What does salt do in brownies?

According to The Chocolate Journalist, instead of bringing saltiness to the table, salt actually helps our bodies taste the sweet sugar more intensely . It works as a supporting ingredient to help the main flavors pop, especially if chocolate is the one in the spotlight.

Is salted or unsalted butter better for brownies?

Baking recipes typically call for unsalted butter because the amount of salt in salted butter varies depending on the brand – there is no “industry standard.” For example, if you use one brand of salted butter in a recipe, and we use another, our baked goods could end up tasting very different from one other.

What to do if you put too much salt in brownies?

Add a squeeze of 🍋 or lime . The sharp bite will help mask and offset the salt. 2️⃣ Sugar! Sweet can balance salty.

Can you add salt to brownie mix?

Salt enhances the sweetness in your brownies . You might think that adding salt would make brownies, or any chocolate, salter, but it actually brings out the sweet quality in these types of desserts. Sprinkle it in the batter or add flaky sea salt to the top of the brownies after removing them from the oven.

What happens if you don't add salt to brownies?

Salt brings out flavor, so you'll taste the cocoa and other ingredients even more. And the salty taste will also temper the rich flavors of chocolate, which helps especially if you're indulging in a boxed brownie that has double chocolate or frosting.

Why do you put vinegar in brownies?

Vinegar helps with the rise of our baked goods Firstly, vinegar helps our baked goods rise and create an airy texture by reacting with baking soda. When vinegar reacts with baking soda, it creates carbon dioxide bubbles, which act as leavening agents.

What is the purpose of salt in baking?

The main function of salt in cake recipes is to enhance the flavor of the other ingredients . Its presence perks up the depth and complexity of other flavors as the ingredients meld. Salt also provides a balance to the sweetness of cake batters—but a salty flavor should not be discernible.

How does salt affect baking?

Salt has a binding or strengthening effect on gluten and thereby adds strength to any flour . The additional firmness imparted to the gluten by the salt enables it to hold the water and gas better, and allows the dough to expand without tearing.

What is the purpose of salt in baked goods?

The functions of salt in baking include stabilizing the yeast fermentation rate, strengthening the dough, enhancing the flavor of the final product, and increasing dough mixing time .

Does salt help baked goods rise?

Salt helps slow the rise of yeasted baked goods , leading to an even, stable texture. Be careful not to add salt directly to yeast when you're hydrating it — it'll make for a less-risen bread.

German Chocolate Brownies Recipe | Old Salt Farm (2024)

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Rich and decadent, these simple German Chocolate Brownies have a toasted coconut pecan frosting that will knock your socks off!

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I’m warning you now…be prepared to eat the whole pan of these German Chocolate Brownies. They are that good! Dress up your favorite box mix or homemade brownies with a decadent toasted pecan frosting that absolutely changes everything. So easy, you’ll want to make them all the time!

German Chocolate Brownies Recipe | Old Salt Farm (1)

German Chocolate Brownies became a family favorite during Covid, when I was going through all of my old cookbooks. I baked a lot during that time! Lemon Meltaways, No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Oat Bars, and Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread were all on repeat, plus more. I knew I hit gold when I discovered this recipe, and I never turned back! They quickly disappear every time I make them. And they’re not just a hit with my family–everyone who has them, loves them. My words are simply not good enough to explain how scrumptious this frosting is!

I always love brownies, but the thing that really pushes these over the edge is the toasted coconut frosting (German chocolate frosting). It’s ooey, gooey, chock full of toasted pecans and coconut, and the definite star of this recipe. The flavor is out of this world! They’re easy and simple enough to make anytime, and at the same time, fancy enough to serve for company or to take to a party! if you love German chocolate cake, this is a fudgier version that you have to try.

Ingredients
Equipment
How to make
FAQ
More dessert recipes

German Chocolate Brownies Recipe | Old Salt Farm (2)

Ingredients

The best part is that they’re so easy to make. I’m including the brownie recipe I usually use but you can actually use any brownie recipe you love. Or you can use a favorite brownie mix if you’re in a hurry, or already have one on hand. I’ve made them both ways, and with that delectable frosting on the top, they’ll be divine no matter what.

My favorite homemade brownies are the World’s Best Fudgiest Brownies and they are my go-to recipe. They’re fast and easy to make, and the brownie batter is delicious… you will want to lick the spoon clean. You’ll need the basics:

Flour, sugar, brown sugar, unsalted butter, eggs, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips.

The frosting recipe is enough to cover a 9×13 pan of brownies, so you can cut it in half if you’re doing a smaller 8×8 square baking pan. I like a lot of frosting, so even when I’m making a smaller pan (8×8), I’ll still do 3/4 of the recipe.

You can also use your favorite boxed brownies, and I usually use Ghirardelli brand. I think a fudgier brownie as opposed to a cake brownie works best with this frosting, but it really is a personal preference.

To make the frosting, you’ll need:

Chopped pecans
Egg yolks
Sugar
Butter
Heavy Cream
Salt
Vanilla
Sweetened Coconut Flakes

German Chocolate Brownies Recipe | Old Salt Farm (3)

Equipment

TIP: Consider using a metal pan instead of a glass pan when making brownies, for more even heat transfer, resulting in a more evenly baked result.

German Chocolate Brownies Recipe | Old Salt Farm (4)

How to make

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a 9×13 baking dish with foil or parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the edges–then spray with cooking spray.

Spread the nuts on a rimmed cookie sheet, or in a pie plate. Toast in the oven until very lightly browned, about 5-8 minutes. Set aside to cool.

FAQ

Can I use this frosting on store-bought brownies too?

Yes! While I prefer homemade or a boxed mix, this frosting will dress up any brownies, including from the store.

They’re pretty much a staple for not just our family, but when I need to take a dessert somewhere, or when I want to drop off a treat to a friend or neighbor. I also love them for the holidays, and they’re perfect for any treat plate for Christmas goodies plates you’re putting together.

More dessert recipes

Lemon Meltaways Cookies
Sheet Pan Chocolate Chip Cookies
English Toffee Bars

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