German Chocolate Cake is a beloved classic, famous for its rich chocolate layers and that iconic, sweet, custardy coconut-pecan frosting. Now, imagine all that irresistible flavor and gooey texture, transformed into convenient, shareable bars! These Gooey German Chocolate Cake Bars capture the essence of the beloved cake in an easy-to-make format, perfect for potlucks, parties, or simply satisfying that serious chocolate craving. Get ready for a decadent treat that’s simpler than a layer cake but every bit as delicious!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of classic desserts that get a practical, easy-to-make twist, and these German Chocolate Cake Bars are a prime example. What I absolutely adore about this recipe is how it delivers all the complex, rich flavors of traditional German Chocolate Cake without the fuss of frosting multiple layers. The base is a fudgy, moist chocolate cake, perfectly topped with that signature gooey, nutty, and sweet coconut-pecan mixture. It’s a textural dream and incredibly satisfying. Plus, they’re much easier to transport and share than a full cake, making them my go-to for bringing to gatherings.
List of Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these truly irresistible Gooey German Chocolate Cake Bars:
For the Chocolate Cake Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 4 oz unsweetened chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the Gooey Coconut-Pecan Topping:
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup (½ stick) butter
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
Swaps and Notes
- Unsweetened Chocolate: This provides the deep, rich chocolate flavor for the base. Do not substitute with semi-sweet or milk chocolate, as it will alter the sweetness and intensity.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the salt content in both the base and the topping.
- Eggs & Vanilla: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter. Pure vanilla extract will give the best flavor.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans are ideal for the topping, as they mix in well and distribute evenly. You can toast them lightly beforehand for a deeper nutty flavor, but it’s not strictly necessary.
- Shredded Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut is usually preferred for its moisture and flavor, but unsweetened can be used if you prefer less sweetness.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This is crucial for the gooey texture of the topping. Do not substitute with evaporated milk.
- Brown Sugar: Packed light or dark brown sugar will work. Dark brown sugar will give a slightly richer, deeper caramel flavor to the topping.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Follow these steps to create your decadent Gooey German Chocolate Cake Bars:
- Prepare Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This overhang will act as handles to easily lift the cooled bars out of the pan.
- Melt Chocolate & Butter: In a medium saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl), melt the unsalted butter and unsweetened chocolate over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform. Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly (just until warm, not hot).
- Combine Wet Ingredients for Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, large eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add Chocolate Mixture: Gradually add the slightly cooled melted chocolate and butter mixture to the egg mixture, stirring continuously until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients for Base: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet & Dry for Base: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the chocolate mixture, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Bake the Base: Spread the chocolate cake batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pan from the oven and let the chocolate cake base cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial before adding the topping.
- Make the Gooey Topping: While the cake base cools, prepare the topping. In a clean saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter.
- Cook Topping: Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens significantly and becomes a rich, caramel-like consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Pecans & Coconut: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the chopped pecans and shredded coconutuntil they are evenly distributed throughout the gooey mixture.
- Assemble Bars: Evenly spread the warm coconut-pecan mixture over the completely cooled chocolate cake base in the baking dish.
- Set & Cut: Allow the bars to set completely. This can take several hours at room temperature, or you can speed it up by refrigerating them for 1-2 hours until firm. Once set, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Cool Chocolate Mixture Slightly: When adding the melted chocolate and butter to the eggs, ensure it’s cooled slightly. If it’s too hot, it can scramble the eggs.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing the cake batter develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dry cake base. Mix only until ingredients are just combined.
- Completely Cool Cake Base: This is absolutely vital! If the cake base is warm when you add the topping, the topping will melt and run into the cake, creating a messy result.
- Stir Topping Constantly: The topping mixture contains milk and sugar, which can scorch easily. Stirring constantly over medium heat prevents burning and ensures a smooth, thick consistency.
- Patience for Setting: The gooey topping needs time to set. Don’t rush this step, as trying to cut them too early will result in a sticky mess. Chilling helps speed this up.
- Clean Cuts: For neat slices, use a sharp knife. For even cleaner cuts, you can run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each slice.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Gooey German Chocolate Cake Bars are rich and satisfying on their own. They make a perfect dessert for potlucks, bake sales, or holiday platters because they’re easy to transport and serve. For an extra treat, serve them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also pair wonderfully with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Store Gooey German Chocolate Cake Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. If refrigerated, let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture. These bars also freeze well: wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the rich chocolate and delightful sweetness of these German Chocolate Cake Bars, you’ll be thrilled to try these other amazing dessert recipes:
- For an intensely rich and satisfying chocolate indulgence, you absolutely have to try These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession.
- If you’re a true brownie aficionado, you can’t miss The Best Peanut Butter Brownies I’ve Ever Made And I’ve Made A Lot.
- For a quick and delightful no-bake chocolate fix, my This Brownie Batter Dip Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert For Instant Chocolate Cravings is pure bliss.
- If you have overripe bananas and want to make a delightful, comforting bake, try This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way To Use Up Overripe Bananas.
- And for a fantastic make-ahead holiday dessert that’s always a hit, my These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert are absolutely incredible.
Final Thoughts
These Gooey German Chocolate Cake Bars are the perfect solution when you crave that classic German chocolate flavor but want something a little less traditional and a lot easier. They’re rich, sweet, and packed with that signature coconut and pecan goodness. Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite bar cookie!
What are your favorite German Chocolate Cake inspired desserts? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delightful recipes and baking inspiration.
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