German Chocolate Brownies: Recipe and 6 Variations

German chocolate brownies are chewy chocolate brownies topped with a gooey butterscotch frosting studded with nuts and shredded coconut. Inspired by the flavor profile of the iconic and popular German chocolate cake, these flavorful chocolate brownies are perfect for year-round gatherings and celebrations.

Contrary to popular belief, the German chocolate cake did not originate in Germany. The cake gets its name from English-American baker Samuel German, who developed the baking chocolate that appears in the recipe in the late 1800s. (The cake recipe itself wouldn’t appear until the 1950s, in a Dallas newspaper.) German’s signature baking chocolate is not as prominent in contemporary recipes for the cake.

It’s easy to customize German chocolate brownies to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs. If you’re short on time, use boxed brownie mix and top the cooled brownies with coconut pecan frosting. Here are some other ideas:

1. 1. Add chocolate chips to the batter. White chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or semisweet chocolate chips add more chocolate flavor to this brownie recipe. In a small mixing bowl, toss the chocolate chips or chunks with a bit of flour, so the chocolate suspends in the brownie batter instead of sinking to the bottom.
2. 2. Brown the butter. Brown the butter before incorporating it into the brownie batter for a nutty note. The result will be subtle, but you’ll pick up on the slight depth of flavor, which will round out the sweetness and add a unique, nearly savory background note. Use this recipe for browned butter brownies as a guide.
3. 3. Try a gluten-free variation. Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour, or omit the flour altogether for a dense, fudgy brownie.
4. 4. Make homemade butterscotch. To make butterscotch, combine brown sugar, butter, the dairy of your choosing (condensed or evaporated milk, regular milk, or half-and-half), and a touch of corn syrup. Cook the butterscotch over medium heat until homogenous and lightly bubbling.
5. 5. Mix instant espresso powder into the batter. Incorporate espresso powder or brewed coffee into the wet ingredients of your favorite brownie recipe or box mix to add a kick of caffeine and deeper chocolate flavor. Allow the espresso powder to dissolve in the melted butter to prevent clumps or granules in the final batter.
6. 6. Toast the nuts and coconut. Before topping your brownies, ensure that the flavor of the coconut and pecans is as pronounced as possible. In a dry pan or sheet tray, toast the nuts and shredded coconut just until they become aromatic. Be careful not to burn them.