Add a little sparkle to your holiday dessert table with these rich, fudgy German Chocolate Brownies. This recipe combines a dense, chocolate-forward brownie base with a classic coconut pecan frosting, creating a dessert that feels special enough for celebrations yet comforting and familiar. Each square offers a balance of deep chocolate flavor, buttery sweetness, and a satisfying crunch from the pecans, with the signature taste of German chocolate shining through.
The brownie base is built with a generous amount of butter and a blend of cocoa powder, German chocolate, and semi-sweet chocolate chips, giving the brownies a layered chocolate flavor that is both mellow and intense. Light brown sugar and granulated sugar work together to create a tender, moist crumb with just the right amount of sweetness. On top, the coconut pecan frosting adds a chewy, slightly caramel-like layer made with evaporated milk, egg yolks, and plenty of sweetened coconut and crunchy pecans. The option to garnish with chocolate melting wafers gives you a polished, glossy finish that makes these brownies look as impressive as they taste.
These brownies are a lovely addition to a holiday dessert buffet, a cookie exchange, or any gathering where you want a homemade treat that feels a bit more luxurious than a basic pan of brownies. The flavors are nostalgic and crowd-pleasing, and the contrast between the soft brownie layer and the generous coconut pecan topping makes each bite feel indulgent and satisfying.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- 1 cup salted butter, sliced into 1 tablespoon pats
- 4 ounces German chocolate baking bar, chopped
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Coconut Pecan Frosting
- ½ cup salted butter, sliced into 1 tablespoon pats
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- 3 large egg yolks, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup chocolate melting wafers, optional garnish
