Coconut-Pecan Frosting Recipe for German Chocolate Cake or Cupcakes

I've been making homemade German chocolate cake for decades and it is the most requested cake for any occasion in our home, probably because they are not commonly available.  If you try to eat a store-bought German chocolate cake you would probably swear off of ever eating them again.  Store-bought does not compare to homemade!

I personally make both my cake and my frosting from scratch.  This is one cake and frosting that you are not likely to find in a box or can.  As a matter of fact, the one time I tasted coconut-pecan frosting in a can, I hated the heavy lard taste.  The word "gross" comes to mind.

Unfortunately, store bought cakes or pre-made frosting in a can will make you think you don't like German chocolate cake.  But, if you have never tried a homemade German chocolate cake, then you have never tried a real German chocolate cake.  

 

Coconut Pecan Frosting Recipe

You actually make coconut pecan frosting by cooking it on the stove top, like candy.  The pan matters.  You need a heavy pan that will hold heat.  I still use my grandmother's 4 quart Wagner Ware Sydney-O Magnalite pan (4684-P).  Do not use a pan with non-stick coating. 

 

INGREDIENTS

• 4 egg yolks
• 1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk (shake well before opening)
• 1½ tsp. vanilla
• 1½ cups sugar
• 3/4 cup butter
• 1 pkg. (7 oz.) Baker's Angel Flake Coconut (2-2/3 cups)
• 1½ cups chopped pecans

 

DIRECTIONS 

1) Finely chop the pecans 

2) Beat egg yolks, milk and vanilla in heavy saucepan with whisk until blended 

3) Add sugar and butter; cook on medium heat 20 - 25 min. or until thickened and golden brown, stirring constantly 

Remove from heat 

4) Add coconut and pecans.  Mix well 

Cool to spreading consistency. 

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One note, please don't give up if the frosting is not perfect the first time you make it.  Like so many things in cooking, sometimes you need to make it a few times to perfect it with your cookware and stove.  

 

The Brands I Use

I prefer to stick to specific brands, unless a company changes their recipe or goes out of business.  I still use the brands that my mother and grandmother used when baking.

 

 Pet Whole Evaporated Milk, 12 ounceCheck Price McCormick Vanilla ExtractCheck Price Baker's Angel Flake Coconut Sweetened 7 OunceCheck Price Fisher Chef's Naturals Unsalted Chopped Pecans - ResealableCheck Price Prepworks by Progressive (Red)Check Price

If you want a Magnalite saucepan like mine, you will need to purchase it in an antique store or secondary market like Ebay. Current day Magnalite is not the same vintage Wagner Ware brand made in Sydney, Ohio. The current pans are made in China of a lighterweight material and is not the Magnalite I recommend. Magnalite Saucepan - 4 quart - 4684-M or 4684-P (-P or -M doesn't matter. They represent the mold used when making)

 

 

German Chocolate Cake Recipe will be published separately

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Coconut-Pecan Frosting Recipe for German Chocolate Cake or Cupcakes Written by:

© 2025 Cynthia Sylvestermouse
 

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