Why Coconut Pecan Frosting is the King of Creamy Toppings
In my opinion, few things are as irresistible as a good batch of Coconut Pecan Frosting. Basic buttercream just can’t compare. This frosting isn’t just a topping; it’s a rich, caramelized, nutty, coconut-filled treat that makes any dessert better.
Most people know this frosting as the classic topping for German Chocolate Cake, but it deserves to be used in more desserts. Here’s why it’s so special, and how you can use it to make your baking even better.
What Makes It So Special?
The secret is in its texture and deep flavor. Unlike most frostings that use powdered sugar, this one is cooked on the stove. That makes a big difference because it:
- Caramelizes the sugars: This step gives the frosting a deep, butterscotch-and-toffee-like flavor that regular frostings can’t match.
- Creates a custard-like base: With milk and butter, the frosting becomes thick, rich, and moist, almost like pudding.
- Locks in the crunch: Sweet coconut flakes and crunchy toasted pecans are mixed into the creamy base, creating a great mix of textures in every bite.
It’s the perfect mix of sweet, creamy, and crunchy. Every bite is a treat for your taste buds.
Beyond the German Chocolate Cake: Dessert Ideas
You should try making a classic German Chocolate Cake at least once, but this frosting is too good to use only for that. Here are some tasty and easy ways to use any extra frosting, or to make a batch just for a new dessert:
- Cupcake Topper Extravaganza!
- Chocolate Cupcakes: The most obvious pairing, but always a winner!
- Red Velvet Cupcakes: The slight tang of red velvet cake goes surprisingly well with the rich coconut pecan flavor.
- Banana or Carrot Cake Cupcakes: The warm spices in these cakes match well with the cinnamon flavors in the frosting, and the nuts in both add a nice touch.
- Cookie Sandwiches:
- Spread a thick layer of frosting between two soft sugar cookies or oatmeal cookies. The chewy cookies and creamy, crunchy filling make a delicious combination.
- Brownie Upgrade:
- Bake a pan of your favorite fudgy chocolate brownies. Once they cool, spread coconut pecan frosting on top. This simple step makes brownies extra special. Cut them into small squares since they are very rich.
- Coconut Pecan Gooey Bars:
- Press a layer of shortbread or graham cracker crust into a pan. Spread coconut pecan frosting on top, and drizzle with caramel sauce before baking until set. The result is a great mix of textures.
- Over Ice Cream:
- Warm a scoop of frosting and drizzle it over vanilla bean or coffee ice cream, just like a hot fudge topping. Add whipped cream for an even better sundae.
Ready to Get Cooking?
Making this frosting may seem complicated since it uses the stovetop, but it’s actually easy. The key is to keep stirring so that the mixture thickens without burning.
Give it a try. Whether you use it in the traditional way or on cookies, Coconut Pecan Frosting will likely become one of your favorite kitchen treats.
What’s your favorite way to use Coconut Pecan Frosting?
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What equipment or kitchen supplies do I need?
Coconut Pecan Frosting
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ⅓ cups brown sugar
- 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter, brown sugar, coconut flakes, chopped pecans milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir to combine and lower heat to low.½ cup unsalted butter, 1 ⅓ cups brown sugar, 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes, 1 cup chopped pecans, ½ cup milk, ¼ tsp vanilla extract, ¼ tsp salt
- Continue to stir and simmer on low until slightly thicken.
- Remove from heat and cool at room temperature before adding to your cake or cookies. Enjoy!
Video
@roni.tapia.gonzalez Coconut Pecan Frosting Recipe | Easy and delicious homemade frosting for your German Chocolate Cake! Ingredients • 1/2 cup unsalted butter • 1 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1 cup sweetened coconut flakes • 1 cup chopped pecans • 1/2 cup milk • 1/4 tsp vanilla extract • 1/4 tsp salt #coconutpecanfrosting #frosting #easyrecipe #bakingrecipe #foodie #ronigonzalez #baketok #homemade #germanchocolatecake
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