into neat squares.

Double the frosting: If you’re a frosting lover, make 1.5x the frosting recipe for an extra-thick layer.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These were a huge hit at my daughter’s school bake sale! Everyone asked for the recipe.” – Lisa

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So easy to make and absolutely delicious. My husband said these are his new favorite dessert!” – Amanda

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great recipe, but I’ll toast the pecans next time for even more flavor.” – Jake

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for family gatherings! My kids loved helping with the frosting.” – Emily

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Very good, but a bit sweet for my taste. I might reduce the sugar next time.” – Sarah

Printable Recipe

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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!

Cooking is all about bringing people together, and I hope these German Chocolate Brownies do just that in your home. If you loved this recipe, share it with your friends and family on social media! Tag me when you do—I’d love to see your creations and hear about how they turned out. Let’s spread the joy of baking one delicious brownie at a time!