German Chocolate Icing Recipe (Coconut Pecan Frosting)

This Coconut Pecan Frosting is a rich and decadent stovetop frosting made with eggs, pecans, butter, sugar, coconut, and evaporated milk used on German Chocolate Cake.

Coconut Pecan Frosting for German Chocolate Cake

This Coconut Pecan Frosting is the perfect topping for my all-time favorite German Chocolate Cake Recipe.

And if you already love this classic dessert, Homemade German Chocolate Cake Frosting will make you love it even more!

Also known as Coconut Pecan Frosting, this creamy cake topping can be made right on your stovetop.

When you see how easy it is to make, you’ll definitely want to swap it out for the canned stuff!

What is German Chocolate Cake?

Originally known as German’s Chocolate Cake, it was made with German’s Sweet Chocolate which was developed by Samuel German in the mid 1800s. A classic version of the cake is made with moist chocolate cake layers and a rich German Chocolate buttercream then topped with this Coconut Pecan Frosting.

Coconut Pecan Frosting Recipe Ingredients

This Coconut Pecan Frosting Recipe is made with evaporated milk, egg yolks, vanilla, chopped pecans, sugar, butter, and shredded coconut.

How to make German Chocolate Frosting

To make the frosting, begin by simply heating the milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, and vanilla in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

Remove the mixture from heat and add in the coconut and pecans. Use a hand mixer to beat the frosting until cool and of spreading consistency.

Use as a topping on German Chocolate Cake or another dessert as desired.

This German Chocolate Icing Recipe is truly delicious

Coconut Pecan Frosting is so delicious on so many levels. The texture is thick, sticky, and the mix-ins add a bit of craveable crunch.

And don’t get me started on the flavors — mellow vanilla, nutty pecans, and sweet coconut are so delicious together.

This frosting even has a caramel-y taste that fans of the stuff will really love!

Needless to say, this German Chocolate Cake Frosting Recipe and a moist chocolate cake is one heck of a pairing!

Storing Coconut Pecan Frosting

This frosting will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator. Since this frosting thickens as it cools, you may find that it is hard to spread straight from the fridge. You’ll likely want to microwave it for 30 to 60 seconds to soften it back up for use.

Does homemade German chocolate frosting need to be refrigerated?

Technically, no. However, it will stay fresher much longer if refrigerated. My rule with this frosting is that if I’m not using it right away, it goes in the fridge. If I’m using it immediately on a cake, the cake goes in an airtight container at room temperature where it can be stored for up to 4 days. This is mostly because I don’t like the texture of chilled cake. So it really comes down to personal preference.

How to use this German Chocolate Cake Frosting Recipe

While cakes and cupcakes might be the most obvious option. It also makes a great filling for whoopie pies or even as a topping for German Chocolate Cookies.

And don’t feel like you have to pair it with chocolate either, coconut and pecans are a combination that would go well with spiced bundt cakes too!

Coconut Pecan Frosting Recipe FAQs

How do you make German chocolate frosting thicker?

I wouldn’t want to thicken this frosting much more than it already is based on the recipe directions. However, every stove and cook is different so if you find that it still seems really runny after the suggested cooking time, chances are your heat is a little lower than mine and I would recommend cooking it for a few additional minutes.

It’s also important to remember that this frosting will thicken as it cools, so feel free to place it in a metal bowl in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to see if that helps then use it as desired.

You can also add a couple of tablespoons of powdered sugar to help thicken.

Why is it called German chocolate frosting?

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it takes a simple homemade cake up a notch.

After all, no one needs to know that this decadent topping is actually easy to make!

If you can’t get enough chocolate-coconut-pecan-caramel flavor, there are a few other recipes you have to try!

Whip up a German Chocolate Cake for parties, and a batch of German Chocolate Cocktails for girl’s night!

But when it comes to birthdays, holidays, or dinner parties, a layered German Chocolate Cake really … well, takes the cake!

Looking for a dessert that’s sure to impress?

Make a German chocolate cake with this Caramel Pecan Frosting Recipe, and everyone will be begging for a slice!

More Delicious Frosting Recipes!

• Peanut Butter Frosting
• Chocolate Frosting
• Nutella Frosting
• Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
• Salted Caramel Frosting

Let’s Connect!

I created a fun little group on facebook and I’d love for you to join in! It’s a place where you can ask questions and see what’s new with Sugar & Soul! If you’d like to check it out, you can request to join HERE.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #sugarandsoulco so I can see all the wonderful recipes YOU make from this site! You can also Subscribe to my Newsletter so you never miss a delicious recipe again!