Irresistible German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Sweet meets decadent in these German chocolate pecan pie bars that blend classic Southern charm with rich chocolate indulgence.

Layers of buttery crust cradle a luscious filling packed with toasted pecans and silky chocolate.

Each bar tells a story of comfort and tradition, melting in your mouth with every single bite.

Homemade desserts have a way of connecting generations through shared flavor memories.

The balance of nutty pecans and smooth chocolate creates a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Crumbly, sweet, and utterly irresistible, these bars promise to become your new favorite treat.

Prepare to be transported to a world of pure dessert bliss with just one heavenly square.

Why German Chocolate Pecan Bars Shine

• Craft a Decadent Dessert: Combine the rich flavors of German chocolate, pecan, and coconut in a single irresistible bar that elevates classic dessert expectations.
• Impress with Layered Complexity: Create a multi-textured treat featuring a buttery crust, gooey filling, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate topping that delivers an incredible taste experience.
• Master a Crowd-Pleasing Showstopper: Prepare a dessert that works perfectly for potlucks, family gatherings, holiday parties, and special celebrations, guaranteeing rave reviews from everyone who takes a bite.
• Enjoy Simple Gourmet Baking: Achieve professional-level results with straightforward steps that don't require advanced pastry skills, making this recipe accessible to bakers of all experience levels.

German Chocolate Bar Ingredient List

• All-Purpose Flour: The base component that provides structure and texture to the pie bar crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter that helps create a rich and tender crust with a crumbly texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust foundation.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the crust and balances the sweetness.

• Pecans: Chopped nuts that add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the bars.
• Shredded Coconut: Provides a tropical texture and sweet note to the filling.
• Chocolate Chips: Melty chocolate that creates pockets of rich, sweet goodness throughout the bars.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a caramel-like consistency.
• Corn Syrup: Gives the filling a smooth, glossy texture and helps prevent crystallization.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the filling ingredients together.
• Large Eggs: Act as a binding agent and provide structure to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile of the bars.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk, Unsalted Butter, Chocolate Chips: Combined to create a smooth, decadent chocolate topping that adds an extra layer of indulgence.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor of the chocolate topping with its warm, sweet notes.

Making German Chocolate Pecan Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Surface

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it with cooking spray or line with parchment paper, ensuring some paper hangs over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Crust Foundation

• Flour
• Softened butter
• Sugar
• Salt

Blend ingredients until they look like coarse crumbs.

Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating a solid base.

Step 3: Initial Crust Baking

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color.

Pull the pan out but keep the oven running.

Step 4: Prepare Filling Ingredients

• Chopped pecans
• Shredded coconut
• Chocolate chips

Combine thoroughly and set aside.

Step 5: Craft the Filling Mixture

• Granulated sugar
• Corn syrup
• Unsalted butter

Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until butter melts and mixture starts to simmer.

Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Whisk in beaten eggs and vanilla extract, stirring constantly to prevent egg scrambling.

Step 6: Layer the Filling

Pour the warm filling evenly over the baked crust.

Sprinkle the pecan-coconut-chocolate mixture across the top, gently pressing it into the filling.

Step 7: Second Baking Stage

Return the pan to the oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the filling sets and doesn’t wiggle in the center.

Step 8: Create Chocolate Topping

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Unsalted butter
• Chocolate chips

Stir constantly until chocolate melts and mixture becomes smooth.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 9: Apply Chocolate Layer

Once bars finish baking, immediately pour the warm chocolate topping over them.

Spread evenly using a spatula.

Step 10: Cooling and Chilling

Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature.

Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until chocolate topping becomes firm.

Step 11: Slice and Serve

Remove bars from pan using parchment paper.

Place on cutting board.

Slice into squares, cleaning knife between cuts by dipping in hot water and wiping dry.

Tips for Chocolate Pecan Bars

• Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, crisp base that won't crumble when cutting the bars.
• Temper the warm filling mixture by adding beaten eggs slowly and whisking constantly to avoid creating scrambled eggs in your dessert.
• Use low, steady heat when melting chocolate to ensure a smooth, glossy topping without burning or seizing.
• Clean, precise cuts come from using a hot, wiped knife and allowing the bars to chill completely before serving.
• Adjust pecan and coconut ratios to suit personal preference, creating a more nutty or coconut-forward flavor profile.

Pecan Pie Bar Variations

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Bars: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the rich, decadent flavor profile.
• Vegan Coconut Chocolate Bars: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Nutty Chocolate Squares: Swap corn syrup with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce sugar quantities, and use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content for a healthier option.
• Keto-Friendly Pecan Chocolate Treats: Use almond flour for crust, replace sugar with erythritol, incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips, and maintain high-fat ingredients like butter and pecans to align with ketogenic dietary requirements.

Serving German Chocolate Pecan Bars

• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve these rich bars alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic sweet contrast that melts perfectly with the warm chocolate and pecan flavors.
• Coffee Companion: Brew a strong espresso or dark roast coffee to complement the deep chocolate and nutty notes, creating a luxurious after-dinner treat that enhances the dessert's complex taste profile.
• Party Presentation: Arrange the bars on a decorative platter with fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar, making them an elegant and eye-catching dessert for gatherings or special occasions.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing you to prepare them in advance and enjoy a delicious treat whenever the craving strikes.

German Chocolate Bar Storage Advice

• Store these delectable bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing any unwanted flavor absorption.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining their delightful texture and taste.
• Remove frozen bars from the freezer and let them thaw gradually in the refrigerator overnight. This method preserves their rich, gooey consistency and prevents moisture loss.
• Before serving chilled bars, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly, enhancing their creamy texture and bringing out the deep, complex flavors.

FAQs

• Are pecans crucial to this recipe?

Pecans are essential for the classic German chocolate flavor and provide a rich, nutty texture that complements the chocolate and coconut.

• Can I use dark or milk chocolate chips?

Semisweet chocolate chips work best for balanced sweetness, but you can experiment with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the egg from scrambling in the filling?

Temper the eggs by whisking them slowly into the slightly cooled sugar mixture and stirring constantly to prevent rapid temperature changes that cause scrambling.

• What makes the crust hold together well?

The combination of softened butter, flour, and sugar creates a crumbly yet cohesive crust that forms a sturdy base for the pie bars.