German Chocolate Brownies are such a delightful treat that never fails to impress. If you’ve ever wondered about that magical combination of rich chocolate and sweet coconut, you’re in for a real surprise today. Picture this: fudgy brownies topped with a creamy coconut frosting that feels like a warm hug from your favorite dessert. These brownies have a way of bringing people together, whether you’re enjoying them quietly at home or sharing them with friends at a party. The blend of flavors evokes a sense of nostalgia that many of us cherish. And honestly, what’s better than indulging in a homemade dessert?
In this blog post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to create these mouthwatering German Chocolate Brownies from scratch. We’ll cover why this recipe works so well, share the ingredients you’ll need, and guide you through each step. Trust me, the process is as enjoyable as the end result. So, let’s get those aprons on and start baking!
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of bittersweet chocolate and rich butter creates a fudgy brownie base that melts in your mouth. You really can’t go wrong with this foundation! Topping it off with a luscious coconut frosting adds a delightful texture and flavor contrast that makes these German Chocolate Brownies irresistible. This perfect balance of flavors ensures that every bite is satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Brownies
These German Chocolate Brownies are more than just a dessert; they evoke nostalgia and warmth. Each bite takes you back to fond memories of family gatherings and celebrations. Whether you’re sharing these treats at a gathering or enjoying a quiet moment at home, their decadent flavors and textures will leave you wanting more. Plus, there’s something incredibly rewarding about baking from scratch.
Ingredients
- For the Brownies:
- 1 (11.5 oz) bag 60% bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
For the Coconut Frosting:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 10 oz evaporated milk
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3 egg yolks, beaten
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Preparing the Chocolate and Butter Mixture
Melt Chocolate and Butter
Using a double boiler or a glass bowl over simmering water, melt the chocolate chips and butter together. Stir occasionally until everything is fully combined. This step sets the stage for your brownies, so take your time to ensure it’s smooth.
Cool the Mixture
Once melted, carefully remove the bowl from heat and whisk in both sugars until fully combined. Then, allow it to cool to room temperature; this should take about 30 minutes. Cooling is essential for getting that perfect brownie texture later.
Mixing the Brownie Batter
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Also, prepare a 13×9 inch baking pan by buttering the sides and bottom. Next, line it with parchment paper and butter the parchment. This way, your brownies will slide out easily.
Combine Eggs and Vanilla
In a separate bowl, add the eggs and vanilla extract to the cooled chocolate mixture. Whisk gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies, so be gentle here.
Add Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle the flour, cocoa powder, and salt over the chocolate mixture. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no large lumps remain. Remember, a few small lumps are fine and ensure you don’t overmix!
Baking the Brownies
Pour Batter into Prepared Pan
Now it’s time to pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Remember to rotate halfway through to ensure even baking.
Check for Doneness
The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. It’s okay if they look slightly underbaked because they will continue to cook a bit as they cool.
Making the Coconut Frosting
Cook the Frosting Mixture
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks. Bring this mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat and stir constantly until it thickens, which takes about 5 minutes.
Add Flavor and Texture
Remove the frosting from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes. This frosting is truly the star of the show!
Frost the Brownies
Spread the coconut frosting generously over the cooled brownies. Once frosted, cut them into squares, and they are ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful German Chocolate Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. The contrast of warm brownies and cold ice cream is hard to beat. They also pair beautifully with a rich coffee or a glass of cold milk, making them an all-around perfect dessert!
Tips for Success
- Ensure the chocolate and butter mixture cools before adding eggs to prevent cooking them.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the brownies fudgy and soft.
- Make sure the frosting has thickened properly for that perfect texture.
Variations
If you want to switch things up, try swapping out pecans for walnuts for a different nut flavor. For a gluten-free option, simply use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. And why not experiment with a layer of caramel sauce between the brownie and frosting for an extra layer of flavor?
FAQs
1. Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead?
Yes, you can use a boxed mix if you prefer, just be sure to still make the coconut frosting from scratch for the best flavor.
2. How can I store leftover brownies?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze these brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
4. Why is it called German chocolate?
The name comes from an American named Samuel German who developed dark-baking chocolate. It’s not directly related to the country of Germany, which is a fun fact!
5. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bake the brownies and prepare the frosting ahead of time; just assemble them right before serving for the freshest taste.
These German Chocolate Brownies are the perfect blend of rich chocolate and sweet coconut. Easy to make and even easier to love, whether enjoyed as a special treat or served at a gathering, these brownies will surely impress. So grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge!
Print
German Chocolate Brownies
These German Chocolate Brownies combine rich chocolate and sweet coconut for a comforting dessert. Perfect for sharing or enjoying at home!
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 brownies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 (11.5 oz) bag 60% bittersweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 10 oz evaporated milk
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3 egg yolks, beaten
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Melt chocolate chips and butter in a double boiler.
- Cool the mixture and whisk in sugars.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a baking pan.
- Combine eggs and vanilla with the cooled chocolate mixture.
- Fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Cook sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and egg yolks for frosting.
- Stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans for frosting.
- Frost the cooled brownies and cut into squares.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure the chocolate mixture cools to avoid cooking the eggs.
Avoid overmixing for fudgy brownies.
Verify frosting thickness for the perfect texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
