German Chocolate Brownies with Coconut Pecan Topping

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By Gianna Poulef

German Chocolate Brownies with Coconut Pecan Topping

The brownies that no one can resist — don’t say I didn’t warn you

Thank you so much for being here today! I cannot WAIT to share these German Chocolate Brownies with Coconut Pecan Topping because they are one of the most indulgent, melt-in-your-mouth, bakery-style brownies I’ve ever made.

Imagine this: thick, fudgy brownies… warm, gooey coconut… buttery toasted pecans… and that old-school German chocolate flavor that tastes like pure nostalgia.

My family practically fought over the last piece — the pan didn’t stand a chance. These brownies are THAT good.

And if you love decadent desserts with a cozy twist, make sure to subscribe to my email list — I send sweet deliciousness straight to your inbox.

What Makes These Brownies So Special

These aren’t your average brownies.
These are rich, chocolatey brownies topped with the classic German chocolate frosting — buttery coconut, caramelized sugar, toasted pecans, and ALL the goodness we love.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • Deep, chocolatey, fudgy base
  • Gooey, buttery coconut-pecan topping
  • Bakery-style flavor but EASY
  • No mixer required
  • Perfect for holidays, birthdays, parties, or cravings
  • Stays soft for days (if they last that long!)

What it tastes like:

A fudge brownie married a German chocolate cake and created the most beautiful, decadent child possible.
It’s rich, sweet, nutty, gooey, buttery, chocolatey perfection.

Full Ingredients

This Now, Make It Later!

Brownie Base

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 8 oz semisweet or German baking chocolate, chopped
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Coconut Pecan Topping (German Chocolate Frosting)

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted preferred)

Optional Enhancements:

  • ¼ tsp almond extract
  • Extra pecans for topping
  • Dark chocolate drizzle

Tools You’ll Need

  • 9×13 baking pan
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowls
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack

Substitutions & Additions

Substitutions

  • Semisweet chocolate → German baking chocolate or dark chocolate
  • Pecans → walnuts or almonds
  • Butter → coconut oil for topping only
  • Flour → gluten-free 1:1 blend

Add-ins

  • ½ cup chocolate chips folded into brownie batter
  • ¼ cup caramel swirled on top before baking
  • Toasted coconut in the frosting for deeper flavor

How to Make German Chocolate Brownies

Step 1 — Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13 baking pan with parchment, leaving overhangs.

Step 2 — Make the Brownies

In a saucepan, melt butter and chopped chocolate over low heat, stirring until smooth.

Remove from heat and whisk in:

  • granulated sugar
  • brown sugar

Next add:

  • eggs (one at a time)
  • vanilla extract

Whisk until glossy.

Fold in:

  • flour
  • cocoa powder
  • salt

Spread batter into the prepared pan.

Bake 28–34 minutes, until the center is set but still fudgy.
Let brownies cool completely before topping.

Step 3 — Make Coconut Pecan Topping

In a saucepan, combine:

  • evaporated milk
  • sugar
  • butter
  • egg yolks

Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 8–10 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon.

Remove from heat and stir in:

  • vanilla
  • shredded coconut
  • chopped pecans

Let cool 10–15 minutes until spreadable.

Step 4 — Assemble

Spread the warm coconut-pecan topping over the cooled brownies.
Chill 15–20 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.

What to Serve With These Brownies

  • Coffee or espresso
  • Black tea
  • A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream
  • Fresh berries
  • Whipped cream
  • A drizzle of melted chocolate

Recipe Tips for Success

  • Don’t overbake the brownies — fudgy is the goal.
  • Toast the pecans for deeper flavor.
  • Let the frosting thicken fully before spreading.
  • For prettier slices, chill 30 minutes before cutting.
  • Use good-quality chocolate for the brownie base — it makes a HUGE difference.

Storage Instructions

  • Room Temperature: 2–3 days
  • Refrigerator: 5–6 days
  • Freezer: 2 months (slice before freezing!)

General Information

German chocolate desserts are famous for their iconic coconut-pecan frosting — buttery, caramel-like, and irresistibly nostalgic. Combined with fudgy brownies, it’s a match made in chocolate heaven. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and celebrations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

2. Can I double the topping?
YES. If you want extra gooey topping, double everything in the frosting.

3. Can I use fresh coconut?
Only if it’s finely shredded. Sweetened works best.

4. Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely — they taste even better the next day.

5. Can I add nuts to the brownie batter?
Yes — add up to ¾ cup chopped pecans.

Conclusion

These German Chocolate Brownies with Coconut Pecan Topping are decadent, rich, gooey, and downright addictive. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, sharing with friends, or treating yourself, this recipe hits the sweet spot every time.

Here are more Poulef favorites you’ll love:

Thank you for being here — happy baking!

Interactive Elements

If you make these brownies, share a photo with me on Pinterest — I LOVE seeing your creations:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

And leave a rating or comment so others can find this delicious recipe too!

Nutrition (Approx. per brownie — 16 brownies)

NutrientAmount
Calories295
Protein3.5g
Carbs34g
Fat17g
Sugar27g
Fiber2g
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German Chocolate Brownies with Coconut Pecan Topping


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These German Chocolate Brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with a gooey coconut-pecan frosting that tastes just like the classic cake—only easier, more decadent, and unbelievably delicious. A crowd-pleasing dessert everyone devours!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Brownies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

8 oz semisweet or German baking chocolate, chopped

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 large eggs

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

1/2 tsp salt

Coconut Pecan Topping:

1 cup evaporated milk

1 cup granulated sugar

3 egg yolks

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

1 cup chopped pecans (toasted preferred)

Optional:

1/4 tsp almond extract

Extra pecans for top

Dark chocolate drizzle


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.

2. Melt butter and chopped chocolate together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.

3. Whisk in granulated sugar and brown sugar.

4. Add eggs one at a time, whisking until glossy, then whisk in vanilla.

5. Fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.

6. Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

7. Bake for 28–34 minutes, until the center is set but still fudgy. Cool completely.

8. To make the topping, combine evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks in a saucepan.

9. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 8–10 minutes).

10. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.

11. Let frosting cool slightly, then spread evenly over cooled brownies.

12. Chill 20 minutes for clean slices. Cut and enjoy!

Notes

For deeper flavor, toast the pecans before adding them.

Do not overbake the brownies—fudgy is the goal.

Chill the brownies before slicing for ultra-clean cuts.

Double the frosting for an extra gooey topping!

Store in the fridge up to 6 days or freeze for 2 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 brownie
  • Calories: 295
  • Sugar: 27
  • Sodium: 150
  • Fat: 17
  • Saturated Fat: 10
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 34
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 3.5
  • Cholesterol: 85
German Chocolate Brownies with Coconut Pecan Topping
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

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