Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these German chocolate brownies! They’re the ultimate treat for any chocolate lover. Just picture it: rich, fudgy brownies that are not only decadent but also topped with a luscious coconut pecan frosting that takes them to another level. The combination of silky chocolate, sweet coconut, and crunchy pecans is simply irresistible! This recipe has been a cherished family favorite for years – I can remember my grandma making these for special occasions, and they always disappeared in a flash! Whenever I whip up a batch, it brings back those warm memories and fills my kitchen with the most delightful aroma. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they hold such a special place in my heart!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
How to Prepare German Chocolate Brownies
Preheat and Prepare the Batter
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C)! It’s super important to get it nice and hot before we slide in our brownies. While that’s heating up, grab a saucepan and melt your butter. I like to do this over low heat to avoid any splatters—nobody wants a messy kitchen! Once it’s melted, mix in the granulated sugar until it’s well combined. Then, whisk in those four large eggs and a splash of vanilla extract. You’ll want it to be smooth and creamy, so take your time with this step. Now, gently fold in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt until everything is just combined.
Bake the Brownies
Now, it’s time to pour that luscious batter into a greased baking pan. I usually use a 9×13 inch pan, but you can use what you have on hand! Spread the batter evenly, and then pop it in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Remember, a little fudginess is what we’re after!
Make the Coconut Pecan Frosting
While those brownies are baking, let’s whip up that heavenly coconut pecan frosting! In a saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, some sugar, a bit more butter, and the egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until it thickens—this usually takes about 10 minutes. Once it’s nice and thick, remove it from the heat and stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. Oh wow, it’s going to smell amazing!
Frost and Serve
Once your brownies are baked and cooled completely—this part is crucial!—it’s time to spread that glorious frosting all over the top. I like to use an offset spatula for a smooth finish, but a regular knife works just fine too. After you’ve frosted them, let them sit for a bit before cutting into squares. Trust me, the wait is worth it! Now, grab a piece, and enjoy your delicious homemade German chocolate brownies! You’ll be in chocolate heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbelievably rich and fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Decadent topping of coconut and pecans adds a delightful crunch.
- Easy-to-follow steps make baking a breeze, even for beginners.
- Perfect for sharing at parties or cozy family gatherings.
- Combines classic German chocolate flavors in a fun, brownie form.
- Can be made ahead of time and stored for later indulgence.
- Frosting adds a sweet contrast to the deep chocolate flavor.
- Each bite is a little taste of nostalgia and comfort.
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your German chocolate brownies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some tried-and-true tips that I’ve gathered over the years:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Trust me, the better the ingredients, the better the brownies! Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and real vanilla extract to elevate that chocolate flavor.
- Room Temperature Eggs: For the best mixing results, use eggs that are at room temperature. They blend into the batter more smoothly, making for a richer texture.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, and nobody wants that!
- Let Them Cool: Patience is key! Allow your brownies to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or pop them in the fridge for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag.
- Check for Doneness: Remember, every oven is a little different! Start checking your brownies a few minutes before the recommended time. You want them to be set but still fudgy in the middle.
- Troubleshooting: If your brownies turn out too cakey, it might be because they were overbaked or the batter was overmixed. If they’re too gooey, give them a little extra time in the oven. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
With these tips, you’ll be a German chocolate brownie pro in no time! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about what’s in these delicious German chocolate brownies! Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data per brownie. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so they’re just estimates:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 4g
These brownies are definitely a treat, so I recommend enjoying them in moderation. But trust me, every bite is worth it! Happy indulging!
FAQ Section
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about German chocolate brownies is that they store beautifully. You can make them a day or two in advance and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to store them longer, just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer. They’ll last for up to three months! Just remember to let them thaw at room temperature before serving. Trust me, they taste just as delicious!
Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes, you can! If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter, but just reduce the added salt in the recipe. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. If you need to replace eggs, you can use unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a similar binding effect. These substitutes won’t compromise the taste too much, but you might notice a slight difference in texture. Experiment and see what works for you!
How do I know when the brownies are done?
Testing for doneness is super important to get that perfect fudgy texture! You’ll want to insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go! If it comes out clean, they might be overbaked. Remember, they’ll continue to set a bit as they cool, so you want them to be just slightly underdone in the oven. Keep an eye on them, especially towards the end of the baking time, and trust your instincts!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your German chocolate brownies properly is key to keeping them delicious for as long as possible! Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them at room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. Just make sure they’re covered well so they don’t dry out!
If you have leftovers and want to save them for later, you can freeze them! Individually wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay good for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy one (or two!), just take them out and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up a bit. This will bring back that fudgy texture and make the frosting a little gooey again—heavenly!
So, whether you’re storing them for a rainy day or sharing with friends, these brownies will stay as delightful as the day you made them!
Print
German chocolate brownies that evoke sweet nostalgia
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich and fudgy brownies topped with a coconut pecan frosting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt the butter and mix it with sugar.
- Add eggs and vanilla, then mix well.
- Stir in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- While brownies bake, prepare the frosting.
- In a saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks. Cook until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in coconut and pecans.
- Spread frosting over brownies once they cool.
Notes
- Store brownies in an airtight container.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: german chocolate brownies, brownies, dessert, chocolate
