Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *German chocolate pecan pie bars*! They are like a slice of heaven, combining the rich, deep flavor of chocolate with the delightful crunch of pecans. Honestly, every time I make these, it reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen—she had this magical way of making desserts that brought everyone together. I still remember the smell wafting through the house as she baked her famous pecan pie. These bars are a fun twist on that classic, and trust me, they’ll be a showstopper at any gathering! With just the right amount of sweetness and that toasty coconut sprinkle, they’re simply irresistible. You’re going to love making these!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, roughly chopped
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Prepare German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars
Prepping the Crust
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the flour, cocoa powder, softened butter, brown sugar, and salt. I like to use my hands to mix it all together until it becomes crumbly—there’s just something so satisfying about it! Once you’ve got that lovely crumbly mixture, press it firmly into the bottom of a greased baking pan. Don’t be shy! You want it nice and even. Pop it in the oven for about 10 minutes to get that crust just the right amount of toasty.
Making the Filling
While the crust is baking, let’s whip up that delicious filling! In another mixing bowl, toss together the chopped pecans, shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined; I like to use a spatula to fold it gently so those pecans and coconut get evenly distributed. Once your crust is out and slightly cooled, pour this heavenly mixture over it. It’s going to look so good, you might be tempted to dive in right then and there!
Baking the Bars
Now, back into the oven they go! Bake your bars for an additional 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges look golden and the center is set—no more jiggle! The aroma wafting through your kitchen at this point will be pure bliss. If you can resist the urge to dig in right away, that’s ideal!
Cooling and Cutting
Once they’re out of the oven, let those bars cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes. This is super important—cooling helps them set up nicely, so they won’t fall apart when you cut into them! After cooling, carefully lift them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack. When you’re ready to cut, use a sharp knife for clean edges. I like to cut them into squares, but feel free to make them as big or small as you want! Enjoy every bite of these dreamy bars!
Tips for Success
Before you dive into making these *German chocolate pecan pie bars*, let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure you get the best results possible! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.
- Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. It blends much better with the other ingredients, giving you that perfect crust texture. If you forget to take it out ahead of time, no worries! Just pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds—just don’t melt it!
- Nut Choices: If you’re not a big fan of pecans, feel free to substitute with walnuts or even almonds! Just keep in mind that each nut brings its own unique flavor, so choose what you love.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: I can’t stress enough how important it is to let the bars cool completely before cutting. This helps them set up nicely and prevents them from becoming a gooey mess. Patience is key here!
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Make sure to use sweetened condensed milk for that rich, creamy filling. If you accidentally grab evaporated milk, it won’t have the same sweetness, and your bars will miss that delicious flavor.
- Storage Tips: These bars keep well! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or in the fridge for about a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage—just wrap them well in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch, serve these bars warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Wow, your taste buds will thank you!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create some truly amazing bars! Enjoy the process and the wonderful smells wafting through your kitchen!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s what you can expect in terms of nutrition for each delicious *German chocolate pecan pie bar*. Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in:
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
So, there you have it! These bars are a delightful treat that balance sweetness with a hint of nuttiness—perfect for satisfying that sweet tooth without going overboard. Enjoy every bite, and remember, moderation is key when indulging in these delicious creations!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While pecans are the star of this recipe, you can totally switch things up and use walnuts or even almonds if you prefer. Each nut brings its own unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment! Just keep in mind that if you use walnuts, they tend to have a slightly more bitter taste compared to the sweet, buttery pecans. Trust your taste buds, and go with what you love best!
How do I store the bars?
Storing these *German chocolate pecan pie bars* is super easy! Just place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll last at room temperature for about three days, but if you want them to stay good for a bit longer, pop them in the fridge where they’ll keep for about a week. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even freeze them! Just wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll last up to two months in the freezer. Just remember to let them thaw in the refrigerator before diving back in!
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely make these bars ahead of time! In fact, they’re a perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare them a day or two in advance, and they’ll actually taste even better as they sit and the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store them properly (in that airtight container I mentioned earlier) to keep them fresh. This way, you can focus on enjoying your time with family and friends instead of rushing around in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy days!
- Decadent chocolate flavor paired with crunchy pecans and sweet coconut.
- Rich, gooey filling that melts in your mouth with every bite.
- Perfect for sharing at gatherings, or just indulging at home.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Versatile bars that can be made ahead of time for convenient snacking.
- Great for satisfying your sweet tooth without being overly sweet.
- Beautifully rich textures that will impress everyone!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up those *German chocolate pecan pie bars*, let’s talk about how to elevate your dessert game even further! These bars are delicious on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can take them to a whole new level.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side is a classic choice! The cold creaminess beautifully contrasts with the rich, gooey bars and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can do wonders! You can sweeten it lightly with a touch of sugar or vanilla extract to complement the bars perfectly.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For the chocolate lovers out there, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the top adds an extra decadent touch. You can even use caramel sauce for a sweet twist!
- Fresh Berries: Serving these bars with a side of fresh raspberries or strawberries not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness.
- Espresso or Coffee: And don’t forget about beverages! A cup of strong espresso or a rich cup of coffee pairs wonderfully with these bars, enhancing the chocolate flavor and giving you that perfect pick-me-up.
Feel free to mix and match these serving suggestions based on your mood or occasion. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, these additions will definitely impress your guests and elevate your dessert experience!
Imprimer
German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars: 7 Indulgent Delights
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 12 bars 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
Delicious German chocolate pecan pie bars with a rich chocolate and nutty filling.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix pecans, coconut, condensed milk, and vanilla.
- Pour the mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 25 minutes.
- Let cool before cutting into bars.
Notes
- Store bars in an airtight container.
- Can substitute walnuts for pecans.
- Serve with whipped cream for added flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: German
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 20g
- De Sodium: 100mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 4g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 25mg
Mots-clés: german chocolate pecan pie bars
