If you love the delicious flavor of German Chocolate and you also enjoy the texture of coconut and pecans, I’ve got a great recipe for you! These German Chocolate Brownies are absolutely delicious, and simple to make. That’s because they start with a box of cake mix!
What is German Chocolate?
German chocolate is known for its rich, dark flavor and smooth texture. However, it is understand that “German” chocolate doesn’t specifically refer to chocolate made in Germany, but rather to a particular style of chocolate that was actually made popular in the United States.
The name “German chocolate” originates from Sam German, an American chocolate maker who developed a type of dark baking chocolate in the mid-19th century. This chocolate was subsequently used in a recipe for a cake known as “German’s Chocolate Cake,” which gained widespread popularity.
See how rumors get started?
(I always thought this type of chocolate originated in Germany!)
German chocolate typically has a higher cacao content compared to milk chocolate, resulting in a more intense and slightly bitter taste. It may also contain additional ingredients like sugar, cocoa butter, and sometimes milk or cream.
German chocolate can be used in various recipes, including cakes, cookies, and desserts, or enjoyed on its own as a delicious treat.
German Chocolate Cake Ingredients
You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. For now, here’s a quick peek at what you’re going to need to make these delicious brownies. These are simple ingredients you might already have on hand.
FOR THE BROWNIES
- German Chocolate Cake
- chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
- room temperature butter
- large eggs
- coconut pecan frosting
- vanilla extract
FOR THE TOPPING
- coconut pecan frosting
- chopped pecans (optional)
- toasted coconut (optional)
How to Make Delicious German Chocolate Brownies
This is such a simple and delicious recipe! I love using cake mixes to make brownies and this one was a given!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare an 9×9 (or 8×10)-inch baking dish with non-stick baking spray. If you like, you can add a piece of parchment paper inside as I do with my Cappuccino Cheesecake Bars.
(Unfortunately, I only have an 8×8-inch pan, so my brownies required a longer cooking time.)
Start by placing cake mix into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment. If you like, you can mix these by hand but you’ll get quite a workout, as this is a thicker batter.
Add the butter, eggs, and vanilla to the cake mix.
Mix well.
Add half the canister of coconut pecan frosting. Mix at low speed until it’s incorporated.
Now it’s time to add the chocolate chips. Fold them in.
At this point I decided to toss in some chopped pecans.
Check out that thick luscious batter!
Transfer the thick batter to the prepared baking dish.
Place in preheated oven and bake for 18 – 20 minutes or until the edges start to crisp up and a toothpick comes out of the center clean.
Because I used a smaller pan mine took 30 minutes.
Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
Spoon the rest of the frosting on top of the warm fudgy brownies.
Sprinkle with chocolate chips, pecans, and toasted coconut (optional)
I went with chocolate chips and pecans only.
Cut and serve (warm or room temperature).
What to Expect from these Brownies
These are rich and luscious! They’re the perfect cross between a cake and a bar.
The outside pieces were like a warm cake.
The interior pieces were gooey and luscious.
If I had it all to do over again I would use a large pan (say, my 8×10-inch pan) so that the brownies weren’t so thick. That would really take things to the next level, especially with the german chocolate frosting!
The smaller the pan, the longer they have to bake.
All of my favorite flavors merged into one single solitary bite with the delicious German Chocolate brownies.
I definitely plan to make these again. . .in a slightly larger pan. This is one of those brownie recipes you can whip up in a hurry! They’re perfect for special occasions or any day of the week.
Variations on this Rich Brownie Recipe
These are incredibly delicious just like they are but I’m already thinking of ways to change them up.
First thing: I would bake this decadent dessert in a slightly larger dish, as I mentioned above.
Here are some other ideas:
Skip the coconut pecan frosting in the brownies. Just add half a cup of chocolate chips. Spread the whole can of frosting on top.
Toasted coconut flakes: You can take a cup of shredded coconut, place it in an ungreased nonstick skillet, and lightly toast it for a couple of minutes before using. (The smell of toasted coconut is absolutely divine!)
