Coconut-Pecan Frosting Recipe — German Chocolate Frosting

Active Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 40 mins

Yield:

5 cups

Sure, a moist German chocolate cake is rich and decadent on its own, but it's not complete without the signature coconut-pecan frosting.. Just ask your kids. Or Mama, for that matter.

German chocolate frosting, also known as coconut-pecan frosting, is the perfect icing for a German chocolate cake. Thick, nutty, and delicious, we dare say this icing might be the very best reason to slice into a piece of chocolate cake.

Coconut-pecan frosting begins with toasted pecans. While you're waiting patiently for the pecans to toast, it's a cinch to concoct the base of your coconut icing by creating a mixture on the stove using evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Once your base is bubbling and becomes caramel in color, remove from heat, stir in your other few ingredients, and let it sit.

The best part? A small amount of this homemade chocolate cake frosting goes a long way, so you won't have to worry about having enough for every bite. You will want to make sure you've got a glass of milk on hand, though.

coconut pecan frosting - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Ingredients for Coconut-Pecan Frosting

To make this frosting, you'll need:

Chopped pecans or walnuts: Toasted for a nutty crunch in each bite.
Evaporated milk: Creamier than whole milk for the dreamiest frosting.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the frosting.
Butter: If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to taste at the end of cooking.
Large egg yolks: Helps thicken the frosting as it cooks for a pudding-like consistency.
Sweetened flaked coconut: Adds a traditional flavor and texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the frosting.

ingredients for coconut-pecan frosting - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

How To Make Coconut-Pecan Frosting

This frosting may seem intimidating at first glance, but once you've got a batch under your belt, there are few toppings that are more impressive to serve. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake pecans 8 to 10 minutes until toasted; cool.
Step 2. Cook evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks in a heavy saucepan until sugar dissolves. Cook, stirring constantly, 12 to 14 minutes or until mixture reaches a pudding-like thickness.
Step 3. Remove from heat; stir in coconut, vanilla, and pecans. Transfer to a bowl. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until cool and spreadable.

Tips for the Best Coconut-Pecan Frosting

For the best frosting, keep these tips in mind:

Toast the nuts: Toast to bring out the best flavor and texture of the nuts, and even the coconut if desired.
Cook until thickened: Don't undercook the filling. Be sure to cook until thickened to a pudding-like consistency for a frosting that will stay in place between the cake layers.
Cool until spreadable: Don't rush the process; cool the frosting until thick and spreadable before using for a well-constructed cake.
Add salt if using unsalted butter: The sweetness of this frosting benefits from a touch of salt.

How To Make Coconut-Pecan Frosting Ahead

Refrigerate the prepared frosting in an airtight container for up to five days. It can also be frozen for for up to three months for longer storage. Bring to room temperature before using for a spreadable consistency.

Why This Recipe Gets Rave Reviews

It's hard to doubt so many five-star reviews. If you've bought pre-made coconut-pecan frosting in the past, this is your sign to upgrade to homemade. The ease and flavor of this coconut-pecan frosting recipe just can't be beat.

One Southern Living community member said, "OMG, so easy and the taste is unbelievable! I will never buy coconut pecan frosting pre-made again."

Another Southern Living community member commented, "This recipe has been a go to classic in our family for over 20 years. Originally, I got it from a southern living [sic] cookbook decades ago and I have continued making it. My southern grandmother took the recipe and she makes it and we will never use another recipe again."

Other Ways To Use Coconut-Pecan Frosting

This frosting is too good to limit to just Mama's German Chocolate Cake. We love it as a topping for a variety of desserts, including:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts
1 (12-oz.) can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3/4 cups butter
6 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 - 2 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

Prepare oven:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Toast pecans:

Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Cool completely (about 20 minutes).

Courtney West / Southern Living
Cook frosting:

Meanwhile, cook evaporated milk, sugar, butter, and egg yolks in a heavy 3-qt. saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, 3 to 4 minutes or until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Cook, stirring constantly, 12 to 14 minutes or until mixture becomes a light caramel color, is bubbling, and reaches a pudding-like thickness.

Courtney West / Southern Living
Add coconut, vanilla, and pecans:

Remove pan from heat; stir in coconut, vanilla, and pecans. Transfer mixture to a bowl. Let stand, stirring occasionally, 45 minutes or until cooled and spreading consistency.

Courtney West / Southern Living

Use as directed by your recipe.

Courtney West / Southern Living

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my coconut-pecan frosting runny?

Make sure to cook the frosting to a pudding-like thickness before removing from the heat. You can test the final consistency by placing a spoonful onto a frozen plate.
Can I switch out the nuts in coconut-pecan frosting?

Walnuts or other types of nuts can be substituted in the place of the pecans.
Can I use milk instead of evaporated milk for coconut-pecan frosting?

Evaporated milk has a creamier consistency than whole milk, but heavy cream or half-and-half can be used in its place for a thick frosting.
Why is my coconut-pecan frosting grainy?

The sugar may not have dissolved completely into the frosting while cooking, or it may have crystallized. Try heating the frosting again with a spoon of corn syrup to help smooth it out.