Irresistibly Sweet and Nutty: Discover Gooey German Chocolate Cake Bars

Photo byAngie Bright

There’s something undeniably comforting about chocolate, and when it's paired with gooey caramel, coconut, and crunchy pecans, the result is pure magic. Gooey German Chocolate Cake Bars are the perfect way to treat yourself and others to a slice of sweetness, whether it's for a special occasion or just a cozy day at home. This dessert takes the classic flavors of German chocolate cake and transforms them into an indulgent bar that's easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy chocolate base that melts in your mouth, followed by a thick, gooey layer of caramel made from sweetened condensed milk. Topped off with the crunch of pecans and the chewiness of coconut, these bars are a perfect mix of textures and flavors. They’re the ideal dessert for sharing at parties, bringing to potlucks, or keeping all to yourself when you need a chocolate fix.

The simplicity of the recipe means you don’t need to be a professional baker to pull this off. It's as easy as melting chocolate, mixing a few ingredients, and allowing the decadent layers to come together in perfect harmony. The end result? A dessert that's worthy of praise.

Recipe: Gooey German Chocolate Cake Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 4 oz unsweetened chocolate
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and unsweetened chocolate over low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the chocolate mixture cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually stir in the cooled chocolate mixture until it’s completely combined.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet chocolate mixture, stirring just until everything is incorporated.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake the cake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the dish.
6. While the cake cools, prepare the gooey topping. In a medium saucepan, combine the sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning, for about 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens and turns a rich caramel color.
7. Remove the caramel mixture from the heat and stir in the chopped pecans and shredded coconut.
8. Once the cake has cooled, spread the pecan-coconut caramel mixture evenly over the top. Make sure every corner gets a generous layer.
9. Let the bars set at room temperature, or for faster results, place them in the refrigerator to firm up. Once set, cut the bars into squares and enjoy!

These Gooey German Chocolate Cake Bars are bound to be a hit, whether you’re a fan of chocolate, caramel, or coconut. The layers of flavor are rich and indulgent, offering a perfect balance of sweetness with just the right amount of crunch.

They are perfect for any dessert table, and they make an irresistible treat that people will be talking about long after the last bar has disappeared. If you love the flavors of German chocolate cake but want a quicker, more portable option, these bars will satisfy your craving.

Sources:

• AllRecipes German Chocolate Cake Bars Recipe
• Delish Gooey Chocolate Cake Bars
• Taste of Home German Chocolate Recipes