Coconut Pecan Frosting for German Chocolate Cake
Rich, nutty, and decadently sweet, this Coconut Pecan Frosting is the crown jewel of any German Chocolate Cake. Made with creamy evaporated milk, a blend of granulated and brown sugar, and velvety unsalted butter, this frosting is cooked to perfection for a luscious, caramel-like base. Chopped pecans and shredded sweetened coconut offer a satisfying crunch and tropical flair, while a hint of vanilla ties it all together. Perfect for spreading between moist cake layers or adorning the top for eye-catching appeal, this homemade frosting is as easy to prepare as it is indulgent—with just 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes on the stove. Let this irresistible topping transform your German Chocolate Cake into a show-stopping dessert centerpiece!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Evaporated milk
- 1 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 cup Brown sugar, packed
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
- 4 large Egg yolks
- 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 2.5 cups Shredded sweetened coconut
- 1.5 cups Pecans, chopped
Instructions
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and unsalted butter.
Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the butter has melted and the sugars are dissolved.
In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add about 1/4 cup of the warm sugar and milk mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Slowly pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan, stirring constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously, for 10–12 minutes or until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded sweetened coconut, and chopped pecans.
Allow the frosting to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally, until it thickens further and is spreadable.
Use the finished frosting as a filling between cake layers and as a topping for your German Chocolate Cake.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
428 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.4 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.1 g | 56% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 88 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 48 mg | 2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 47.6 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.7 g | ||
| Protein | 4.2 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 84 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 0.7 mg | 4% | |
| Potassium | 188 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
