Aw yeah. I went there.
Full confession: until a few years ago, I turned my nose up at all coconut desserts. All of them. And then one day, the angels spoke to me and I ate an Almond Joy. Boy, did I feel like an idiot. It was delicious.
Since then, I’ve come to realize how much a heap of coconut on top of a dessert can change the game. And when that heap of coconut happens to be couched in easy, gooey German chocolate frosting, so much the better.
For the past few days, my family has been enjoying the benefits of Lancaster, PA. If you’ve never been there, it’s home to kiddie amusement park Dutch Wonderland, designed for kids aged three to eight or so. It’s pretty much a barrel of fun for your little crumb-crunchers. But that’s not the most exciting part.
It’s also home to Turkey Hill ice cream, and they have a museum and ice cream experience. As part of admission, you can not only create an ice cream flavor, but you can also have unlimited ice cream samples. Do you know how big those samples are? A scoop. YES. A whole scoop, my friends! Talk about heaven on earth!
We recently had lunch with a family who informed us that wherever they go, they look for food factory tours, especially those involving chocolate. And I’ve been thinking about it since then. Those people are geniuses. Who wouldn’t make that part of a fun family vacation? And next time we hit Lancaster, I see that there are also pretzel factory tours. Sign. Me. Up.
While I’ve had my fill of ice cream over the past couple of days, it’s comforting to think that waiting for me at home are these brownies. I can never get my fill of brownies. Brownies are always there for me. And these are quite special.
Filled with giant chocolate chunks and smothered in German chocolate frosting, these are pretty hard to resist and not difficult to make. Remember, liking German chocolate doesn’t mean making a cake every time. These brownies are a perfectly acceptable way to get your cravings taken care of without taking out the round cake pans and building layers!
It’s Friday and after all the vacationing, I’m pretty much exhausted. Food factory tours will do that to you, as will kiddie amusement parks. But summer calls for all kinds of activity, not to mention indulgence. Make these brownies part of your season!
German Chocolate Brownies
Ingredients
Brownies
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup cocoa
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup chocolate chunks
Frosting
1/2 cup unsalted butter
14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk (I used fat free)
3 egg yolks
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup sweetened coconut
1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350. Line an 8-inch square pan with foil and coat with cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix the cocoa into the melted butter until it dissolves. Add the sugar and stir again. When the sugar is incorporated, mix in the vanilla and eggs. Add the salt and flour, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chunks.
- Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes until done.
- While the brownies are baking, make the frosting. Melt the butter with the condensed milk and egg yolks, stirring constantly. When the mixture bubbles and begins to thicken, remove from the heat. Stir in the vanilla, coconut and pecans.
- Allow the frosting to thicken, about 15 minutes. When the frosting is thickened, spread it over the brownies.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator to allow the frosting to harden a little more. They will cut more easily that way.
- When you're ready to serve, cut the brownies into squares. Store in the refrigerator this time of year to avoid the frosting getting too sticky or gooey on the counter.
3.1
https://justaboutbaked.com/german-chocolate-brownies/
Mir – Ice cream factory tours are the best! It sounds like you and your family are enjoying some quality time together. I’d love to visit Amish country someday, but haven’t gotten out there yet. 🙂 Coconut desserts are wonderful especially German Chocolate. Thank you for sharing these with us. They look delicious.
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg recently posted…Strawberry Coconut Cream Cheese Bread
It’s really cool, Erin, and you’re not too far away. Try it!
I actually don’t like coconut at all, though I wish I did! These brownies look phenomenal! This would be a great Father’s Day treat, as my dad loves german chocolate cake. Have a wonderful weekend, Mir!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Mini Strawberry Orange Scones
You too, Gayle! I used to hate it, too. Maybe your taste buds will change!
What a coincidence, I just blogged about something coconut yesterday! Your coconut frosting looks so good on the brownies, I’m tempted to buy a can of coconut to make this!
Jasline (Foodie Baker) recently posted…3-Ingredient No-Churn Coconut Ice Cream
Coconut comes in cans? I got mine in a bag! That’s so funny!
Oh yeah, coconut–that is one of my favorite dessert flavors! These brownies look incredible, so rich and chocolaty!
June @ How to Philosophize with Cake recently posted…Vegan raspberry swirl rosewater meringues
Thanks, June. They are rich. Love the giant chocolate chunks!
