• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
The Gracious Wife logo
  • Recipes
  • Family
    • Love & Marriage
    • Parenting
  • House & Home
    • Kitchen and Cooking Tips
    • Cleaning & Organization
    • Budget
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

Coconut Pecan Frosting

Sep 11, 2022 · 19 Comments

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Mix
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
Collage with a close of coconut pecan frosting on top of a German chocolate cake topped with toasted pecans on top, coconut pecan frosting oozing from between 2 layers of cake on the bottom, and the words "coconut pecan frosting" in the center

Make this Coconut Pecan Frosting recipe from scratch for your favorite German Chocolate Cake! This decadent frosting is gooey and sweet like caramel and loaded with coconut and pecans.

Coconut pecan frosting on top of a German chocolate cake topped with toasted pecans

Coconut Pecan Frosting

No Southern baker should be without this amazing Coconut Pecan Frosting recipe. It is super sweet, super gooey and loaded with pecans and shredded coconut.

To make it, you use the same method as you would for custard, and it tastes like caramel mixed coconut and the crunch of pecans. Totally decadent and sweet and rich, and complements chocolate amazingly well.

What Do I Use Coconut Pecan Frosting for?

Coconut Pecan Frosting is a gooey frosting, with the consistency of a cross between custard or pudding and caramel.

Traditionally, it's used to fill and frost a German Chocolate Cake.

What to Do with Leftover Coconut Pecan Frosting

Here are some more ways to use it!

  • German Chocolate Cookies
  • German Chocolate Brownies
  • German Chocolate Pie
  • Parfait
  • Mini tarts
  • Chocolate pudding topping
  • Sandwiched between 2 cookies
  • Ice cream topping
Close up of coconut pecan frosting oozing out from between 2 layers of chocolate cake

Does Coconut Pecan Frosting Need to be Refrigerated?

If I made it ahead and haven't yet used it on a cake or other baked good, I prefer to keep it in the refrigerator. (Remove it for an hour to come to room temperature before spreading)

If it's on a cake or cookies, etc., it can stay covered at room temperature for up to 5 days.

How to Thicken Coconut Pecan Frosting

This frosting is made kind of like a custard or pudding. The thickeners are the egg yolks and cornstarch. Simply whisk the frosting base on the stove unless it reaches desired thickness. As long as you cook it for long enough on the stove, you shouldn't need anything else to make it thicker.

More Delicious Frosting Recipes

  • Caramel Frosting - gooey spreadable frosting that's made with a homemade caramel base
  • Marshmallow Frosting - gooey, sticky, sweet, and vanilla, just like a marshmallow
  • Strawberry Buttercream - made with real, fresh (or frozen) strawberries!
  • Whipped Mascarpone Frosting - light, fluffy, and delicately sweet!
  • Pipe-able Cream Cheese Frosting - a cream cheese frosting that is thick enough to hold its shape when piped onto cupcakes!

Coconut Pecan Frosting Video

Coconut pecan frosting on top of a 3 layer German chocolate cake

Coconut Pecan Frosting

Make this Coconut Pecan Frosting recipe from scratch for your favorite German Chocolate Cake! This decadent frosting is gooey and sweet like caramel and loaded with coconut and pecans.
5 from 19 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Coconut Pecan Frosting
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 32 servings
Calories: 235kcal
Author: Michelle

Ingredients

  • 2 cups evaporated milk
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 1 cup butter sliced
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 3 cups shredded sweetened coconut
  • 2 cups chopped pecans
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, add evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook stirring constantly for 3 to 4 minutes or until butter melts and sugar dissolves.
  • Continue cooking and stirring constantly until mixture becomes a light caramel color, is bubbling, and reaches a pudding-like thickness, about 12-15 minutes.
  • Remove pan from heat. Stir in vanilla, coconut, and pecans.
  • Transfer mixture to a bowl. Let stand, stirring occasionally, 45 minutes or until cooled and spreading consistency.

Notes

This recipe makes enough to fill and frost a 3 layer cake, about 6-7 cups.
  • Toast the coconut for more flavor. Place on a baking sheet, and bake at 325ยฐF for about 5-10 minutes until golden. Then mix into frosting as called for in the recipe.
  • Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. Leave out for an hour and stir well before spreading onto a cake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 60mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 283IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?I love seeing your creations. Snap a quick photo and mention @TheGraciousWife or tag #thegraciouswife on Instagram! Leave a STAR rating below!

Never Miss a Thing!

