German Chocolate Cake Icing Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Jump to RecipePrint Recipe

Granny’s German Chocolate Cake Icing is an old fashioned recipe that withstands the test of time. The homemade frosting is made on the stove-top and is truly the “icing” on the cake. Top your favorite chocolate cake or maybe just eat it with a spoon.

Table of Contents

Granny’s German Chocolate Cake Icing Recipe

Forget the cake, I’m eating this German Chocolate Frosting on a graham cracker, over my ice cream, on a spoon or maybe just right off my finger. Granny knocked it out of the park with this one.

I found this recipe on a weathered recipe card in my Grandma’s wooden recipe box, but it actually is my other Granny’s recipe. I love how their lives were entwined through the marriage of my parents.

Now, I’m not afraid to admit that I used a boxed German Chocolate Cake. There’s no shame in that. But it would be an absolute, downright atrocity to cheat with a pre-made German Chocolate Frosting.

In all honestly, the recipe is simple and easy to follow. Granny even noted the amount of time it normally takes (12 minutes) to get thick on the stove-top. Bless you, Granny. It upsets me when a recipe gives no indication of time – is it 2 minutes or 20? It sets me into a state of panic when this happens.

German Chocolate Frosting

This German Chocolate Frosting is fabulous. I’m a big lover of chopped pecans and coconut. The combination over a chocolate cake is ammmmmaaaazing. If you bring this to your next pitch-in, you might actually get applauded as you leave.

The process of making the frosting is simple. Heat evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks and margarine in a medium-sized saucepan until boiling. Be sure to stir constantly until the icing turns that traditional light shade of brown and becomes thicker.

Turn off the heat, add the vanilla, shredded coconut and chopped nuts, and voila – the best German chocolate icing, ever.

Preparing a German Chocolate Cake

This is the easy part. Go out and purchase a German Chocolate Cake mix, and follow the directions on the back of the box. Or prepare your favorite German Chocolate Cake recipe.

It should go something like this.

  1. Pre-heat oven; grease the bottom and sides of the cake pan or cupcake tin.
  2. Mix dry cake mix, water, oil and eggs in large bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed or beat vigorously by hand. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  3. Bake as directed until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  4. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pan. Cool completely on wire rack before frosting.

Ingredient List for German Chocolate Icing

The ingredients for our grandma’s German Chocolate Icing are simple, but when cooked together, they become magical.

Evaporated Milk

Sugar

Egg Yolks

Margarine (stick form), room temperature

Pure Vanilla Extract

Chopped Pecans

Shredded Coconut

How to Make Coconut Pecan Frosting

Step by Step Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, heat over medium heat evaporated milk, sugar, eggs (yolks only), margarine to a boil.
  2. Stir mixture constantly at a low boil until thickened and the color changes to light caramel color, approximately 12 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat, and stir in vanilla, chopped nuts and coconut.
  4. Spread over cooled cake.

For the full instructions for Old Fashioned German Chocolate Cake Icing, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Should German chocolate frosting be refrigerated?

Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate German chocolate frosting. A coconut-pecan frosting recipe contains evaporated milk, egg yolks, and shredded coconut, which can spoil if left at room temperature for too long. Storing the frosting in the refrigerator will help maintain its freshness and extend its shelf life. Cover the frosting tightly or transfer it to an airtight container before refrigerating. When you’re ready to use it again, you can let it come to room temperature before spreading it on your cake.

German Chocolate Cake Icing Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (6)

Recipe FAQs

  • This coconut pecan frosting is made on the stove-top. All you need is a medium sized saucepan and a whisk.
  • Substitute butter for margarine, if desired.
  • Prepare your cake ahead of time, and let it cook before icing.
  • Make these German Chocolate Brownies using this icing instead of a cake!
  • I prefer chopped pecans, but walnuts could work in a pinch.

More Old Fashioned Dessert Recipes

Real Lemon Meringue Pie

Grandma’s Sour Cream Coffee Cake

Grandma’s Perfect Apple Crisp

German Chocolate Cake Icing Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (10)

Linking up to Weekend Potluck.

German Chocolate Cake Icing Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (11)

Print Recipe

5 from 2 votes

Granny’s German Chocolate Cake Icing

Granny's German Chocolate Cake Icing is an old fashioned, withstand the test of time type of recipe. The homemade frosting is made on the stove-top and is truly the "icing" on the cake. Top your favorite chocolate cake or maybe just eat it with a spoon.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time12 minutes mins

Total Time17 minutes mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: coconut pecan icing, easy german chocolate cake icing, german chocolate cake frosting, german chocolate cake icing, german chocolate frosting, german chocolate icing, granny’s german chocolate cake icing, homemade coconut pecan icing, old fashioned german chocolate cake icing

Servings: 12

Calories: 290kcal

Author: Barbara

Ingredients

  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup margarine
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/3 cups shredded coconut, sweetened
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks and margarine to a boil.

    German Chocolate Cake Icing Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (12)

  • Cook, stirring constantly until the icing thickens and turns a light brown color, approximately 12 minutes.

    German Chocolate Cake Icing Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (13)

  • Remove from heat; add vanilla, coconut and pecans and whisk until completely incorporated.

    German Chocolate Cake Icing Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (14)

  • Spread over a cooled German Chocolate Cake.

