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Some days I have a lot to say; however, today is not one of those days. So instead of telling you about the fact that right now my neighbor is wielding a broom while running around his backyard shooing away geese or about the fact that my dog has been incessantly licking my toes for the past 2 hours, I’ll simply talk to you about German Chocolate Brownies.
For as long as I can remember, German Chocolate anything has been on my radar, not because I love it, but because it’s one of my dad’s absolute favorites. Since he’s pretty much a lover of all things chocolate, coconut, and pecan – it’s no wonder he’s mildly obsessed with this classic flavor combination.
To create this winning combo, I started with my favorite recipe for moist, decadent, fudgy brownies and because that’s simply not enough – I slathered them with an irresistibly delicious nutty coconut frosting.
There’s something about dense chocolate covered in gooey coconut and pecan topping that just says Fall to me. Maybe it’s the autumnal colors, maybe I’m just crazy (really, there’s no maybe about it), but I thought you might like to make these on a random Monday night because… well, just because. Sometimes that’s the only reason you need.
German Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients:
For the Brownies
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate; coarsely chopped
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
For the Frosting
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk, beaten
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted and cooled (see How To Toast Nuts)
- 1/2 cup flaked coconut, toasted (see How To Toast Coconut)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- Microwave chocolate and butter in a large bowl microwave-safe bowl at medium (50% power) for 3-4 minutes or until butter is melted.
- Stir until chocolate is melted. Whisk in sugar, eggs, vanilla and salt. Gradually add in flour; stir until just combined.
- Spread the batter into prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes; do not over bake.
- Remove to cooling rack to cool. Prepare the frosting.
For the Frosting
- In a large saucepan combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolk and butter.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, pecans, and coconut.
- Spread on brownies while still warm.
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These look amazing! Can I double the recipe and make it in a 9×13 pan?
Jane-
Sorry, I haven’t tried doubling this recipe.
-Jamie
I just ate a piece of this great brownies and I love them. I’m not a big fan of chocolate but these brownies are amazing!!
Mmmmmm! These look delicious! Just wondering though, if i were to make these with coco powder, how much would i use? That is, if I could use coco powder as a substitute for the chocolate pieces. Thank You!
Hi Sorath,
I would not suggest substituting cocoa powder in these brownies. The texture would be very dry.
– Jamie
german chocolate us just perfect, the best chocolate in the world. Loe your recipe and can’t wait to try this one!
Zoe,
Thank you so much! Please come back and share your experience with the recipe! Have a wonderful day and thank you for following MBA!
Jamie
just found your site and made these, they are incredible. and so easy.. one hour to make bake and make the frosting, total. SO good.. thank you SO much for posting. this totally is the german chocolate of my childhood.
Michelle,
That’s wonderful to hear! Thank you so much for reporting back to let us know! Have a wonderful day!
Jamie
I was so excited to try these- and I followed the recipe exactly- but they turned out extremely dry (and they were done in only 15 minutes) and neither the frosting nor brownie was near sweet enough. Are the sugar amounts correct? I’m a pretty experienced baker and can’t figure out what went wrong.
German chocolate is my dads favorite too! I am always on the lookout for good recipies and this one seems great!
My grandma always makes German Chocolate cake for my Dad’s birthdays. I know he would love these as much as I would.
Apparently, the cake has nothing to do with Germany at all. They are actually named after Sam German, who developed a brand of dark baking chocolate for American Baker’s Baking Company. Originally, they were called German’s Chocolate Cake. Eventually the possesive of German’s was dropped to German in some publications and voila, a new name for a cake giving false credit to the country of Germany.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_chocolate_cake
These look perfect… Cakey base…gooey topping!