Mir these sound amazing! I am with you on the coconut, it really adds a wonderful new dimension to desserts (if only I could get my husband to agree on that I’d be set). I really like the idea of german chocolate brownies for those times when you’re really not feeling like a cake!
PS Turkey Hill makes the absolute best (in my opinion, anyway) ice cream in the world–Double Dunker! I’m not too far from their museum, I really need to visit it!
Sam @ SugarSpunRun recently posted…Cookies & Cream Cheesecake Batter Ice Cream Cones
I am going to try that this morning, Sam! We’re headed to Turkey Hill in a few minutes. Thanks for the tip!
German chocolate cake was the first kind of cake I ever made (and my first blog post!)… I haven’t made one in forever and these brownies look like the most perfect stand-in!
Sues recently posted…Créme Brulée Oatmeal
Then it has special meaning for you, Sues! That’s so cool!
Food factory tours need to be a part of my life, like now! Also oh my god I cannot believe you once didn’t like coconut desserts, but I’m glad you’ve seen the light. German chocolate anything is my fave, love these brownies! The topping looks soooo heavenly 🙂
Medha @ Whisk & Shout recently posted…{One}
Yes, they do, Medha! We had so much fun. I created my own ice cream pint!
Food factory tours is totally genius! And so are these brownies! I used to be a coconut hater, but the angels spoke to me too! Your vacation sounds like a real good time and I’m totally jealous about all that ice cream. Happy Weekend, Mir!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…Pimento Cheese, Beer Battered Onion Ring, and Fried Green Tomato Burger
Yep, I actually got my fill of ice cream. That almost never happens, Rachelle!
I love coconut desserts, but rarely make them! Love German Chocolate! These bars look awesome!
Thanks, Mira! If you like them, you should make them!
oh my gawd, Mir. . I was the SAME way with coconut. . I never liked it as a kid. . but then as an adult, ate my first Almond Joy and the rest is history! I LOVE these brownies!!! Turkey Hill ice cream sounds amazing!! I want to create my own ice cream flavor there!!! and if your summer is anything like mine, which, with the kids, sounds like it will be the same, we need all the ice cream and brownies we can get!!!! have a great weekend, Mir!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom recently posted…Turkey Chili with Wisconsin Farmer’s Cheese
Are we separated at birth, Alice? Sometimes I think so! Have a great time with the kiddos!
german chocolate cake is one thing BUT german chocolate brownies! YUMMMM Mir you come up with so many awesome combos! this looks awesome! 😉
Michele @ Two Raspberries recently posted…No-Bake POWER Bars -Vegan -GF -Soy Free -refined sugar free
Thanks, Michele! I love anything that can go into a bar!
I’ve actually never had German chocolate cake. And I lived in Germany for 6 months. I must have been too busy eating fabulous pastries and chocolate to try the cake! This looks pretty amazing, so I certainly must try it!
Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. recently posted…Triple Chocolate Macadamia Nut Cookies
I don’t know if German chocolate cake originated there or here! Or neither! Gotta look it up, Stacey!
I also use to turn up my nose at coconut desserts. However, over the years I’ve come to appreciate the comfort & delight of a quality slice of german chocolate cake. I’m certain, I will indulge in this particular brownie recipe many times this year.
Thanks & Happy Sunday, Mir
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud/2015/4/6/4615
I guess it must be an acquired taste. Thanks!
I used to feel the same about coconut!!! I absolutely love it now though, my tastebuds have definitely changed. This dessert looks sooo tasty, Mir! I love brownies, but that frosting makes them even more delectable than any other kind!
Harriet Emily recently posted…ILLUSTRATION: THE FARM
Thanks, Harriet Emily! Brownies are great, but FROSTED brownies…better!
An ice cream sample SCOOP?? Clearly I need to visit!
Erin@WellPlated recently posted…Red White and Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
As many as you want, Erin. IT’S HEAVEN.
I love coconut and I love brownies! And I am absolutely loving these German brownies, Mir! YUMMYLICIOUS!
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen recently posted…Pineapple Blueberry Raspberry Breakfast Layered Smoothie
Thanks, Anu!
I. Love. German Chocolate Frosting!! Especially on brownies!!
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted…Cherry Peach Dump Cake
Me, too. Brownies with frosting > Brownies without frosting!