    German Chocolate Cake Icing Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (15)

Notes

  • This coconut pecan frosting is made on the stove-top. All you need is a medium sized saucepan and a whisk.
  • Substitute butter for margarine, if desired.
  • Prepare your cake ahead of time, and let it cook before icing.
  • I prefer chopped pecans, but walnuts could work in a pinch.
  • A boxed cake mix is perfect for this recipe.
  • Or, make our triple chocolate cake instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 140mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 459IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 72mg | Iron: 1mg

German Chocolate Cake Icing Recipe - These Old Cookbooks (2024)

FAQs

What is the frosting on German chocolate cake made of? ›

3. Make the German Chocolate Frosting: Combine brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, egg yolks, and evaporated milk in a saucepan and bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, nuts and coconut.

Why is my German chocolate frosting not thick enough? ›

If your frosting isn't thickening, there are a few possible reasons: insufficient mixing, incorrect ingredient ratios or having too much liquid are the most common. You can try gradually adding thickening agents like cornstarch or powdered sugar as a last resort.

What are 2 differences between chocolate cake & German chocolate cake? ›

German chocolate cake uses a particular kind of baking chocolate as its base, one which has a milder, sweeter profile thanks in part to lecithin, a fatty substance derived from egg yolks. In contrast, classic chocolate cake recipes often use cocoa powder or darker chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.

Is it OK to leave German chocolate cake out overnight? ›

German Chocolate Cake will keep at room temperature (granted you are not in a particularly hot/humid climate) in an airtight container for up to three days. It may also be refrigerated (in an airtight container) for up to a week. German Chocolate Cake may be frozen, wrap well and freeze for up to several months.

Why is my German Chocolate Cake frosting so runny? ›

If it is still runny you may have not cooked the base long enough for the eggs to set. It should have a pudding like consistency. Another tip is to set it in the fridge and the cold will help thicken the frosting.

Why does German Chocolate Cake taste different? ›

German chocolate cake uses a particular kind of baking chocolate as its base, one which has a milder, sweeter profile thanks in part to lecithin, a fatty substance derived from egg yolks. In contrast, classic chocolate cake recipes often use cocoa powder or darker chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.

Does heavy cream make frosting thicker? ›

Try thickening it with a bit of heavy whipping cream. You can add up to ¼ cup of heavy cream, depending on how much you need to thicken it. Then whip the frosting until it fluffs up.

Will adding more cream cheese thicken frosting? ›

The additional cream cheese will contribute to thickness and provide a creamier texture. Adjust the quantity based on your preference, balancing thickness and flavor. Add Butter:Introduce softened butter to the frosting.

Does cream cheese thicken frosting? ›

As the fats from the cream cheese and butter cool, the frosting will change consistency and become much thicker. No extra powdered sugar required!

Do they eat German chocolate cake in Germany? ›

Hence the name German chocolate cake, right? However, the popular dessert isn't from Germany at all. Instead, it originated in the country that loves it the most: America.

Why does my German chocolate cake fall apart? ›

Too Little or Too Much Moisture

If your cake isn't moist enough, it can sink in the center. But too much moisture can also ruin a cake. This happens most often in humid climates, where extra moisture can collect naturally in ingredients like flour.

What is a fun fact about German chocolate cake? ›

On June 3, 1957, a recipe for "German's Chocolate Cake" appeared as the "Recipe of the Day" in The Dallas Morning News. It was created by Mrs. George Clay, a homemaker from 3831 Academy Drive, Dallas, Texas. This recipe used the baking chocolate introduced 105 years prior and became quite popular.

How do you store a German Chocolate Cake overnight? ›

German chocolate cake can be left at room temperature for several hours until you serve it, but any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator for the best results.

What is shelf life of German Chocolate Cake? ›

If you keep it covered in the fridge, it should be good for about a week. If you keep it out in a container, I would toss it after day 4. You could always cut it into servings, store in airtight container or plastic wrap and freeze it. It will be as fresh as the day you stored it for a few months.

Can I leave my cake on the counter overnight? ›

If your cake is frosted with buttercream, it will last covered at room temperature for up to four days. However, it is best to refrigerate cakes with other frostings such as cream cheese or ganache. A fully covered unfrosted cake will last for up to 2 days at room temperature.

What is German buttercream made of? ›

German Buttercream frosting uses butter and a rich, yet simple vanilla custard to create a silky, melt-in-your mouth frosting perfect for sheet cakes and cupcakes. Marta has 25 years of experience in the food service industry and has been developing recipes for 3 years.

Why is it called German chocolate frosting? ›

Originating in the United States, it was named after English-American chocolate maker Samuel German, who developed a formulation of dark baking chocolate that came to be used in the cake recipe.

What is the difference between buttercream and German buttercream? ›

For American buttercream, you'd replace the pudding with a base made from a ton of powdered sugar and a splash of cream, and for the German buttercream you'd replace the pudding with a basic custard made with egg yolks and milk.

Does German chocolate frosting thicken as it cools? ›

It does get thicker as it cools. if you've already put the frosting on the cake, try refrigerating the cake in a covered cake carrier for a while. The cold will help to set and thicken the frosting a bit. Take it out about 15–20 minutes before you serve it to let it come to room temperature before serving.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Tyson Zemlak

Last Updated:

Views: 6090

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tyson Zemlak

Birthday: 1992-03-17

Address: Apt. 662 96191 Quigley Dam, Kubview, MA 42013

Phone: +441678032891

Job: Community-Services Orchestrator

Hobby: Coffee roasting, Calligraphy, Metalworking, Fashion, Vehicle restoration, Shopping, Photography

Introduction: My name is Tyson Zemlak, I am a excited, light, sparkling, super, open, fair, magnificent person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.