If your kids love brownies as much as mine do, this pan of brownies will be gone before you know it. These German chocolate brownies combine rich, chewy chocolate goodness with a luscious coconut pecan frosting, making them a perfect centerpiece dessert for any gathering. Unlike traditional cake, these brownies can be enjoyed without utensils, making them ideal for potlucks. Just bring a pan, and you’ll see them disappear at lightning speed! What’s more, they are proven to be a hit at any fundraiser bake sale too!
German chocolate brownies are a variation of German chocolate cake. Much to my own surprise, German chocolate cake is not actually a German recipe. The name honors Samuel German, an American baker. It was developed and published in Dallas Texas in 1957. Still, the frosting is iconic, delicious, and works beautifully on brownies as well.
Nutritious Ingredients in German Chocolate Brownies
While German chocolate cake is indulgent, it does provide some nutrients. Enjoy a bite knowing that it is prepared with natural ingredients, free from food additives, and a bit of nutrient rich ingredients.
Coconut
This tropical fruit is not just tasty but nutrient rich as well. Coconut is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. It contains fiber and healthy fats, along with key minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium that promote heart health, digestion, and bone strength. The fats found in coconut oil may give your metabolism a boost and support cardiovascular function. Interestingly, some studies suggest that coconut fats could enhance cognitive function, especially for those with Alzheimer’s. Plus, its fiber content and bioactive enzymes can aid digestion, making them great for gut health. Overall, the healthy fats in coconut can help you feel fuller and support a healthy metabolism.
Pecans
Pecans are nutrient-rich nuts packed with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals that support overall well-being. They are not only delicious but also provide numerous health benefits. Pecans contain monounsaturated fats, which help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. These nuts are loaded with polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, protecting against chronic diseases. Pecans provide thiamine and zinc, which support cognitive function, memory, and nerve health.
Pecans have a low glycemic index, meaning they do not cause spikes in blood sugar levels. The fiber in pecans aids in digestion, gut health, and regular bowel movements. Pecans are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which contribute to bone density and strength. Despite being calorie-dense, pecans help increase satiety and reduce cravings. The vitamin E and healthy fats in pecans help maintain skin hydration and strengthen hair.
Preparation, Servings, and Storage
German chocolate brownies are easy to prepare and are ready from start to finish in just over an hour. One pan of delicious fudgy brownies yields between 24-32 servings. These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For long term storage, these brownies can be flash frozen, wrapped with plastic and stashed in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Craving more crowd-pleasing desserts? Give these a try:

German Chocolate Brownies
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Ingredients
Brownie batter
- 3/4 cup Butter, melted
- 1⅔ cups Sugar
- 2 Eggs
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1½ cups Flour
- 3/4 cup Cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/4 tsp Sea salt
German Chocolate Frosting
- 2 Egg, beaten
- 1⅓ cup Milk
- 1⅓ cup Sugar
- 1/2 cup Butter
- 2 cups Unsweetened coconut flakes
- 3/4 cup Pecans, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350℉.
- In a 4 quart saucepan, combine: 2 beaten eggs1⅓ cup Milk1⅓ cup Sugar1/2 cup Butter
- Turn the burner on medium and slowly bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer ingredients for 10-15 minutes, or until the frosting has thickened.
- Remove from the heat and add the coconut flakes and chopped pecans.
- Allow the frosting to cool while preparing the brownies.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:3/4 cup Butter, melted1⅔ cups Sugar2 Eggs2 tsp Vanilla extract2 tbsp Water
- Mix in the dry ingredients, being careful not to overmix:1½ cups Flour3/4 cup Cocoa powder1/2 tsp Baking powder1/4 tsp Sea salt
- Grease a 13x9 baking dish and pour the brownie batter into the dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the brownies comes out clean.
- Cool for 20 minutes before frosting.
- Spread the frosting over the entire brownies, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition