Fudgy, chewy and easy to make German chocolate brownies are made with a chocolate brownie base, sweet caramel layer and topped with a gooey coconut pecan frosting.

If you love indulgent brownies for dessert as much as we do, try these Oreo brownies, frosted brownies and peanut butter brownies, too!

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Best German Chocolate Brownies

So I came up with the most AMAZING dessert recipe a few weeks ago….German chocolate BROWNIES! My family loves German chocolate cake and German chocolate cookies, but mainly because of the frosting! This frosting is DIVINE!

These German chocolate brownies combine my love of brownies, chocolate, caramel and coconut frosting. Using a dressed up brownie mix gives you time to focus on the homemade coconut frosting, which really is the star of the show in this super rich and chocolaty treat.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make: These are a delicious twist on a classic and perfect for when you don’t have time to make a cake or want something more than just a homemade chocolate brownie.
  • Flavorful texture: Chewy fudgy brownies with a gooey topping studded with pecans for crunch. These brownies have it all!

Ingredients Needed

Jump to the printable recipe for the full ingredients and instructions!

  • Brownies: The first layer starts with a classic brownie base. I used a box of my favorite brownie mix, but you can make homemade brownies from scratch. Adding semi sweet chocolate chips gives it even more chocolate flavor.
  • Caramel: Next comes a layer of gooey caramel. All you need to do is melt the caramel bits until smooth, then spread the caramel over top of the cooled brownies.
  • Coconut pecan frosting: The last layer is a rich and divine coconut pecan frosting. It’s perfectly thick and delicious and tastes amazing paired with the chocolate and caramel. Top the icing with drizzle of melted chocolate and a sprinkle of chopped pecans.

How to Make German Chocolate Brownies

Showing how to make german chocolate brownies in a 6 step collage.
  • Make: Bake your brownies according to package or recipe directions.
  • Melt: Place your caramels in a bowl and melt down until smooth.
  • Drizzle: Add that caramel evenly over the cooled brownies.
  • Cook: Combine the coconut frosting ingredients and cook according to directions.
  • Spread: Gently spread the frosting over the top of the caramel.
  • Slice: Cut the brownies and serve.

Baking Tips

  • After you bake the brownies in the oven, check them with a toothpick to make sure they come clean.
  • Use fresh flaked coconut to make the coconut pecan frosting. It definitely makes a difference! Toast the pecan for more depth of flavor.
  • For my chocolate lovers: drizzle chocolate on top of the brownies (before the caramel) or add chocolate chips to the brownie batter like I do in my cake mix brownies recipe.
  • Make sure each layer has cooled completely before adding the next on top.
  • I recommend refrigerating the brownies after frosting and adding toppings. They are easier to cut when hardened. A plastic knife works best to cut them.
  • The frosting makes a lot, so you can also bake in a 9×13″ pan and use 2 boxes of brownie mix to have more squares.
  • Sprinkle the tops with a little bit of flake sea salt for to cut the sweetness.

You may also love cake mix brownies and these brownie mix cookies!

More Delicious Brownie Recipes

German Chocolate Brownies

5 from 29 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 16
The BEST German chocolate brownies loaded with chocolate, caramel and an amazing coconut pecan frosting. Super rich and full of chocolate goodness!
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Video

Ingredients 

Brownies

  • 1 (18-ounce) box brownie mix , plus ingredients on box
  • 1 cup caramel bits
  • 2 Tablespoons heavy cream

Coconut Pecan Frosting

  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • ½ cup butter , or margarine
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups shredded coconut , make sure it's fresh
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Bake brownies according to package in a 9×9-inch pan. Let cool.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, cook caramel bits and heavy creamy for 30 second increments, stirring between each, until melted. Drizzle over brownies. Let cool.

Coconut Pecan Frosting

  • In a large saucepan, stir together butter, egg yolks, sugar, milk, and vanilla over medium heat 10 minutes, or until thickened (make sure to stir consistently). Add coconut and pecans. 
  • Spread frosting over top of caramel. Top with melted chocolate and pecans, if desired. Chill before slicing into 16 squares.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Frosting: The frosting makes a lot, so you can use 2 boxes of brownie mix and bake in a 9×13-inch pan to have more squares. 
Freeze: Wrap uncut brownie in foil and plastic wrap and store in the freezer up to 4 months.
Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 299kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 20g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 6g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 57mg, Sodium: 104mg, Potassium: 163mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 25g, Vitamin A: 299IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 76mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the secret when making brownies?

Make sure to beat your eggs and sugar well. Also, make sure to not over bake, so the center stays soft.

What is the secret to moist brownies?

Use milk instead of water and add extra chocolate chips in the batter. Make sure to not over bake them and also to add a frosting on top.

What is German chocolate?

The term can refer to chocolate made in Germany, baking chocolate or a German chocolate cake. The coconut pecan frosting on top of these brownies makes them German chocolate brownies.

How to store leftover brownies?

You can store these brownies covered at room temperature for 3-5 days. They can be stored in the refrigerator up to a week. To freeze, wrap uncut brownie in foil and plastic wrap and store in the freezer up to 3-4 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.