Coconut Pecan Topping

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Indulge in the rich combination of sweet coconut and crunchy pecans with this delightful topping. Perfect for elevating your German chocolate cake, it brings a tropical flair and nutty depth that suits any dessert lover's palate.

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Ingredients

  • 2/3 c. sugar
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 1/3 c. flaked coconut
  • 2/3 c. evaporated milk
  • 1/3 c. margarine
  • 1 c. chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, evaporated milk, egg yolks, and margarine.
  2. Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil.
  3. Remove from heat.
  4. Stir in flaked coconut, chopped pecans, and vanilla.
  5. Cool for 15 minutes and spread on top layers of German chocolate cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat coconut milk instead of evaporated milk. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter is a great substitute. To enhance the flavor, lightly toast the chopped pecans before adding them to the mixture. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent scorching while cooking over medium heat.

Serving Suggestions

This Coconut Pecan Topping pairs beautifully with German chocolate cake as a rich layer. It also makes a delightful topping for vanilla ice cream or yogurt. For a twist, try it on top of pancakes or waffles for a delicious brunch option. Explore more American recipes for additional dessert inspirations.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Coconut Pecan Topping in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, being careful not to overheat.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Coconut Pecan Topping contains roughly 417 calories, with 4g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value).

417 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.1g 8% DV
Total Fat 33.5g 43% DV
Carbs 22.3g 8% DV
Fiber 1.6g 6% DV
Sugar 7.2g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 232.8mg 10% DV
Potassium 167.2mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 154.6mg 52% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 57.3mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 6.9mg 8% DV
Vitamin D 0.9mcg 5% DV
Calcium 81.8mg 6% DV
Iron 1.9mg 11% DV
Contains Milk Egg Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this topping in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the Coconut Pecan Topping a day ahead. Just let it cool completely, then store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to use it, gently reheat as instructed to regain its creamy consistency.

What can I substitute for pecans?

If you're allergic to pecans or simply prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds can be excellent substitutes. Both will provide a slightly different flavor but will still complement the coconut well.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Coconut Pecan Topping is suitable for vegetarian recipes. It does not contain any meat or animal-based products, making it a delightful addition to various desserts for those following a vegetarian diet.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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