German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

German Chocolate Brownies

Teresa Ambra

Be warned, chocolate lovers! German Chocolate Brownies are addictive. These dense, fudgy brownies are topped with a luscious coconut pecan icing that will remind you of German Chocolate Cake. These brownies are to die for. Seriously. This dessert has everything you want in a brownie, yet it’s not overly difficult to make, nor is it super expensive.

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I got a call from our church secretary a couple of weeks ago. She was wondering if I could make brownies for 48 people. I said sure. That’s when I came up with the idea for German Chocolate Brownies and a couple of other desserts. I started with a thick, fudgy brownie layer. This one uses many of the same ingredients as my favorite Fudge Frosted Brownies, but instead of four eggs I used two. Even though the bottom layer looks like I used a dark chocolate, I used regular cocoa.

The icing is adapted from one of my favorite German Chocolate Cake recipes. While you can cut these brownies after baking them. I actually had the brownies in my refrigerator a couple of days before I cut into them. I thought they might be a little easier to cut without getting crumbs everywhere. When I tasted them, I thought they turned out awesome.

One thing about the icing……you must stir it continuously and over a low to low-medium heat. Otherwise, the eggs will scramble (yikes), or the sauce will scorch on the bottom (ugh)! Yes, it’s not easily standing up and stirring for 15 solid minutes but it’s worth it!

When I was growing up my mom used to make a dessert for every dinner meal. For that matter, she always put homemade cookies in our lunches too. One of my favorite desserts was her triple layer German Chocolate Cake. Mom didn’t scrimp out on the icing either. The top, sides and in between the layers were all loaded with her terrific coconut pecan icing. It was a fantastic cake and one she made for birthdays and special occasions often.

I miss not being able to enjoy my mom’s delectable desserts any more, but thankfully she passed on to me a love for cooking! While I need to get around to making her German Chocolate Cake one of these days, I believe these brownies would have done her proud. (Love and miss you, Mom).

If you’re looking for a brownie to wow your guests, friends, family or co-workers, you need to bake up a batch of these sensational German Chocolate Brownies immediately. Be prepared to have them go really, really fast. In fact, you may have to make up another batch really soon, too, if you want seconds! 🙂

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

German Chocolate Brownies are awesome!

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

Be warned! These luscious brownies are addictive.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

The brownie layer is very dense and thick like brownies should be. It’s not a bit cake-like.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

German Chocolate Brownies are perfect for holidays, special occasions and any party or potluck. Everyone loves them!

Here’s what I did.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

I used these ingredients for the brownie layer.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

Melt butter.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

Add remaining ingredients.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

Mix with an electric mixer until combined. Mixture will be stiff.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

Spread or pat ingredients into a greased 8×12″ baking dish. (You can also use a 9×9″ baking dish).

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

Bake at 350 about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. (Your oven may cook the brownie layer more quickly). Cool completely.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

I used these ingredients for the icing.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add sugar and half-and half.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

Add beaten egg yolks and stir continuously for about 10-15 minutes until icing thickens. (The recipe will be at a very low boil).

IMPORTANT: You must stir the icing continuously over low heat or you can end up with scrambled eggs in the icing or scorching it on the bottom of the saucepan. 🙁

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

Turn off heat. Add vanilla, coconut and finely diced pecans.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

Stir ingredients to combine.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

Pour hot icing over top of cooled brownie layer. If desired, garnish with whole pecan halves. (Press them into the icing so they adhere).

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

If you love your chocolate, you’ll love these German Chocolate Brownies.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

These brownies are thick and fudgy. They’re terrific to serve at baby showers, backyard barbecues or when grilling out with friends.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

German Chocolate Brownies are sure to go fast. You’d better make plenty of them!

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

Every bite of German Chocolate Brownies will have you drooling!

Here’s the recipe.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

(My own concoction)

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

German Chocolate Brownies

Teresa Ambra
These delectable brownies are thick, dense & fudgy with a luscious coconut-pecan icing layer on top. This mouthwatering dessert is addictive and perfect for holiday baking, tailgating or potlucks.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine German
Servings 16
Calories 346 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 8x12" glass baking dish
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 medium sauce pan

Ingredients
  

BROWNIES:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted (1 stick)
  • 1 1/4 cups cocoa
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla extract (no substitutes) (tablespoon NOT teaspoon)
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt

COCONUT-PECAN ICING:

  • 3/4 cup half-and-half (you can also use heavy whipping cream)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 large egg yolks beaten (discard whites)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract (no substitutes)
  • 1 cup coconut
  • 3/4 cup pecan chips (these are very finely diced pecans)
  • 12 pecan halves for decoration

Instructions
 

BROWNIES:

  • Melt butter.
  • Add remaining ingredients and mix with an electric mixer until ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
  • Ingredients will be thick/stiff.
  • Spread brownie mixture into a greased 8x12” glass baking dish.
  • Bake at 350 about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Cool completely before adding icing.

COCONUT-PECAN ICING:

  • Melt butter in a medium-sized skillet over low-to-medium heat.
  • Add half-and-half and granulated sugar and stir to combine.
  • Add beaten egg yolks and continue stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
  • (The mixture will be at a very low boil).
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add vanilla and stir to combine.
  • Then stir in coconut and pecan chips.
  • Spread icing over top of the brownies.
  • Place whole pecan halves in a 3x4 pattern on top of the icing.
  • Press down slightly so the pecan halves will adhere to the icing.

