German Chocolate Bars are a decadent dessert inspired by the classic German Chocolate Cake, featuring a rich, chocolaty base and a sweet, coconut-pecan topping. These bars are easier to make than the traditional cake but still offer all the indulgent flavors, making them perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you crave a sweet, gooey treat!
Ingredients:
For the crust:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the coconut-pecan topping:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the crust:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, and mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until set and slightly firm. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the coconut-pecan topping:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
- Assemble and bake:
- Pour the coconut-pecan topping over the partially baked crust, spreading it evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and serve:
- Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
Enjoy these rich and gooey German Chocolate Bars, full of classic flavors and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
