German Chocolate Brownies are an irresistible treat made with boxed cake mix and a simple homemade pecan and coconut topping. If you love German Chocolate Cake, you are going to love the simple and decadent taste of these brownies.
If you are craving German Chocolate Cake, then these easy brownies are for you. Get all of the flavors you love in a simple to make portable treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
German Chocolate Brownies are super popular and one of my favorite recipes to make. I love that they satisfy all of your tastebuds without a lot of effort.
Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a simple midweek treat, I guarantee these brownies are sure to be your new favorite. You can use the simple cake mix hack to make your brownies, or your own favorite brownie recipe that fits a 9 x 9 inch baking pan.
If you love decadent brownie recipes, be sure to check out my Oreo Cheesecake Brownie Bars that are layered with brownies, Oreos, and topped with a simple and delicious cheesecake layer. And, if you love s’mores, be sure to check out my S’mores Fudge recipe! For another cake mix recipe, try these Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies!
Cake Mix Brownies
Did you know that you can make brownies out of cake mix? It is a great short cut for this recipe and when you are looking for a rich chocolatey treat without a lot of effort.
To make cake mix brownies, use whatever 15 ounce chocolate cake mix you like. Then, add to it half a cup of oil, 2 large eggs, and a teaspoon of vanilla. To make even more decadent, stir in chocolate chips.
Press the cake mix brownies into a greased 9 x 9 inch baking pan and bake at 350 degrees for about 18-20 minutes. You will know the brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Be sure not to overcook the brownies. You want them moist and fudgy.
Tips for making cake mix brownies
- Use whatever chocolate cake mix you like. I prefer Devil’s Food Cake for this German Chocolate Brownie recipe.
- When making cake mix brownies, don’t follow the box instructions.
- To make cake mix brownies, combine 15 ounces of chocolate cake mix, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and ½ cup of chocolate chips (if desired).
- Press the cake mix brownies into a greased and lined baking pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees just until the done, about 18-20 minutes. If you overcook, the brownies will be more cake-like than fudge-like.
German Chocolate Brownies
German Chocolate Brownies are a simple and delicious treat that comes together fast. Use cake mix brownies or substitute your own favorite brownie recipe for the base of this bar.
Firstly, you will need to make the brownie layer. Here, I recommend using simple boxed cake mix for the brownies. My favorite boxed cake mix to use for this recipe is Devil’s Food Cake. However, you can use whatever chocolate cake mix you have on hand.
In a bowl, combine the cake mix, vegetable or canola oil, and eggs. Feel free to add in ½ cup of chocolate chips if you want to make these brownies extra chocolatey.
Stir together until well combined. Note that the mixture will be very thick, not at all like a cake batter.
Press the mixture into a greased and lined baking pan. It’s a good idea to line your baking pan with parchment paper so that you can remove the brownies later. This makes for easier cutting and serving.
Then, bake the brownies in a preheated 350 degree oven until they are just set, about 18-20 minutes. You will know they are done when a toothpick inserted in the middle of the brownies comes out clean. Be sure not to overcook the brownies!
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German Chocolate Topping
This simple German Chocolate topping comes together quick and can be made while your brownies are baking.
Firstly, in a medium saucepan, combine the half & half (can substitute evaporated milk if you like), butter, egg yolks, brown sugar, salt, and vanilla.
Bring the mixture to a low simmer while whisking constantly. The mixture will thicken up when it is ready, about 7-8 minutes.
Then, turn off the heat and stir in the shredded coconut and chopped pecans.
Next, pour the warm topping over the cooked brownies. No need to cool the brownies before adding the topping. Use a rubber spatula to spread over top.
Lastly, sprinkle on ½ cup of chocolate chips on the warm German Chocolate topping. Use a spatula to press in slightly so they adhere to the brownies.
Chill before cutting
This may be the most difficult part of the recipe… waiting for the brownies to cool! To speed up this process, place the German Chocolate Brownies in the refrigerator. It should take about an hour for them to cool and be ready to cut.
When ready to cut, simply lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut into pieces.
German Chocolate Brownies are great to make ahead. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Easy Bar Recipes
If you love easy-to-make bar desserts, then be sure to check out these other fan-favorite recipes:
Brownie Blondie Bars with Brown Sugar Icing
Pineapple Bars | Easy Hawaiian Squares
Italian Almond Chocolate Cookies
Cranberry Magic Bars with Pecans and Coconut
I hope you love this recipe for German Chocolate Brownies. Be sure to comment below if you try it. Enjoy!
German Chocolate Brownies
Equipment
- 9 x 9 inch baking pan
Ingredients
Brownies Layer
- 15 ounce box chocolate cake mix (I like Devil's Food cake mix)
- ½ cup canola or vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
German Chocolate Frosting Layer
- ½ cup half and half (can substitute evaporated milk)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter (half a stick)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup shredded sweetened coconut
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips (optional but recommeded)
Instructions
Cake Mix Brownie Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degees. Grease and line a 9 x 9 inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang; set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together the cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla until just combined. (The mixture will be thick)*
- Press the brownie mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake on the center rack for about 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the brownies comes out clean. Be careful not to overcook the brownies.
German Chocolate Frosting
- While the brownies bake, in a medium saucepan over low heat, whisk together the half and half, brown sugar, butter, egg yolks, vanilla, and salt. Bring to a low simmer and whisk constantly until thickened, about 8 minutes.
- Turn of the heat and stir in the shredded sweetened coconut and chopped pecans. Pour over the cooked brownies and sprinkle on chocolate chips if using.
- Cool the bars completely before cutting. You can refrigerate to speed up this process. To cut, simply remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 16 squares.
Can this be doubled for a 9×13 inch pan?
yes!
Love the idea or this recipe. Can I substitute butter for the oil in the cake mix?
Thanks again
Sure!
These were amazingly delicious! The recipe was clear and well written so it was easy to follow. Took them to a dinner party and they were a huge hit-Will keep them in rotation. Your recipes are the best!
Using a box mix for brownies is such a great trick! Love the suggestion to add some extra chocolate chips into the batter too, you can never have too much chocolate.
Enjoyed this for dinner tonight and it does not disappoint! Easy, delicious and exactly what I needed to cure my sweet tooth!
Ok this is a GENIUS way to turn a boxed mix into something fabulous! Such a fun recipe and easier than from scratch!
I love how easily these brownies come together with chocolate cake mix! Such a flavorful and decadent frosting too. Yum!
Oh wow! These look amazing; great pictures! I love that you’re not afraid to use a box mix – keeps it simple and delicious! Can’t wait to try it!
Box mix is actually a great short cut with these brownies!