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German Chocolate Cake Frosting

German Chocolate Cake Frosting Recipe

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup (240 ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ cups (120 g) sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup (110 g) pecans, chopped

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Place over medium heat and cook, whisking, until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth, about 3 minutes.
  2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring constantly, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla and salt.
  3. Fold in the coconut and pecans. Let the frosting cool for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a spreadable consistency.
  4. Spread the warm frosting onto cooled cake layers. It will set as it cools.

Notes

The active cook time is short, but you’ll need about 15 minutes for the frosting to cool and thicken before spreading. If you’re assembling the whole cake, bake the layers first so they’re fully cool by the time the frosting is ready.