Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these German chocolate pecan pie bars! They’re like a decadent hug in dessert form. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy base that’s studded with crunchy pecans and sweet, chewy coconut—it’s a flavor explosion! I remember the first time I made these for a family gathering. Everyone was raving about them, and I couldn’t help but feel a little proud as I watched people go back for seconds (and thirds!). The combination of chocolate and nuts is just so comforting, and the best part? They’re super easy to whip up! Trust me, once you try these bars, they’ll become your go-to treat for any occasion. You’ll want to share them with everyone, but you might just find yourself sneaking a few bites all for yourself!
Ingredients for German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Getting the ingredients together for these German chocolate pecan pie bars is super straightforward! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed for that rich sweetness
- 2 large eggs, which give the bars that fudgy texture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a flavor boost
- 1 cup chopped pecans, because who can resist those crunchy bites?
- 1 cup shredded coconut, adding a lovely chewiness
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to balance all that sweetness
Make sure you have everything on hand before you start—this way, you’ll be ready to dive right into the fun of baking!
How to Prepare German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Alright, let’s get those ovens preheating and dive into making these scrumptious German chocolate pecan pie bars! I promise, you’re going to love how simple this is. Here’s how to bring these bars to life:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bars bake evenly and come out perfectly set.
- While the oven is heating up, grab a bowl and mix together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. This dry mixture is the foundation of your bars, so give it a good stir to combine everything well.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until it’s smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial because it adds air and helps create that lovely texture.
- Next, beat in the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Make sure it’s all well incorporated—you want that rich, sweet flavor to shine through!
- Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in batches to avoid any flour explosions. Just mix until everything is combined—overmixing can lead to tough bars!
- Once combined, gently fold in those chopped pecans and shredded coconut. This is where the magic happens; you’ll love the crunch and chewiness they add!
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until set. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bars cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Trust me, the patience will be worth it when you take that first bite!
And there you have it! These steps will guide you straight to deliciousness, so get ready to enjoy your baking adventure!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Each of these delightful German chocolate pecan pie bars packs a tasty punch while still being a reasonable treat. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one bar:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
This makes them a perfect dessert option when you’re craving something sweet but still want to keep an eye on what you’re eating. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—whip these up in just 15 minutes!
- Rich chocolate flavor paired with crunchy pecans and sweet coconut is simply irresistible.
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone will want the recipe!
- Great for sharing, but you might want to keep a few for yourself.
- Bake them ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
- Versatile enough to serve warm or cold, making them a year-round treat.
- They’re vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy!
Trust me, once you taste these bars, they’ll be your new favorite dessert to make and share!
Tips for Success
To ensure your German chocolate pecan pie bars turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened; it should be at room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar. This helps create that fluffy texture we all love. Also, don’t skip the folding step when adding in the pecans and coconut—be gentle to keep the batter light and airy!
Keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes early. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Finally, patience is key—let them cool completely before slicing for neat, clean bars. Happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made these delicious German chocolate pecan pie bars, you’ll want to make sure they stay fresh and tasty! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the fridge, where they’ll last about a week. I love serving them warm, so if you prefer that cozy, gooey texture, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before enjoying. But honestly, they’re fantastic cold too, especially when you’re in the mood for a quick snack. Whichever way you choose to enjoy them, they’re sure to delight!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a ton of ways to mix things up with these German chocolate pecan pie bars! For starters, try swapping out the pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor. You could also add a splash of almond extract to the batter for an extra layer of deliciousness. Feeling fruity? Toss in some dried cherries or cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast. And if you want to kick up the chocolate vibe, consider adding chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top before serving. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!
FAQ Section
Got questions about your German chocolate pecan pie bars? No worries, I’ve got you covered!
What is the best way to serve these bars?
These bars are delicious both warm and cold, so it really depends on your mood! I love serving them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra treat. If you prefer them cold, they make a fantastic grab-and-go snack!
Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! While pecans give these bars their signature crunch, you can easily swap them for walnuts or even almonds if you prefer. Just remember to chop them up for the best texture.
How do I know when they are done baking?
Keep an eye on them as they bake! They’re done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs—this means they’re perfectly fudgy! If it comes out with wet batter, give them a few more minutes. Don’t rush this part; trust me, the wait is so worth it!
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out! Happy baking!
Print
German chocolate pecan pie bars that will warm your heart
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious German chocolate pecan pie bars with a rich chocolate and nut filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in the pecans and coconut.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until set.
- Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or cold.
- Optional: drizzle with chocolate sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: german chocolate pecan pie bars, dessert, baking, chocolate
