German Chocolate Cake Frosting Recipe

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German Chocolate Cake Frosting Recipe

If you are looking for a way to lift the overall taste of your chocolate cake with a rich and luscious taste, then German chocolate cake frosting should be on top of your favorite list.

Your moist and tender cake layered with coconut and pecan frosting creates a dessert that can turn any non-dessert lover into a dessert lover!

This frosting is known for its unique combination of flavors like coconut and pecan. This frosting can truly set your chocolate cake apart from the rest of the chocolate cakes.

The nutty, thick, creamy frosting makes the best chocolate cake ever!
With this frosting, you can make any boring chocolate cake into a delicious one, which will surely be a hit among your friends and family.

Contrary to popular belief, German chocolate cake originated not from Germany but from America. It is based on an American – British chocolatier named Samuel German.
And in 1957, when a German chocolate cake recipe appeared in a newspaper in Texas, it had this distinct frosting made with coconut and pecans.

This frosting is not overly sweet but incredibly tasty, striking the perfect balance between chocolaty goodness, creamy richness, and the natural sweetness of coconut and pecans.
This homemade frosting can also be frosted on cupcakes, brownies, or cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe? 

  • Flavor: This creamy and luxurious frosting is a perfect balance with the coconut and pecan adding nuttiness and the caramel notes rounding out the sweetness. The egg yolk adds a custard flavor to the frosting.
  • Texture: The shredded coconut adds a chewy element, while chopped pecans add a crunch to the frosting. And the egg yolks add a creamy and custardy texture to the frosting as well.
  • Easier than it seems: While the frosting may seem a little tough to make, it is relatively easy to make. With the right ingredients and steps given in the recipe, you can create this heavenly frosting right in your kitchen.
  • Nutty crunch: Chopped pecans are one of the star ingredients in this recipe, providing a delightful crunch and nutty taste to the frosting that elevates the overall taste.
  • Crowd pleaser: If you ever feel the need to impress your guests, then you definitely go for chocolate cake using this frosting. This will surely steal the show and leave everyone asking for more.

Important Ingredients Used In The Recipe

  • Coconut: Adding shredded coconut brings a tropical flair to the frosting, adding a chewy and slightly sweet element that beautifully contrasts with the rest of the ingredients.
  • Pecans: It introduces a nuttiness that perfectly complements the coconut. It brings a crunchy texture with a slightly buttery and earthy flavor. 
  • Sugar: Although many bakers use only brown sugar, I have used both castor and brown sugar for this recipe. It gives the caramel flavor to the frosting.
  • Condensed milk: This is a key ingredient that provides creaminess to the frosting.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter is a must for creating a creamy and luxurious texture of the frosting. It also contributes a rich buttery taste that complements the coconut and pecans. 
  • Egg yolk: Egg yolk not only enhances the creaminess but also contributes to the richness and helps in binding the frosting.

How to Make German Chocolate Cake Frosting

Preparation: Gather all the ingredients before starting the recipe. Make sure that you have weighed all the ingredients accurately according to the recipe.

Cooking: In a heavy-bottom saucepan, add castor sugar, brown sugar, condensed milk, and egg yolk, and cook them on low heat until both the sugar dissolves completely. Make sure to keep whisking while cooking, or it may get burnt, or the egg yolk may get lumpy.

Adding butter:  Add in butter, and vanilla essence and keep stirring it until the mixture starts to boil. Remove the saucepan from heat, and then fold in chopped pecans and shredded coconut. And here you go guys, you are done with the German chocolate cake frosting. Transfer it to a bowl and let it cool Use this frosting as filling in cupcakes or top them.

Chef’s Tips For The Recipe

Stirr The Frosting.

Make sure to keep stirring while cooking the frosting or it may get burnt.

Tip To Enhance Frosting Flavor.

Let the frosting cool down to enhance the flavor. 

Tip To Retain Crunchiness in Frosting.

Remove the saucepan before adding shredded coconut and chopped pecans, or else the pecans can turn soggy.

How to store German Chocolate Cake Frosting

It can stay fresh at room temperature for up to one day.

You can store it in the fridge for one week, but make sure to cover the bowl with a cling wrap or store it in an air-tight container. 

You can store it in the freezer for 3 weeks max, and keep it in an air-tight container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using it.

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If you like this recipe, then I’m sure you will like our other incredible recipes as well,

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes German chocolate cake frosting unique?

This frosting is unique because it is a combination of shredded coconut and chopped pecans, which sets it apart from other chocolate cake frosting. The combination of these two ingredients with the rich chocolate base creates a delightful texture and flavor.

Can I make German chocolate cake frosting eggless?

Yes, you can make this frosting eggless by using corn flour slurry or any store-bought egg replacements instead of egg yolk.

Why is my German chocolate cake frosting runny?

If it is runny, you may have not cooked the base long enough for the eggs to set. You can also set the frosting in the fridge to set a little.

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