Mama'S Favorite Cake Frosting

Cook: 12 min Cuisine: American

A rich, coconut and pecan frosting with a hint of vanilla, perfect for cakes and desserts, offering a sweet, nutty flavor that complements many baked treats.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. evaporated milk
  • 3 slightly beaten eggs
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1 c. sugar
  • 1/2 c. butter or margarine
  • 1 1/3 c. coconut
  • 1 c. chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Cook and stir evaporated milk, slightly beaten eggs, vanilla, sugar, and butter over medium heat until thickened, about 12 minutes.
  2. Add coconut and chopped pecans to the mixture.
  3. Cool until thick enough to spread.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using fresh coconut instead of shredded. If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans or substitute with sunflower seeds. To avoid curdling the eggs, stir continuously while cooking, and keep the heat at medium. This frosting pairs beautifully with a classic vanilla cake or even with Pistachio Or Watergate Cake for a delightful twist.

Serving Suggestions

This frosting is perfect for layering between cakes or spreading on top of cupcakes. It works wonderfully with chocolate or vanilla cakes, and can also enhance the flavor of simple desserts like Rolled Apple Dumplings. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional chopped pecans on top just before serving.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and stir well to restore its spreadable consistency. If needed, you can gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring continuously until it softens.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mama'S Favorite Cake Frosting contains roughly 1669 calories, with 13g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (41% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1669 kcal 83% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 13g 26% DV
Total Fat 122.3g 100% DV
Carbs 95.2g 35% DV
Fiber 11.4g 41% DV
Sugar 50.5g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 276.9mg 12% DV
Potassium 822mg 17% DV
Cholesterol 188mg 63% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 153mcg 17% DV
Vitamin C 35.8mg 40% DV
Vitamin D 1.4mcg 7% DV
Calcium 399.7mg 31% DV
Iron 7.5mg 42% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
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 use sweetened condensed milk instead of evaporated milk?

While sweetened condensed milk is thicker and sweeter, you can use it but reduce the sugar in the recipe to avoid overly sweet frosting. Keep in mind that this may alter the final texture slightly.

How can I make this frosting thicker?

To thicken the frosting, allow it to cool longer before spreading. You can also cook it a bit more, but be cautious not to scramble the eggs. Adding a bit more coconut can also help achieve a thicker consistency.

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this frosting a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before using. If it has thickened too much, gently reheat it while stirring to restore the spreadable texture.

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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