Decadent and delicious, this is the best German Chocolate frosting ever. I’ve included a honey-sweetened variation which is equally as good. Perfect on cakes, cupcakes, pies, brownies and more.
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My husband asked his mom to make German chocolate cake every year on his birthday growing up. It’s one of his favorite treats ever. After we got married, my mother-in-law shared the recipe with me that she’s made for years and years. It’s so good.
I never really appreciated German chocolate frosting growing up. But oh my. When I first had this German chocolate frosting it was love at first bite. It really is divine.
There’s a restaurant in town where they serve German chocolate cake and they’ve kind of become legendary around here. We love it too, but we still think this recipe is better. In fact I know it’s a bold claim, but I’ll just say it. This German chocolate frosting is the best.
The honey-sweetened variation
A few years ago I set about to adapt this recipe to be sweetened with honey. And we love the honey version. It’s a bit different flavor from the sugar sweetened version with a lovely honey flavor to it. And honestly we like it equally as well. I’m including both versions, but we usually serve the honey sweetened version in our family because why not? If you like the flavor of honey, try it. It’s a winner.
I have a really yummy chocolate cake recipe that I will post soon. It is also honey-sweetened and is seriously so good. Light and fluffy and not too rich but super moist. The best I’ve had. Putting this German chocolate frosting on it sends it over the top.
This German chocolate frosting can also be use in a pie, on any cake or cupcakes, cheesecake, donuts, brownies, or ice cream.
Or how about all of the above?
Yes, please.
German Chocolate Frosting
Decadent and delicious, this is the best German Chocolate frosting ever. I've included a honey-sweetened variation which is equally as good. Perfect on cakes, cupcakes, pies, brownies and more.
*Makes enough to frost a 9×13-inch cake
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup (7.5 ounces) granulated sugar see note for honey variation
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 cup shredded coconut
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sugar (or honey), evaporated milk and egg yolks. Whisk well until mixture is fully incorporated.
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Bring mixture to a boil, stirring often. Simmer on medium low heat, stirring often for about 12 minutes or until mixture turns brown and thickens.
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Remove from heat and then add vanilla, nuts, and coconut. Wait until frosting is cool to the touch before using (see note).
Recipe Notes
1. For honey variation substitute ½ cup (6 ounces) honey for the granulated sugar.
2. This German chocolate frosting is also delicious in a pie, on any cake or cupcakes, cheesecake, donuts, brownies, or ice cream.
Recipe Source: Heather @ The Cook’s Treat, adapted from a family recipe shared with me by my mother-in-law Jenny
All images and text ©The Cook’s Treat
Disclaimer: post contains affiliate links for items on Amazon.
