Servings: 12–16 bars
Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Rich, Gooey, Chocolate-Coconut Dessert Bars
German Chocolate Pan Chewies are a rich, chewy dessert made with cake mix, sweetened condensed milk, coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips. The bottom layer bakes into a soft brownie-like crust, while the top becomes gooey, nutty, and full of chocolate flavor.
These bars are perfect for potlucks, holidays, or whenever you need an easy dessert that tastes homemade.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
How to Make German Chocolate Pan Chewies
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Make the Crust
In a mixing bowl combine:
- Cake mix
- Melted butter
- 1 egg
Mix until a thick dough forms.
Press evenly into the bottom of the baking dish.
Bake for 7 minutes, then remove from oven.
3. Make the Filling
In another bowl mix together:
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Remaining egg
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped pecans
- Shredded coconut
- Salt
Stir until fully combined.
Pour mixture over the baked crust.
Sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
4. Bake
Return to oven and bake for 24–30 minutes
until the top is lightly golden.
Center should look set but still soft.
5. Cool Before Cutting
Let the bars cool completely.
Cut into squares or rectangles.
Serve at room temperature.
Storage
Room temperature: up to 3 days
Refrigerator: up to 5 days
Freezer: up to 2 months
Store in airtight container.
Final Thoughts
German Chocolate Pan Chewies are one of those desserts that look simple but taste amazing. The combination of chocolate, coconut, pecans, and condensed milk makes them rich, chewy, and hard to stop eating.
They’re easy to make, easy to slice, and always disappear fast.
