Coconut Pecan Frosting just might be the star of the show when it comes to German Chocolate Cake. This irresistible frosting is packed full of coconut and pecans in buttery caramel base. If you have never made German Chocolate Cake Frosting from scratch, you are in for a treat.
Coconut Pecan Frosting
Growing up I was never a big fan of German Chocolate Cake, primarily because the store-bought canned German Chocolate Cake Frosting left a lot to be desired. Well it turns out that homemade Coconut Pecan Frosting is like an entirely different food all-together.
This incredible frosting is now one of my all time favorites, and I can’t wait for you to try it! While this frosting is intended to top a cake, you might just find yourself eating it straight from the spoon! Spoonfuls aside, it’s perfect for both my Baker’s German Chocolate Cake and my German Chocolate Cupcakes. It’s also divine slathered over a pan of brownies.
How To Make German Chocolate Cake Frosting
While the taste is spectacular, the steps to making this frosting are simple. Here’s what you’ll need, and how you’ll make this easy icing recipe. What’s shared here is for discussion purposes, the printable recipe card, with exact amounts and discussions, is found at the bottom of this post.
Coconut Pecan Frosting Ingredients
- Egg Yolks: Make sure you are using large eggs. While you can separate yolks by hand, some people like a little help. I recommend this egg yolk separator.
- Evaporated Milk: Take note that you want EVAPORATED milk, not sweetened condensed milk.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract is always the way to go.
- Sugar: Just your run of the mill, granulated white sugar.
- Butter: While some people might use margarine, I do not recommend it. Stick with butter, your tastebuds will thank you.
- Chopped Pecans: These can be salted or un-salted. I love a sweet and salty combo, thus go with salted.
- Sweetened Coconut Flakes: Go with a sweetened coconut flake here. That is how I have always made this recipe, and I can’t speak to the result with unsweetened coconut flakes.
Steps To Make German Chocolate Frosting
- Start by whisking together egg yolks, evaporated milk and vanilla in a large saucepan until well blended.
- Next, add sugar and butter and cook until thickened and golden brown. Remove from heat.
- Finally, add in coconut flakes and pecans. Mix well and allow to cool prior to spreading.
I hope that your family enjoys this incredible coconut pecan frosting as much as mine does. If you find yourself eating it by the spoonful, there’s no shame, we’ve all been there.
If you love these flavors, you’ll want to try my Pecan Pie Brownies as well!
Coconut Pecan Frosting
Ingredients
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 12oz can evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup butter
- 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
Instructions
- Beat egg yolks, milk and vanilla in large saucepan with whisk until well blended. Add sugar and butter; cook on medium heat 12 min. or until thickened and golden brown, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
- Add coconut and nuts; mix well.
- Cool to desired consistency prior to frosting.
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Meet Christi, Love From The Oven
I’m Christi I love sharing easy & delicious recipes that your family & friends will love. I’m a mom, baker, cookbook author and lover of sprinkles.
My family loves this recipe! Absolutely delicious and easy to make.
I made this as written, except using unsweetened coconut flakes and toasting the pecans. It was incredible! Definitely a keeper!
If you’re having trouble with consistency, make sure to cook this until it is a golden brown (not just yellowy golden) color, more so than focusing on the 12 minutes; everyone’s pan and stove can make this time vary!
Just made this frosting for my german chocolate cake and it’s delicious! Gmas 91st Birthday Cake 🎂 she wanted and she just loved it! Will make it again n again!!
My husband favorite cake
And this frosting recipe is perfect 👌
I never liked German chocolate cake because of the frosting but this was amazing!
Easy and delicious!
I am having the same problem that the mixture isn’t thickening. Any suggestions?
It doesn’t thicken enough, maybe another egg yolk? Unfortunately it’s too late for me to try that.
Just made this and wow! So good! German chocolate cake has always been my favorite. I have tried other coconut pecan frosting recipes and this one has been the best by far! So glad to have found it here! Thank you!