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A stack of fudgy German chocolate brownies topped with a thick, glossy coconut-pecan caramel layer. One brownie is cut in half to reveal the dense, rich chocolate base beneath the chewy topping. Garnished with toasted coconut flakes and chopped pecans on a rustic wooden board, photographed in warm natural light for an irresistible homemade dessert presentation.

German Chocolate Brownies

fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a classic sticky coconut-pecan German chocolate frosting. Rich, nostalgic, and dangerously addictive.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 24 squares
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients Brownie Layer:
  • 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 8 oz semisweet or German baking chocolate chopped
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Coconut-Pecan Topping:
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter
  • 3 egg yolks lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch pan, parchment paper, two saucepans, spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment and grease.
  2. Melt butter and chocolate over low heat until smooth. Cool slightly.
  3. Stir in sugar, then eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Fold in flour and salt until just combined.
  4. Spread in pan and bake 25–30 minutes until edges are set and center is still slightly fudgy. Cool.
  5. For topping: Cook evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and caramel-colored, 10–12 minutes.
  6. Off heat, stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans. Cool slightly, then spread over brownies.
  7. Let set at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

Do not overbake the brownies. Stir the topping constantly until it coats a spoon. Allow full setting time for clean slices. Toast pecans for deeper flavor if desired. Store covered; freeze well. Best at room temperature or slightly cool.