This German Chocolate Brownie recipe is so easy to make from scratch and is the perfect mix of chocolate brownie, coconut, chopped pecans, and all the caramel goodness.

Cut German chocolate brownies served on a white board.

German Chocolate Brownies

These amazing German chocolate brownies were really inspired by two things:

First, my LOVE for the coconut pecan frosting that goes on German chocolate cake. It's absolutely amazing and pairs as deliciously with homemade brownies as it does a delicious chocolate cake!

Second, if you've ever been to Kneaders bakery you may have noticed the German Chocolate Brownies in their dessert case. I'm not kidding, every time I'm there that is the only dessert in the case that makes me drool! I knew they'd be even better homemade, and oh boy, they really are!

What is German Chocolate?

The term “German chocolate” can refer to several different things.  It might refer to chocolate manufactured in Germany, a German chocolate cake, or to baking chocolate.  What makes these brownies “German chocolate brownies,” is the delicious coconut pecan and caramel frosting.

How to make homemade German Chocolate Brownies:

The base for these brownies is my really simple one bowl brownie recipe. While the brownies are baking, make the german chocolate frosting by combining the sugar, butter, egg yolks, and milk in a medium saucepan.  Bring the mixture to a boil and stir it for several minutes, until it thickens.

Process photos for making german chocolate frosting including the ingredients sugar, brown sugar, eggs, butter and milk in a saucepan, then another saucepan with the mixture boiled and thickened and coconut and chopped pecans added to the pot.

Remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla, pecans, and coconut.  Spoon the frosting on top of the brownies and enjoy!

A clear bowl with German Chocolate Frosting and a spoon.

This delicious coconut pecan frosting is what I use to make my popular German Chocolate Cake recipe. It's addicting, and I could eat it plain, with a spoon! Keep it mind that the frosting will thicken as it cools. You can also make it a few days in advance, stored in the fridge.

Overhead view of a pan of brownies topped with german chocolate coconut pecan frosting.

Consider trying these popular desserts:

 

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Recipe

Cut German chocolate brownies served on a white board.
Prep 20 minutes
Cook 50 minutes
Total 1 hour 10 minutes
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Ingredients
  

For the Chocolate Brownies:

For the German Chocolate Frosting:

Instructions
 

For the Brownies:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13'' pan with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large mixing bowl, pour oil over cocoa powder and mix. Add softened butter and mix until smooth. Add sugar and mix for 1 minute.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Add vanilla and mix. Add flour and salt and stir to combine.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. 

For the German Chocolate Frosting:

  • In a medium saucepan add brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, egg yolks, and evaporated milk. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat. Stir constantly for several minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.
  • Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, nuts and coconut. Allow to cool completely.
  • Once the brownies have cooled, cover the brownies with a layer of German chocolate frosting.

Nutrition

Calories: 256kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 2gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 165mgPotassium: 73mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 250IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 24mgIron: 0.9mg
Have you tried this recipe?!

RATE and COMMENT below! I would love to hear your experience.

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About The Author

Lauren Allen

Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.

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4.66 from 55 votes (38 ratings without comment)
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Jeannie Strohoff-Bourassa
5 years ago

5 stars
Too die for!!!

Darcy
5 years ago

1 star
One out of the nine five-star reviews is from someone who’s actually tried the recipe, the other eight are from people who think it looks good but have not tried it. I have not tried it either, just figured I’d make the rating a little more honest, considering it is the reason i clicked on the recipe. Does look good though!

Susan Dragon
5 years ago

5 stars
I made these for my son’s teacher for teacher appreciation day. I doubled it so I could have some for home to avoid mutiny, and WOW. These are so delicious!! My family loves them and I was very proud to take them to the teacher. Thank you!

kelly
5 years ago

All your recipes sound so good , and easy. My boys and hub love GCC for their birthdays, but for their Thanksgiving visit I’ll make these brownies. Thank you!

John
6 years ago

These brownies look amazing! I can’t wait to try them. Just to let you know, German chocolate cake has nothing to do with the country of Germany. The baker that developed the recipe had the last name of German.

Alice
6 years ago
Reply to  John

Interesting. That’s like Caesar salad

Melissa Griffiths
6 years ago

My hubs loves German chocolate and this is a fun twist with the brownie.

Marcia N Stepp
6 years ago

5 stars
I made this recipe tonite, mainly because I didn’t have enough cocoa for my regular brownie recipe. Everything is delicious. I would advise doubling the topping recipe, as there was barely enough to cover the top of the brownies. When I make them again (and I will!), I will do just that. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

Sean Mahan
7 years ago

5 stars
I’m not such a fan of the pecan frosting, but the recipe does look delicious. Will give it a try!

Monica Labrador
7 years ago

5 stars
Yum! We love brownies in a hole in our house, but I’ve never done it before! It looks delicious!

2pots2cook
7 years ago

5 stars
Love all the ingredients. Perfect announcement of autumn ! Thank you !

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