Decadent Coconut-Pecan German Chocolate Cake Frosting
This rich and luscious frosting transformed my perception of German Chocolate cake! After crafting this recipe, passed down from my mother-in-law, I now look forward to every bite. While it's certainly a guilty pleasure, the delightful combination of toasted coconut and crunchy pecans swirled in a buttery caramel icing makes every indulgent moment worthwhile. Perfect for birthdays and any special occasion, this frosting is truly a showstopper! Remember, it's best paired with a simple box cake mix for a fantastic finish. It's a creamy, dreamy topping that will have everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Betty Crocker German chocolate cake mix
1 (18 ounce) box (as per package instructions)
eggs
3 (or as instructed by the cake mix)
oil
1/3 cup (or as instructed by the cake mix)
water
1 1/3 cups (or as instructed by the cake mix)
butter
1 cup (cut into small pieces)
milk
1/2 cup (measured)
brown sugar
1 1/2 cups (packed)
flour
2 tablespoons (sifted)
coconut
2 cups (shredded or flaked)
chopped pecans
2 cups (coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
Prepare the German chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions, using two round cake pans for layering.
2
Cut the butter into small pieces and set aside to soften.
3
In a medium saucepan, combine flour and brown sugar, stirring over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is warmed and blended.
4
Gently fold in the butter pieces and pour in the milk, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth mixture.
5
Lower the heat to medium-low (about setting 3 or 4 on most stoves) and continuously stir the mixture as it comes to a strong, rolling boil. This is crucial for dissolving the sugar grains and achieving a smooth texture.
6
Once boiling, stir in the coconut and chopped pecans, mixing everything together until well combined.
7
Remove from heat and allow to cool for about one minute before spreading it generously over the cooled cake layers.
Nutrition Information
25
Fat
44
Carbs
3.75
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Coconut-Pecan German Chocolate Cake Frosting?
It is a rich and luscious buttery caramel icing filled with shredded coconut and crunchy pecans, traditionally served on German Chocolate cake.
What cake base is recommended for this frosting?
The recipe suggests pairing this frosting with a simple Betty Crocker German chocolate box cake mix for a fantastic finish.
How many calories are in a serving of this cake?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What are the primary ingredients in the frosting?
The frosting is made from butter, milk, brown sugar, flour, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
You will need 1 cup of butter, cut into small pieces for even melting.
Why is flour included in the frosting?
Two tablespoons of sifted flour are blended with the brown sugar to act as a thickening agent for the caramel base.
What type of sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of packed brown sugar to create a deep caramel flavor.
How much coconut is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded or flaked coconut.
What kind of pecans should I use?
You should use 2 cups of coarsely chopped pecans.
How much milk is used in the frosting?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of milk.
Why should I cut the butter into small pieces?
Cutting the butter into small pieces allows it to soften and incorporate more easily into the sugar mixture.
What is the first step in making the frosting?
Combine the flour and brown sugar in a medium saucepan and stir over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed.
Why must I stir the mixture continuously while boiling?
Continuous stirring is crucial for dissolving the sugar grains and achieving a smooth, creamy texture.
What heat setting is best for boiling the frosting?
It is best to use a medium-low heat, which is typically setting 3 or 4 on most stoves.
What type of boil is needed for this recipe?
The mixture needs to reach a strong, rolling boil to properly set.
When do I add the coconut and pecans?
Add the coconut and pecans once the mixture has reached a rolling boil, then mix until well combined.
How long should the frosting cool before use?
Allow the frosting to cool for about one minute after removing it from the heat before spreading it on the cake.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a showstopper that is perfect for birthdays and any special occasion.
How many cake pans should be used for the base?
The instructions recommend using two round cake pans to create a layered cake.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
Each serving contains 44 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 3.75 grams of protein per serving.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This specific recipe was passed down from the creator's mother-in-law.
How many ingredients are in the entire recipe?
The recipe consists of 10 total ingredients, including the cake mix components.
What is the texture of the finished frosting?
The frosting is creamy and dreamy, with a crunchy texture from the pecans and a chewiness from the coconut.
Can I use a different brand of cake mix?
While Betty Crocker is mentioned, any standard 18-ounce German chocolate cake mix should work.
How should the pecans be prepared?
The pecans should be coarsely chopped to provide the best texture.
Should the flour be sifted?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of sifted flour.
Does the cake need to be cooled before frosting?
Yes, the instructions state the frosting should be spread over cooled cake layers.
Is this frosting very sweet?
Yes, it is described as a rich, indulgent, and decadent guilty pleasure.