grandma's coconut pecan frosting

Name: Grandma's Coconut Pecan Frosting
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Yield: 2.5 cup(s)
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup(s) evaporated milk; 1 cup(s) granulated sugar; 3 large egg yolks, slightly beaten; 1/2 cup(s) butter; 1 1/3 cup(s) coconut flakes; 1 cup(s) pecans, in pieces; 1 teaspoon(s) imitation vanilla

2 Pinches 1 Photo

K J

A place in, WA

Updated on May 11, 2026

Grandma's recipe for coconut pecan frosting can make any chocolate cake taste like a German chocolate cake. I've updated the order of operation and cooking times slightly, but the ingredients and quantities remain the same as her original recipe.

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Chocolate cupcakes sitting in their baking tin tried with thick caramelly frosting with flakes of coconut and pecan chunks

prep time 5 Min

cook time 20 Min

method Stove Top

yield 2 ½ cup(s)

Ingredients

1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large egg yolks, slightly beaten
1/2 cup butter
1 1/3 cups coconut flakes
1 cup pecans, in pieces
1 teaspoon imitation vanilla

How To Make grandma's coconut pecan frosting

Step 1

Combine everything except the coconut, pecans, and vanilla in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Cook, stirring over medium heat. Bring to a low boil and continue cooking until smooth and thick.

Step 2

Add in the pecans and coconut, and bring back to a boil.
Step 3

Turn off heat and stir in vanilla. Allow to cool before frosting or it will run.
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