Notes

NOTE: You must stir the icing continuously the whole 15 minutes of cooking time or the icing will stick to the pan and/or you may end up with scrambled eggs!
 
NOTE: While this recipe does not need to be refrigerated because of the ingredients, it may be easier to remove the servings from the pan if the brownies are chilled beforehand.
 
NOTE: Your oven may cook these brownies more quickly. Start checking after 25 minutes.
 
NOTE: You can also use a 9x9” square baking dish.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 346kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 4gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 81mgPotassium: 186mgFiber: 4gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 581IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 2mg
Keyword brownie, chocolate, chocolate chips, chocolate dessert, coconut, cookie, dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

For those who love coconut, German Chocolate Brownies are amazing.

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

The combination of chocolate, coconut and pecans is spectacular!

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

I assure you, these are irresistible! 🙂

German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

I guarantee, once you eat one of these brownies, you won’t want to stop!

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Hershey’s Chocolate Nugget Brownies

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Mississippi Mud Brownies

Mississippi Mud Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

Texas Sheet Cake Brownies

Texas Sheet Cake Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen
German Chocolate Brownies | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | these sensational #brownies have a thick, dense, fudgy #chocolate layer topped with #coconut #pecan icing. These are seriously addictive! #dessert

German Chocolate Brownies

Teresa Ambra
These delectable brownies are thick, dense & fudgy with a luscious coconut-pecan icing layer on top. This mouthwatering dessert is addictive and perfect for holiday baking, tailgating or potlucks.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Cookies, Brownies and Bars, Dessert
Cuisine German
Servings 16
Calories 346 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 electric mixer
  • 1 large mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 8×12" glass baking dish
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 medium sauce pan

Ingredients
  

BROWNIES:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted (1 stick)
  • 1 1/4 cups cocoa
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup UNBLEACHED all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
  • 1 tbsp. vanilla extract (no substitutes) (tablespoon NOT teaspoon)
  • 1/2 tsp. sea salt

COCONUT-PECAN ICING:

  • 3/4 cup half-and-half (you can also use heavy whipping cream)
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 large egg yolks beaten (discard whites)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract (no substitutes)
  • 1 cup coconut
  • 3/4 cup pecan chips (these are very finely diced pecans)
  • 12 pecan halves for decoration

Instructions
 

BROWNIES:

  • Melt butter.
  • Add remaining ingredients and mix with an electric mixer until ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
  • Ingredients will be thick/stiff.
  • Spread brownie mixture into a greased 8×12” glass baking dish.
  • Bake at 350 about 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  • Cool completely before adding icing.

COCONUT-PECAN ICING:

  • Melt butter in a medium-sized skillet over low-to-medium heat.
  • Add half-and-half and granulated sugar and stir to combine.
  • Add beaten egg yolks and continue stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
  • (The mixture will be at a very low boil).
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add vanilla and stir to combine.
  • Then stir in coconut and pecan chips.
  • Spread icing over top of the brownies.
  • Place whole pecan halves in a 3×4 pattern on top of the icing.
  • Press down slightly so the pecan halves will adhere to the icing.

Notes

NOTE: You must stir the icing continuously the whole 15 minutes of cooking time or the icing will stick to the pan and/or you may end up with scrambled eggs!
 
NOTE: While this recipe does not need to be refrigerated because of the ingredients, it may be easier to remove the servings from the pan if the brownies are chilled beforehand.
 
NOTE: Your oven may cook these brownies more quickly. Start checking after 25 minutes.
 
NOTE: You can also use a 9×9” square baking dish.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 346kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 4gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 81mgPotassium: 186mgFiber: 4gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 581IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 2mg
Keyword brownie, chocolate, chocolate chips, chocolate dessert, coconut, cookie, dessert
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

9 Comments

  • Debbie

    July 26, 2019 at 1:28 pm

    These bars turned out great. I cheated and used a brownie mix for the bottom. Cooked the top. Tasted delicious. Thanks for the recipe.

    1. Teresa

      July 27, 2019 at 7:19 am

      You’re welcome, Debbie. So glad you liked it.

  • work

    March 2, 2018 at 9:23 am

    These are not only super fudgy, easy to make cookies that are ready to eat about 15 minutes after pulling them out of the oven (being careful NOT to burn yourself) full of melted chocolate lava chunks throughout, they are absolutely incredibly fudgy the next day! AND the day after that, and even stay fudgy after freezing them OR eating them cold out of the refrigerator up to a week later.

    1. Teresa

      March 2, 2018 at 11:10 am

      They are delicious no matter how you serve them. 🙂

  • benchmarc

    March 1, 2018 at 7:39 am

    Teresa, thanks for the article post.Really thank you! Great.

    1. Teresa

      March 1, 2018 at 7:51 am

      🙂

  • German Chocolate Brownies — Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen | My Meals are on Wheels

    February 26, 2018 at 6:08 pm

    […] via German Chocolate Brownies — Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen […]

  • Kim | The Baking ChocolaTess

    February 26, 2018 at 5:03 pm

    Those GC brownies look delectable Teresa! What a sweet story about your mom! She sounded so amazing and thoughtful to have dessert after each meal and home-made cookies in your lunches for the family. Such a gem!

    1. Teresa

      February 26, 2018 at 8:46 pm

      Hi, Kim. They really are delectable. Yes, I miss mom so much. But I have tons of wonderful memories of her delicious desserts and home-style cooking. 🙂

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