German Chocolate Cake or German Chocolate Brownie Bar

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INGREDIENTS

For the Cake/Brownie Base:

  • 1 box German chocolate cake mix or brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
  • OR make from scratch:
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 tsp baking powder
    • ½ tsp baking soda
    • ½ tsp salt
    • ½ cup butter, melted
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • ½ cup milk

For the Coconut-Pecan Frosting:

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ⅓ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Prepare the Cake/Brownie Base
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
    • If using a boxed mix, prepare according to package directions.
    • If making from scratch: whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and milk until well combined.
    • Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25–35 minutes (cake) or 20–25 minutes (brownies) until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool slightly.
  2. Make the Coconut-Pecan Frosting
    • In a medium saucepan, combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter.
    • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 10–12 minutes).
    • Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
  3. Assemble
    • Spread the warm frosting evenly over the cooled cake or brownies.
    • Let set before slicing into bars or squares.
  4. Serve
    • Enjoy at room temperature or slightly chilled for a firmer texture.

If you want, I can also give you a no-bake version of these German Chocolate Brownie Bars so they’re even easier to make. Would you like me to do that?

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