Easy German Chocolate Bars

Category: Sweet Treats for Every Occasion

Classic German chocolate cake flavors made simple! Thick brownies topped with sweet coconut-pecan frosting and chocolate chips give you the perfect dessert bar.

Seram Rezepte
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 21:06:03 GMT
Stacked coconut-chocolate bars on a light background surrounded by chocolate pieces and nuts. Pin
Stacked coconut-chocolate bars on a light background surrounded by chocolate pieces and nuts. | recipesbytina.com

Need to dazzle guests with minimal kitchen time? These German Chocolate Bars are my go-to trick! I stumbled onto this simplified version when I was longing for those traditional flavors but couldn't spare time for baking a full cake. Ever since then, the mix of dense, chocolatey brownies topped with sweet coconut and pecans has been bringing joy to everyone's face.

Why These Bars Stand Out

The real wonder comes from combining that sticky, sweet coconut-pecan mixture with the rich brownie foundation. It's amazing how a boxed brownie mix can turn into something that seems completely homemade. Whenever I share these at gatherings, everyone thinks I've been slaving away in the kitchen all day!

Ingredients List

  • Brownie Mix: Duncan Hines fudgy brownies are my favorite choice for this.
  • Egg(s): You'll need one for the brownie base plus another for the topping.
  • Oil & Water: Follow whatever amounts your box instructions suggest.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: This creates that perfect binding texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: A small amount to boost all the flavors.
  • Coconut Flakes: Go with the sweetened version for best results.
  • Pecans: Toast them first, then chop them up.
  • Chocolate Chips: Because you can never go wrong with extra chocolate!
A close-up view of three stacked chocolate bars with a glossy chocolate topping sprinkled with chopped walnuts, placed on a surface with additional chocolate pieces nearby. Pin
A close-up view of three stacked chocolate bars with a glossy chocolate topping sprinkled with chopped walnuts, placed on a surface with additional chocolate pieces nearby. | recipesbytina.com

Simple Preparation Steps

Prep Work
Turn your oven on to 350°F and put parchment in your pan to make removal super easy later.
Brownie Base
Stir your brownie mixture together, spread it in the pan, and bake it briefly for just 10 minutes.
Topping Creation
Combine your condensed milk with egg and vanilla, then mix in the coconut and pecans until everything's well blended.
Assembly
Put dollops of the coconut blend over your partially baked brownies and scatter chocolate chips around.
Complete Baking
Put it back in the oven for roughly 25 minutes until you see a nice golden color.
Patience Time
You'll need to let everything cool down entirely before slicing, though waiting isn't easy!

Helpful Tricks

Don't skip toasting your pecans, it really enhances the flavor so much! Just toss them in a skillet for a few minutes until they're fragrant. When you're adding that topping, don't dump it all at once, use small spoonfuls. And trust me, that parchment paper will save you tons of hassle when it's time to cut them.

Storage Advice

You can keep these treats in a sealed container at room temp for about 4 days, though at my place they vanish way faster than that! Make sure they've cooled completely before cutting into them if you want those picture-perfect edges.

Common Questions

Warming the pecans in a pan brings out their natural oils and flavor. You can totally use a scratch brownie recipe if you prefer. Add the topping in small portions to keep it from sinking into the brownie layer. They're ready when the edges look golden and a toothpick comes away with just a few crumbs. Store them in a tightly sealed container and they'll stay yummy for several days.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What’s the reason for two bake times?

Letting the edges cook first keeps the middle soft enough for the topping to sink in and stick.

→ Why not pour the topping directly?

Scooping by spoon spreads it better and avoids clumping in one spot.

→ Should I toast the pecans first?

Toasted pecans give a nuttier taste, but it’s totally optional if you’re short on time.

→ How can I check if it’s done?

Brown edges and a toothpick from the middle coming out mostly clean are your signs it’s ready, usually around 27-28 minutes.

→ Is freezing these okay?

Sure! Wrap them up tight and they’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them thaw out at room temp before serving.

German Chocolate Bars

Fudgy brownie meets rich coconut-pecan frosting, topped off with chocolate chips for an easy-to-love dessert.

Preparation Time
30 mins
Cook Time
40 mins
Total Time
70 mins

Category: Desserts

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Cuisine Type: American

Yield: 15 Servings (15 bars)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

What You'll Need

01 1 teaspoon pure vanilla.
02 3 tablespoons water (use box suggestion if different).
03 1 cup toasted, chopped pecans (skip if you'd prefer).
04 1 large egg.
05 1 box (18.3 oz) brownie mix, family size.
06 2/3 cup vegetable oil (follow box directions if applicable).
07 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk.
08 2 large eggs (check box for any changes).
09 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut.
10 3/4 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet).

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F to get it hot.

Step 02

Line a 13x9-inch pan with parchment or grease it up.

Step 03

If using pecans, toast in a dry skillet for 2-5 minutes and let cool down.

Step 04

Combine the brownie ingredients and stir until just about smooth.

Step 05

Dump the brownie batter into your pan evenly.

Step 06

Pop it in the oven and bake for 10 minutes. The edges should set a bit.

Step 07

Whisk the condensed milk, vanilla, and egg together, then gently mix in the coconut and pecans.

Step 08

Scoop the topping and drop it in spoonfuls over the slightly baked brownies.

Step 09

Scatter the chocolate chips over the top.

Step 10

Bake again for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges turn golden.

Step 11

Let it cool all the way before slicing to keep the pieces neat.

Additional Notes

  1. Use a spoon to drop the topping evenly instead of pouring.
  2. Make sure they're completely cooled so cutting is easier.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 13x9-inch dish for baking.
  • Parchment to line your pan.
  • Mixing bowls for stirring everything together.
  • A skillet for toasting nuts, if necessary.

Allergy Information

Check every ingredient for potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional for concerns.
  • Milk-based items (chocolate and condensed milk).
  • Eggs used in the mix and topping.
  • Contains pecans (tree nut).
  • Contains wheat from the brownie mix.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don’t replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 478
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Proteins: 6 g