Make it from a white cake: Add half a cup of cocoa powder to a white cake mix to end up with a similar recipe.
Make homemade brownies instead of using a cake mix. Or, if you like, use a boxed brownie mix. Add a few dark chocolate chips if you like.
Questions People are Asking
Are these like turtle brownies?
Similar, in that they have a caramel and pecan element, but these also have the addition of the coconut, which sets them apart.
Can I add brown butter or brown sugar to this recipe?
Yes to both! Brown butter would really deepen the flavors and so would a quarter cup of brown sugar (to the batter).
Can I make the coconut pecan frosting from scratch?
Yes, I have a great recipe for that! You’ll need pecans, evaporated milk, sugar, butter, egg yolks, and coconut, along with vanilla extract. For best results, use a large saucepan over medium heat.
Other Pecan-Infused Favorites from Out of the Box Baking
Pecan Pie Cookies: In this post I’m going to show you how to make a simple pecan pie cookie, perfect for a quick treat! This recipe will be particularly exciting during the holiday season.
Butter Pecan Bundt Cake: If you’re crazy about brown butter and pecans you’re going to love this easy cake. It’s topped with a crunchy praline topping and rich with flavor. Best of all, it starts with a boxed mix! Easy-breezy!
Pecan Pie Blondies: If you love pecan pie but enjoy the ease of a blondie, you’re going to love this new recipe from Out of the Box Baking!
Brown Butter Pecan Cookies: You love brown butter. You love pecans. You’re thinking about merging the two into a cookie but don’t know where to start. You’ve landed in the right spot with this delicious recipe!
Learn more about doctored cake mixes, the theme of this blog.
For the master list of all doctored cake mix recipes on this site, visit Doctored Cake Mix Recipes, Master List.
That’s it for this post, friends! I hope you enjoyed this delicious german chocolate brownies recipe.
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Easy German Chocolate Brownies
If you love the delicious flavor of German Chocolate and you also enjoy the texture of coconut and pecans, I’ve got a great recipe for you! These German Chocolate Brownies are absolutely delicious, and simple to make. That’s because they start with a box of cake mix!
Ingredients
- 1 box German Chocolate Cake
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (plus more for topping)
- 1 stick butter
- 2 eggs
- Vanilla extract
- 1 canister coconut pecan frosting
- 1/2 cup pecans (optional)
- 2 - 3 tablespoons toasted coconut (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Prepare an 9x9 (or 8x10)-inch baking dish with non-stick baking spray.
(Unfortunately, I only have an 8x8-inch pan, so my brownies required a longer cooking time.)
Start by placing cake mix into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment. If you like, you can mix these by hand but you’ll get quite a workout, as this is a thicker batter.
Add the butter, eggs, and vanilla to the cake mix.
Mix well.
Add half the canister of coconut pecan frosting. Mix at low speed until it’s incorporated.
Now it’s time to add the chocolate chips. Fold them in.
Transfer the thick batter to the prepared baking dish.
Place in preheated oven and bake for 18 - 20 minutes or until the edges start to crisp up and a toothpick comes out of the center clean.
Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
Spoon the rest of the frosting on top of the warm brownies.
Sprinkle with chocolate chips, pecans, and toasted coconut (optional)
I went with chocolate chips and pecans only.
Cut and serve.
Store in an airtight container or tightly covered in plastic wrap. They will stay fresh at room temperature for 3 - 4 days.
You can freeze these brownies up to two months.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 233Total Fat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 56mgSodium: 116mgCarbohydrates: 16gFiber: 2gSugar: 12gProtein: 3g
The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
Tuesday 8th of August 2023
I love German chocolate cake - I think these brownies must be heaven!
Lyndsey
Thursday 3rd of August 2023
These look super good! That's interesting about the chocolate, I thought it was a recipe from Germany that made it the German Chocolate Cake.
booksbyjanice
Sunday 6th of August 2023
I was surprised, too!