German Chocolate Brownies

Fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a rich, gooey coconut-pecan German chocolate layer — pure indulgence in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Decadent Layers – Fudgy chocolate base topped with gooey coconut-pecan filling.
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Perfect for Parties – Easy to slice and serve for gatherings or potlucks.
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Chocolate Lovers’ Dream – Rich, chocolatey, and indulgent with every bite.
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Make-Ahead Friendly – Can be baked in advance and stored for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Brownie Base:
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1 cup unsalted butter
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup brown sugar
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4 large eggs
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp baking powder
German Chocolate Topping:
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1 cup evaporated milk
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1 cup granulated sugar
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3 large egg yolks
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½ cup unsalted butter
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
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1 cup chopped pecans
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12–16 brownies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl and whisk in granulated and brown sugar until combined.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold into wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 4: Bake Brownie Base
Spread batter evenly in the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
Step 5: Prepare German Chocolate Topping
In a saucepan, whisk evaporated milk, sugar, and egg yolks. Add butter and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Spread warm topping over the baked brownies and bake 10–15 minutes more until topping is set and golden. Cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
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Nut-Free Option – Omit pecans and increase coconut for extra texture.
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Chocolate Intensity – Use dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
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Make Ahead – Brownies can be stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
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Serving Suggestion – Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk?
No, evaporated milk is needed for the proper custard consistency. Sweetened condensed milk is much sweeter and thicker.
2. How do I store these brownies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
3. Can I make this recipe in a smaller pan?
Yes, but the baking time may need adjustment. A smaller pan will result in thicker brownies, so increase bake time slightly and check for doneness.
Final Thoughts
These German Chocolate Brownies are a chocolate lover’s dream — rich, fudgy, and topped with a luscious coconut-pecan layer. Perfect for holidays, parties, or whenever you want an indulgent treat that impresses everyone.