These German chocolate brownies are really special. Using a boxed brownie mix and pairing this with ingredients like caramel, cream, vanilla, and shredded coconut means you can expect a really delicious result. Bite into one of these tempting treats and I bet this quickly becomes your new favorite brownie.
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There are three stages in the recipe; the brownies themselves, the caramel drizzle, and finally the frosting on top. You can tweak the recipe as much as you want, perhaps adding chopped pecans or hazelnuts to the mix to add another texture.
So if you're a brownie fan who likes dark chocolate brownies or these fancy Oreo brownies and you're looking for something even more indulgent, then definitely try this recipe. It's rich and delicious, and as soon as you take the first bite, you are going to have a smile on your face. They really are that good!
Main Ingredients
Here are some of the main ingredients you are going to need to make these German chocolate brownies:
- Boxed brownie mix: To simplify the recipe. With a boxed mix, you can cut down on some of the brownie-making steps. These mixes differ, so make sure you have the ingredients called for on the packaging and read the instructions thoroughly.
- Caramel bits: For a tasty drizzle. You can use caramel bits or chopped full-size caramel. This ingredient is blended with cream to make a mouthwatering drizzle. If you prefer, you can use another kind of candy in place of the caramel.
- Shredded coconut flakes: A contrasting flavor in the German chocolate brownies. Coconut is a bit of a rare ingredient in brownie recipes, but I love the tropical touch coconut adds to these. You can leave this ingredient out if you don't want to use it.
- Evaporated milk: For the frosting. Evaporated milk is basically regular milk that's had about 60% of its water content taken out. The evaporated milk adds a rich and creamy flavor to the frosting. Don't accidentally use sweetened condensed milk instead because that's already sweetened and will make the brownies far too sweet!
Instructions Overview
Make the brownies following the instructions on the package, then put the batter in a greased square baking pan. Cook them for about 35 minutes as instructed on the box or until they're done and then let them cool.
Microwave the cream and caramel bits until the caramel is melted. Drizzle the mixture over the brownies.
Next heat the egg yolks, sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and vanilla in a pan and cook until thick, stirring all the time. Mix in the coconut flakes and then let the mixture cool. Spread it over the brownies.
You can either serve them right away or chill them in the refrigerator if the frosting is runny and needs to firm up.
Common Questions
When you mix the eggs with the butter, you are mixing air into the batter too. The flour then stabilizes the bubbles of air. However, if you add too much air the brownies will expand too much in the oven and then collapse while they are cooling. Boxed brownie mixes differ so make sure you follow the instructions on the package carefully.
Yes, you can. If you already took the German chocolate brownies out of the pan you cooked them in, you can put them on any baking tray and cook them for longer.
Actually, this term refers to more than one thing. German chocolate might be chocolate made in Germany, German chocolate cake, or even chocolate for baking. German chocolate is typically sweeter than semisweet chocolate. If you want to, you can use other kinds of brownie mixes such as chocolate nut, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate.
Chopnotch Tips
- You can use sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes. I find that the brownies are already pretty sweet, especially with the caramel topping, so I'd recommend using unsweetened coconut here.
- If you can't find caramel bits, you can just use regular caramels since they have to be melted anyway.
- You can tweak the ingredients if you want, swapping the vanilla for a different extract, or omitting the coconut if you're not keen on it.
Take your regular brownies to the next level with these German chocolate brownies. The coconut and vanilla add plenty of flavors while the caramel combines beautifully with the rich chocolate taste.
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Recipe
How to Make
German Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix, plus ingredients listed on the box
- 1 cup caramel bits
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1½ cups shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x9-inch baking pan and set it aside.
- Mix the boxed brownie mix according to the instructions listed on the box. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 35 minutes or according to the instructions listed on the box. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely.
- Add the caramel bits and heavy cream to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30-second intervals while stirring the mixture in-between until the caramel is completely melted. Use a large spoon to drizzle the melted caramel mixture over the top of the cooled brownies.
- Add the egg yolks, sugar, evaporated milk, butter, and vanilla extract to a large saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously for at least 10 minutes until nice and thick. Stir in the shredded coconut, remove from the heat, and let cool.
- Spread the cooled frosting over the caramel drizzle on top of the brownies. If your frosting is runny, transfer the brownies to the refrigerator and let chill until the frosting has firmed up.
- Cut into 16 squares using a sharp knife. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use sweetened or unsweetened coconut flakes. I find that the brownies are already pretty sweet, especially with the caramel topping, so I'd recommend using unsweetened coconut here.
- If you can't find caramel bits, you can just use regular caramels since they have to be melted anyway.
- You can tweak the ingredients if you want, swapping the vanilla for a different extract or omitting the coconut if you're not keen on it.
