How to use coconut milk in desserts?
Use full-fat canned coconut milk for ice cream, puddings and custards, chilled coconut cream for whipped topping, and cream of coconut only where a recipe asks for it, because it is sweetened. Avoid the carton coconut milk drink in baking. Light coconut milk is thinner and gives weaker results in desserts.
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In this article
Which coconut product should you use in desserts?
This confuses many cooks, because the cans look alike. America’s Test Kitchen sets out the differences:
| Product | What it is | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Full-fat canned coconut milk | Unsweetened, creamy | Ice cream, puddings, custards, smoothies, curries |
| Coconut cream | Thicker, more fat | Whipped topping, richer dishes |
| Cream of coconut | Coconut cream that is sweetened, with thickeners and emulsifiers | Cocktails, some baked goods; not a swap for coconut cream |
| Light coconut milk | Thinner | Soups and stews; weak for desserts |
| Carton coconut milk drink | Diluted beverage, usually sweetened | Drinking, coffee, cereal; not interchangeable with canned |
How do you use coconut milk in desserts?
- Puddings and custards: use full-fat canned milk, because fat is essential to the texture.
- Ice cream: full-fat coconut milk makes a creamy dairy-free base.
- Whipped topping: chill a can of coconut cream (or full-fat milk) in the fridge, scoop off the solid top and whip it.
- Rice pudding and similar desserts: full-fat canned milk can stand in for dairy cream or milk.
- Baked goods: King Arthur Baking suggests well-shaken canned coconut milk as a richer option when a recipe calls for whole milk.
What are the tips?
- Shake the can well or stir it, because the cream separates from the liquid.
- Check whether a product is sweetened before adding sugar.
- Coconut flavor is mild but noticeable; pair with lime, mango, chocolate or vanilla.
- Check the can or carton for storage advice once opened.
What can you substitute?
If you do not need dairy-free, dairy cream is the usual alternative in these recipes; results vary.
Coconut is no longer counted as a tree nut for US allergen labeling, though it is still a recognized allergen, so ask your allergist if you have nut allergies.
People also ask
Can I use coconut milk instead of cream in desserts?
Often yes. Use full-fat canned coconut milk or chilled coconut cream, depending on how thick you need it.
What is the difference between coconut cream and cream of coconut?
Coconut cream is unsweetened and thick. Cream of coconut is sweetened and contains thickeners, so do not swap them.
Can you use carton coconut milk in baking?
It is not recommended. America's Test Kitchen says some carton coconut milk beverages give pale and gummy baked goods, depending on the brand.
Sources
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