German chocolate brownies are a delicious mix of rich, fudgy chocolate, sweet coconut, and crunchy pecans. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a quiet moment at home.
Why We Love This
German chocolate brownies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a rich, decadent dessert. The combination of chocolate brownies with coconut and pecans takes the classic brownie to a whole new level of indulgence. Here’s why this brownie will quickly become your go-to recipe:
- Irresistible Texture: These brownies have the perfect balance of fudgy and chewy. The German chocolate melts perfectly into the batter, creating a rich, dense texture that’s hard to resist.
- Flavor Explosion: The addition of coconut and pecans adds a delightful contrast—sweet, nutty, and just the right amount of crunch. It’s a perfect pairing with the deep chocolate flavor.
- Easy to Make: You don’t need to be a baking expert to create these brownies. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a homemade dessert in no time.
- Versatile: Whether you’re serving them as an afternoon snack or bringing them to a potluck, these brownies are always a crowd-pleaser. You can even dress them up with a scoop of ice cream for a special treat!
In short, German chocolate brownies are the perfect blend of indulgence and simplicity, making them a dessert everyone will love. The texture, flavor, and ease of preparation make them a must-try for any baker.
Ingredients
To make these delicious German chocolate brownies, you’ll need a few key ingredients. These are simple, easy-to-find items that come together to create a truly irresistible dessert:
Unsalted butter: Adds moisture and flavor. If using salted butter, reduce the salt.
Granulated sugar: Gives sweetness and texture. Don’t substitute with brown sugar.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness. Use large eggs.
Vanilla extract: This adds extra flavor and sweetness.
All-purpose flour: This forms the base. Stick to all-purpose for the right texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides a deep chocolate flavor. Use unsweetened cocoa.
Baking powder: Helps the brownies rise slightly. Don’t swap it with baking soda.
Salt: Enhances flavor without being salty. Use the specified amount.
German chocolate: Gives the brownies their signature flavor. Use high-quality chocolate.
Shredded coconut: This adds chewiness and balances the richness.
Chopped pecans: These add crunch and nutty flavor. Omit if you prefer.
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring these German chocolate brownies to life! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a deliciously rich, fudgy dessert in no time.
Preheat the Oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper or grease it.
Melt the Butter and Chocolate: Melt butter and German chocolate in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Let it cool slightly.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Whisk the sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a bowl. Add the melted butter and chocolate mixture and stir to combine.
Add Dry Ingredients: Mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add to the wet mixture and stir until smooth.
Fold in Coconut and Pecans: Gently mix in coconut and pecans.
Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Cool and Slice: Let the brownies cool for 15 minutes before slicing into squares.
Pro Tips
To make sure your German chocolate brownies turn out perfect every time, here are a few expert tips that will help you elevate your baking game:
Don’t Overmix the Batter: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense, tough brownies. You want a light, fudgy texture, so gentle stirring is key!
Use High-Quality Chocolate: The German chocolate you choose will have a big impact on the flavor of your brownies. Opt for high-quality chocolate for a deeper, richer taste. If you can, use Baker’s German Chocolate or a similar brand for the best results.
Check for Doneness Early: Every oven bakes differently, so start checking your brownies around the 25-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, your brownies are done. For ultra-fudgy brownies, aim for a slight underbaking.
Let the Brownies Cool: While it’s tempting to dive right in, letting the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes makes them easier to cut and enhances the flavor. Plus, they’ll set perfectly without falling apart.
Make Ahead and Store: You can easily make these brownies ahead of time! Just store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to keep them even longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
Add Extra Toppings: For even more flavor, try topping the brownies with a drizzle of caramel, extra coconut, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up or make your German chocolate brownies even more exciting, here are some delicious variations to try:
Chocolate Chip German Chocolate Brownies: Add a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for an extra layer of gooey chocolate goodness. The melted chips will blend perfectly with the coconut and pecans, giving you a rich, indulgent texture.
Caramel Swirl: For a twist on the traditional, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the brownie batter before baking. Use a knife to swirl it through the mixture for a sweet, caramelized flavor that complements the chocolate and nuts beautifully.
Peanut Butter Swirl: If you love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter onto the brownie batter and swirl it in with a knife. The result is a rich, nutty twist that’s simply irresistible.
Fruit-Filled Brownies: Add a fruity touch by folding in some dried cherries, raspberries, or even fresh strawberries. The sweet-tart fruit will balance out the richness of the German chocolate and coconut, giving your brownies a refreshing flavor contrast.
Serving Suggestions
These German chocolate brownies are a decadent treat on their own, but if you’re looking to take them to the next level, here are some delicious serving ideas that will make your dessert even more memorable:
Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or coconut ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich, fudgy brownies. The cold ice cream complements the warm brownies, creating an irresistible contrast in textures and flavors. For extra indulgence, drizzle some chocolate syrup over the top!
Top with Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream is the perfect finishing touch for these brownies. The light, airy cream balances the dense, chocolatey texture of the brownies and adds a touch of sweetness.
Add Fresh Berries: For a refreshing twist, serve your brownies with a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries. The tartness of the berries cuts through the richness of the brownies, creating a delightful contrast that elevates the flavor.
Make a Brownie Sundae: Layer your brownies with scoops of ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a fun and indulgent brownie sundae. It’s a perfect dessert for special occasions or a fun family treat.
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FAQs
How can I make my German chocolate brownies more fudgy?
For extra fudgy brownies, try using less flour and more butter or chocolate. Reducing the baking time slightly can also keep them soft and gooey. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make it denser. Remember, underbaking slightly is the secret to achieving that perfect fudgy texture.
Can I use a different type of chocolate in German chocolate brownies?
While German chocolate is traditional for this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other types like dark chocolate or milk chocolate. Keep in mind that each type will alter the flavor slightly, so adjust the sweetness level accordingly. Dark chocolate will give a richer, slightly more bitter taste, while milk chocolate will make your brownies sweeter.
Why are my German chocolate brownies too dry?
Dry brownies are often a result of overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour correctly and start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark. If you’re unsure, a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
Can I make German chocolate brownies without the nuts?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of pecans or prefer a nut-free option, feel free to leave them out. The brownies will still be delicious, and the coconut will provide plenty of flavor and texture. If you prefer, you could even try adding a different type of mix-in, like chocolate chips, for added sweetness.
german chocolate brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 oz. German chocolate chopped
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease it lightly with butter to ensure your brownies come out easily after baking.
Melt the Butter and Chocolate
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter and German chocolate together. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until completely melted and smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly before moving on to the next step.
Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined. Add the melted butter and chocolate mixture, stirring until everything is incorporated.
Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth and thick.
Fold in Coconut and Pecans
- Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans. These will add that wonderful crunch and flavor that makes these brownies stand out.
Bake the Brownies
- Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the brownies towards the end to avoid overbaking—no one wants dry brownies!
Cool and Slice
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Once cooled, slice them into squares and enjoy!