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### **Instructions**
#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
1. Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)** and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Crust**
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and egg yolk. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the dough comes together and resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
4. Bake the crust for **10-12 minutes**, or until it is lightly golden brown. Remove it from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
#### **Step 3: Prepare the Filling**
5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the corn syrup, brown sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
6. Stir in the shredded coconut, pecans, and chocolate chips, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the filling.
#### **Step 4: Assemble the Bars**
7. Pour the coconut-pecan filling evenly over the pre-baked crust. Use a spatula to spread it out to the edges, ensuring an even layer.
#### **Step 5: Bake the Bars**
8. Bake in the preheated oven for **25-30 minutes**, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean (though some melted chocolate may stick to it).
9. Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This allows the filling to firm up and makes them easier to cut.
#### **Step 6: Slice and Serve**
10. Once completely cooled, cut the bars into squares. For a neat presentation, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Serve and enjoy!
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### **Tips for the Best German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars**
1. **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Make sure your coconut is fresh and not stale, as this will greatly impact the flavor of the bars.
2. **Toasting the Pecans:** For an extra depth of flavor, consider toasting the pecans lightly before adding them to the filling. Simply spread them out on a baking sheet and bake them at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through.
3. **Customize the Chocolate:** Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your preferences.
4. **Let Them Cool Completely:** Allowing the bars to cool fully before cutting will help them hold their shape and give the filling time to set properly.
5. **Add a Topping:** A drizzle of caramel or a dusting of powdered sugar can be the perfect finishing touch for these bars, adding extra sweetness and a refined presentation.
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### **Serving Suggestions**
– **With Whipped Cream:** For a more indulgent treat, serve these bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
– **As Part of a Dessert Spread:** These bars make a great addition to a dessert buffet, alongside pies, cakes, and cookies.
– **With a Cup of Coffee:** Pair them with your favorite coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
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### **Storage and Freezing**
– **Storing Leftovers:** Store any leftover bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate them for longer shelf life, up to 1 week.
– **Freezing:** These bars freeze beautifully! For longer storage, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place them at room temperature for a few hours or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
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### **Why This Recipe Works**
These **German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars** are the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves rich, nutty, and chocolatey treats. The buttery, flaky crust provides a perfect base, while the coconut, chocolate, and pecans create a filling that’s both chewy and crunchy in all the right ways. By combining the best elements of two classic desserts—German chocolate cake and pecan pie—this recipe delivers an unbeatable flavor experience that will have your guests coming back for more.
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### **The Bottom Line**
**German Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars** are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. They bring together the best elements of German chocolate cake and pecan pie into one irresistible bar that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, family dinner, or just treating yourself, these bars are guaranteed to impress with their rich, comforting flavors and satisfying texture. Try them today and enjoy the perfect sweet indulgence!
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