Decadent German Chocolate Cake Bars: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Dessert
Indulge in the rich, chocolatey goodness of these German Chocolate Cake Bars, a delightful spin on the traditional German chocolate cake. These bars combine a moist, fudgy chocolate base with a luscious, nutty coconut-pecan topping, creating a treat that’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. Easy to slice and serve, these bars deliver all the iconic flavors of the classic cake in a convenient, portable form. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward yet impressive, yielding 12-16 delectable bars that are sure to impress. Let’s dive into this irresistible dessert!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 12-16 bars
Calories per Serving: Approximately 290 kcal
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cake Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled for accuracy)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed for deeper flavor, if available)
- 1 cup granulated white sugar
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup buttermilk (or make your own—see tips below)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup boiling water (essential for a moist texture)
For the Coconut-Pecan Topping:
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. If using parchment, leave a slight overhang on the sides to lift the bars out effortlessly after baking. - Craft the Chocolate Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. This dry mix sets the foundation for the rich chocolate flavor.
Add the softened butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and creamy.
Slowly pour in the boiling water, mixing gently with a spatula or on low speed to incorporate it fully. The batter will become thin and pourable—this is normal and helps achieve a tender, moist cake. Be cautious with the hot water to avoid splattering. - Bake the Cake Base
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The top should feel set but slightly springy.
Remove from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial to prevent the topping from melting when applied. - Create the Coconut-Pecan Topping
While the cake cools, prepare the signature topping. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, heavy cream, and butter. Set over medium heat and stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Once boiling, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly to ensure the nuts and coconut are evenly coated in the creamy, caramel-like sauce.
Allow the topping to cool for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken slightly but remain spreadable. - Assemble the Bars
Once the chocolate cake base is completely cool, use a spatula to spread the coconut-pecan topping evenly over the surface. Ensure every corner gets a generous layer of this nutty, sweet goodness.
For a polished look, gently press the topping into the cake to help it adhere. - Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into 12-16 bars, depending on your preferred size. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.
Serve the bars at room temperature for a soft, gooey texture or chilled for a firmer bite. Both options are delightful! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bars
- Buttermilk Substitute: No buttermilk? No problem! Mix ½ cup of whole milk with ½ tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles slightly, then use as directed.
- Nut Options: While pecans are traditional, you can swap them for walnuts or almonds for a different twist. Toast the nuts lightly before chopping for enhanced flavor.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra touch of decadence, melt ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and drizzle over the topping before slicing.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the cake base a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped in the fridge. Add the topping just before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
- Freezing: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
These German Chocolate Cake Bars are a crowd-pleaser, blending the deep, fudgy richness of chocolate with the sweet, crunchy texture of the coconut-pecan topping. They’re easier to make than a layered cake but just as impressive, making them ideal for parties, bake sales, or cozy nights in. The recipe is versatile, allowing for small tweaks to suit dietary preferences or flavor variations, and the bars are portable for sharing with friends or coworkers. Plus, the combination of textures—soft cake, creamy topping, and crunchy nuts—makes every bite a delightful experience.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt for a trendy sweet-salty combo.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
- Calories: ~290 kcal per bar (based on 16 servings)
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g
Note: Values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
This recipe is a unique take on a beloved classic, crafted to bring joy to your kitchen and table. If you try these bars, let us know how they turned out in the comments below, or share your own creative twists!