Join our newsletter to get new recipes, tips, tricks, and tutorials every week!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Powered by ConvertKit

More Desserts

  • A pile of Oreo truffles with the top, white chocolate covered truffle with a bite taken out of it.
    Oreo Truffles
  • A stack of lactation cookies on a pink marble background with a bottle full of milk behind. The top cookie has a bite taken out.
    Lactation Cookies
  • Rolo pretzels scattered on a white marble background with red and green M&M's scattered around them and rolos in gold foil wrappers behind.
    Rolo Pretzels
  • A slice of no bake s'mores cheesecake topped with mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs on a small plate.
    No Bake S'mores Cheesecake
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Mix

Cakes & Cupcakes, Desserts, Recipes, Sweet Treats Coconut Pecan Frosting Recipe, Frosting Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Chike Robinson says

    September 15, 2022 at 11:50 am

    Delicious

    Reply
  2. Dannii says

    October 11, 2022 at 7:58 am

    Oh I want to put this on everything! Anything with pecans is good with me.

    Reply
  3. Toni says

    October 11, 2022 at 8:15 am

    My kids really loved it!! I couldn't wait to make it again!

    Reply
  4. gunjan says

    October 11, 2022 at 8:19 am

    loved the combination of coconut and pecan in frosting. My kids licked up the entire batch as is. It came out super nice.

    Reply
  5. Tayler Ross says

    October 11, 2022 at 8:25 am

    I've made several german chocolate cake frostings, but this one is by far my favorite!

    Reply
  6. Jovita says

    October 11, 2022 at 8:50 am

    Amazing! A delicious frosting and an easy to follow recipe. Family loved it. Thanks ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  7. Claire says

    November 09, 2022 at 8:31 am

    Delicious. First time making coconut and pecan frosting and we all loved it!

    Reply
  8. Katherine says

    November 09, 2022 at 8:39 am

    This frosting is exactly like the one on then German Chocolate Cake that I get at restaurants!

    Reply
  9. Aimee Mars says

    November 09, 2022 at 8:46 am

    The frosting is one of the best parts of a German Chocolate cake and this one looks like the ultimate indulgence. I'm going to bookmark this recipe!

    Reply
  10. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

    November 09, 2022 at 8:54 am

    This frosting would be great on cupcakes and loaf cakes too. I think I could just eat it with a spoon!

    Reply
  11. Savita says

    November 09, 2022 at 9:36 am

    This turned out soo well, loved the recipe so easy to make and follow too.

    Reply
  12. Elisa says

    July 24, 2023 at 2:28 pm

    Love this Coconut Pecan Frosting recipe, never seen this before, I will make it soon. Thanks for sharing ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  13. Kechi says

    July 24, 2023 at 2:39 pm

    I love everything coconut and am interested to try this one. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  14. shashi at savory spin says

    July 24, 2023 at 11:12 pm

    Oh my lawd- forget the cake, I can eat this with a spoon!

    Reply
  15. Ned says

    July 24, 2023 at 11:19 pm

    After living in the south when I was young, I developed a love of everything pecan. This frosting was delicious! Thank you!

    Reply
  16. Anjali says

    July 25, 2023 at 3:07 am

    This frosting was perfectly sweet, delicious and decadent! I actually used it as a topping for chocolate cupcakes and it worked out great!

    Reply
  17. Ava M says

    July 25, 2023 at 3:48 am

    How decadent! Looks absolutely delicious, can't wait to try it.

    Reply
  18. Beth says

    July 25, 2023 at 2:02 pm

    This is amazing! I will be slathering this frosting on everything in sight!

    Reply
  19. Sandy says

    August 20, 2023 at 4:22 pm

    Perfect amount of frosting. The instructions were awesome. The frosting has great flavor and texture. This recipe is a keeper for sure!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Picture of Michelle Medlin, The Gracious Wife

Hello! I'm Michelle!
I'm a comfort food lover and self-taught cook with five amazing kids and a firefighter husband, surviving mostly on coffee. I love to create easy and delicious family recipes, and share creative family tips I've learned along the way.
Welcome to The Gracious Wife!
MORE ABOUT ME>>

Happy Fall!

Crockpot chicken noodle soup with wide egg noodles and fresh parsley with a spoon in it taking a bite out.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Sweet potato pecan cupcake on parchment paper and a rustic wood background topped with a caramel drizzle and chopped pecans

Sweet Potato Pecan Cupcakes

Slice of apple pie on a small plate topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Green apple and pie in a pie dish are behind.

Best Old Fashioned Apple Pie

Southern pecan pie on a white plate with a fork

Southern Pecan Pie

Thanksgiving side dishes on a wooden table with Fall decorations

70 Thanksgiving Side Dishes Your Guests Will Gobble Up

Stack of four toffee pretzel cookies surrounded by pretzel twists with the baking sheet full of cookies in the background. The top cookie has a bite taken out.

