German chocolate bars are a delicious treat that pairs rich brownie flavors with a sweet coconut and pecan topping. These bars are perfect for family gatherings or a cozy evening at home. With a soft texture and sweet taste, they’re sure to delight both kids and adults alike!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These delicious treats are incredibly easy to make. They use simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Perfect for busy days, they’re quick to whip up and provide a delightful dessert for any occasion. Your family will love the balance of rich chocolate with the chewy coconut and nutty pecans. It truly is a family-friendly recipe!
How to Make German Chocolate Bars
Making these German chocolate bars is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You’ll start by mixing wet and dry ingredients separately. Then, combine them and layer the batter with the coconut and pecans. The oven does the rest of the work, giving you delicious bars that you can serve warm or at room temperature.
What You Need
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Cooking Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the coconut and pecans, then spread this mixture over the brownie layer.
- Top with the remaining brownie batter and spread gently.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
How to Serve German Chocolate Bars
These delicious bars are great on their own but can be topped with whipped cream or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy them as a sweet treat during family movie night or pack them in lunchboxes for a special surprise. They also make an excellent addition to birthday celebrations or potlucks!
How to Store German Chocolate Bars
To keep your leftover bars fresh, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you’d like to store them for longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up briefly in the microwave.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the bars tender.
- If you like your bars extra fudgy, bake them for slightly less time.
- Use unsweetened coconut for a more balanced flavor.
- You can swap the pecans for walnuts if you prefer a different nut.
- For a fun twist, add mini marshmallows or caramel swirls before baking.
Variations & Swaps
- Nut-Free Version: Leave out the nuts or swap them for sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- Coconut-Free: Replace coconut with extra chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and chocolate chips for a dairy-free treat.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make these bars a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’re still delicious when enjoyed the next day.
Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, you can freeze these bars. Once they are completely cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat them?
To reheat, place the bar in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm them up without drying them out. Enjoy them with a scoop of ice cream for a delicious treat!
What can I substitute for the eggs?
For an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce per egg or 1/4 cup mashed banana. This will keep your bars moist and tender.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them as noted above. Enjoy your sweet bars!
German Chocolate Bars
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter At room temperature
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Coconut & Pecan Topping
- 1 cup shredded coconut Use unsweetened for balanced flavor
- 1 cup chopped pecans Can substitute with walnuts if preferred.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
Assembly and Baking
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix the coconut and pecans, then spread this mixture over the brownie layer.
- Top with the remaining brownie batter and spread gently.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars and serving.
