Jump to Recipe Print Recipe Leave A Comment

What’s your favorite type of frosting? For me, there’s something irresistibly delicious about the rich, velvety texture and sweet, nutty flavor of German chocolate cake frosting. It’s so good, I could easily eat it by the spoonful! That’s why I love these German Chocolate Brownies – they combine the classic flavors of German chocolate cake with the decadence of fudgy brownies, creating the ultimate mashup treat. The rich chocolate base paired with the iconic coconut-pecan frosting makes for a dessert that’s both indulgent and unforgettable. Perfect for those who crave a bit of nostalgia with a fun twist!

I love recipes that combine homemade goodness with a convenient shortcut, and these German Chocolate Brownies are the perfect example! They offer all the indulgent flavors of a classic German chocolate cake but with the ease of a brownie. If you’re short on time or looking for a quick shortcut, feel free to use a box brownie mix for the base—just follow the package directions and proceed with the delicious homemade frosting.

Why You’ll Love These German Chocolate Brownies

Irresistibly Delicious: A perfect blend of rich, fudgy brownies and the iconic coconut-pecan frosting that everyone loves from German chocolate cake.

Quick & Easy: Save time with a simple shortcut—use a box brownie mix for the base when you’re short on time, and still enjoy a homemade, decadent treat.

Get all the best baking tips!

Wondering how in the world to get the BEST bake every time? We’ve laid it all out for you.

GET ALL THE TIPS HERE →

Decadent Flavor: The combination of smooth chocolate and the nutty, sweet coconut-pecan topping creates a mouthwatering, indulgent dessert.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a special celebration or a casual treat, these brownies are sure to impress friends, family, and guests.

Homemade & Customizable: Use all homemade ingredients for a from-scratch version or customize with your favorite add-ins to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients

Brownies

all-purpose flour or 1.1 gluten-free flour
cocoa powder
brown sugar
granulated sugar
cornstarch
baking powder
kosher salt

German Chocolate Cake Frosting

evaporated milk
brown sugar
vanilla
butter
egg yolks
pecans, chopped
coconut flakes

How To Make German Chocolate Brownies

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick baking spray.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine all the wet ingredients and mix thoroughly.
Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until well combined.
Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely before proceeding to make the frosting.
(Note: You can use box brownie mix if desired, just follow the package directions and proceed with frosting.)
Now onto the frosting:

Combine Ingredients: Add egg yolks, butter, sugar, and evaporated milk to a pot over medium-low heat. Stir to combine.
Thicken the Mixture: Continuously stir as the mixture begins to thicken.
Add Vanilla: Once the frosting becomes thick, add vanilla and stir to combine.
Cool the Frosting: Remove from heat and allow the frosting to cool.
Add Coconut & Pecans: Once cooled, stir in coconut and pecans.
Top Brownies: Spread the frosting over the top of the cooled brownies.

Are you looking for more chocolate recipes? Make sure you check out my recipe for Gluten Free Chocolate Hazelnut Tarts. Now let’s get baking!