Toffee Pretzel Cookies

More Fall Recipes & Ideas

Happy Halloween

DIY Spider Costume for Kids -ย Make this easy, fun, and creepy DIY Spider Costume for Kids for a creepy crawly frugal do it yourself Halloween costume! So cool. Made from just a few black shirts!

DIY Spider Costume

Skeleton Cupcakes -ย Spooky but fun Skeleton Cupcakes with chocolate skeletons on top of your favorite cupcakes are a perfect easy Halloween treat for kids! These are so cute and easy! My kids will love them!

Skeleton Cupcakes

Black Cat Cupcakes Tutorial -ย Black Cat Cupcakes make a fun and easy non-spooky Halloween treat for kids! They're easy enough that anyone can make them! Fun project for kids to help with! Fun, quick and easy Halloween treats for kids!ย 

Black Cat Cupcakes

Jumbo Spiderweb Cookies Recipe for Halloween -ย Jumbo Spiderweb Cookies are a fun, quick, and easy Halloween treat for kids. ย They're big enough to share and made with the all-time BEST chocolate chip cookies recipe. How fun! My kids will love these! Definitely making for their Halloween party treat!

Jumbo Spiderweb Cookies

9 Uses for Mini Pumpkins -ย Pumpkins are everybody's favorite! They just scream Fall! Check out these 9 Uses for Mini Pumpkins to squeeze even more pumpkin into your life while the season lasts! Love decorating for Fall and mini pumpkins are so fun! Love these ideas

9 Uses for Mini Pumpkins

Sparkle Pumpkin Cupcakes Tutorial -ย Make these fun, easy, and festive Sparkle Pumpkin Cupcakes in just 4 simple steps for adorable Fall and Halloween treats! What a great idea for Halloween food. My kiddos will love these! Make them as Pumpkin spice too!

Sparkle Pumpkin Cupcakes

DIY Halloween Paper Plate Candy Corn Banner Tutorial -ย This cute and festive DIY Paper Plate Candy Corn Banner makes an adorable and cheap DIY Halloween decoration that's perfect for your home or even a Halloween party decoration. ย So easy to make that even the kids could help!

Paper Plate Candy Corn Banner

36 delicious and fun Candy Corn Dessert Recipes that are made with candy corn or look like candy corn. A fun way to celebrate Fall and Halloween! Candy corn is a perfect Halloween food. These recipes would be such great ideas for kids Halloween party!

36 Candy Corn Dessert Recipes

Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies take the rich creaminess of peanut butter and combine it with the vanilla and honey sweetness of classic candy corn to make a perfect and delicious Fall and Halloween treat for kids, party, and everyone!

Peanut Butter Candy Corn Cookies

More Halloween Recipes and Ideas

Reader Favorites on The Gracious Wife

A slice of no bake s'mores cheesecake topped with mini marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs on a small plate.

No Bake S'mores Cheesecake

Slice of crockpot breakfast casserole on a white plate with stainless steel crock pot in the background.

Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

A corner slice of chicken pot pie with golden crust on a small plate with a fork with a bite on it, on a rustic wood background with a striped linen

The BEST Chicken Pot Pie

Close up picture of a Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes with a bite taken out on a marble background.

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Homemade Mint White Hot Chocolate is a fast and easy homemade hot chocolate recipe made with white chocolate and mint!ย creamy, white chocolate with a burst of peppermint flavor to create a perfect decadent Christmas, winter, St. Patrick's Day, or holiday treat. Yum! Definitely making this ASAP!

Mint White Hot Chocolate

What's Trending Now:

  • Biscuits stacked on a black matte plate on a white rustic wood background Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
  • A corner slice of chicken pot pie with golden crust on a small plate with a fork with a bite on it, on a rustic wood background with a striped linen The BEST Chicken Pot Pie
  • Chicken Gnocchi Soup in a white bowl with a rustic wood background and breadsticks in a white and blue striped linen behind it. Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup
  • Unbaked pie crust fluted in a white dish on a rustic wood background with flour on it Easy Flaky Pie Crust
  • Slice of crockpot breakfast casserole on a white plate with stainless steel crock pot in the background. Crockpot Breakfast Casserole

Footer

  • About The Gracious Wife
  • Contact Us
  • Copyright Notice
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure

You can find me here too!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Disclosure

The Gracious Wife is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. All our thoughts and opinions are our own and we are not paid for or mandated to provide a positive review.

2022ยฉ The Medlin Group
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2023 The Gracious Wife ยท

61 shares
61 shares