Rich & fluffy, coconut cream is my go-to substitute for dairy whipped cream. Use this easy coconut whipped cream recipe to top your favorite treats!
vegan / gluten free — Jump to recipe
Whipped coconut cream is my go-to substitute for regular whipped cream. It’s light, it’s fluffy, and it’s naturally dairy-free making it the perfect topping for cakes, pies, crumbles, or any dessert that would benefit from a dollop of whipped cream.
What is coconut cream?
In most grocery stores, you’ll find 3 canned coconut products: light coconut milk, full-fat coconut milk, and coconut cream. Coconut and water are the primary ingredients in all three, but they each have different concentrations of coconut. Canned coconut cream has the highest coconut percentage, meaning that it also has the highest fat content and the thickest texture. Full-fat coconut milk is second in line, and light coconut milk comes in last.
I use light coconut milk in lattes or soups, but if I want to use coconut as a rich, dairy-free alternative to regular cream in veganice creamor whipped cream, I always seek out full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. You can easily find both in the Asian section of most grocery stores.
How to Make Coconut Whipped Cream
Making homemade coconut whipped cream is no trickier than making regular whipped cream at home, but you do have to plan ahead. Always chill your cans in the fridge overnight. The coconut solids will rise to the top of the can in the fridge, leaving the coconut water behind. You’ll need this concentrated cream in order to create a fluffy coconut whipped cream.Once your cans have chilled, just follow these easy steps:
- Scoop the hardened coconut that has risen to the top of the can, and spoon it into a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
- Beat on high speed until it begins to thicken and peaks form. Be careful not to overmix here, as it could heat the cream and cause it to soften!
- Gently mix in your sweetener and seasonings. I like to sweeten mine with maple syrup and flavor it with vanilla extract, warming spices, or lemon, depending on what I’m making. You could use powdered sugar in place of the maple as well.
- Chill your cream until you’re ready to serve!
Coconut Cream Recipe Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve made your coconut whipped cream, you have endless options for serving it. Dollop it onto almost any dessert – puddings, crumbles, pies, cakes, shortcake, etc. – or use it as the base for a creamy tart or pie. I especially like this Strawberry Tart recipe.
I also love topping coconut whipped cream onto overnight oats, like these Strawberry Rhubarb Overnight Oats parfaits. It would be equally good on any of these overnight oats recipesor on my baked oatmeal!
Coconut Cream
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 10 minutes mins
Serves 4
Light & fluffy, this easy coconut whipped cream is the best alternative to the traditional version! Just be sure to chill your cans of coconut milk or cream in the refrigerator the night before you want to make it.
Ingredients
- 2 (13.5-ounce) cans full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
- 2½ tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice, optional, depending on thickness of your cream
Instructions
Scoop the coconut solids that have risen to the top of the can, and spoon it into a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Make sure the solids have separated from the coconut water in the can - if it mixes, your coconut cream will not whip. Save the leftover coconut water for smoothies.
Beat the on high speed until it begins to thicken and and peaks form. Don't over-mix or your cream will soften too much.
Add the maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and lemon zest, and mix until combined. If your coconut cream is very thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice, if desired. If your cream isn't thick enough for the additional liquid, skip the lemon juice.
Chill the cream in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
FAQs
Coconut cream can easily boost the taste and texture of many different dishes. For example, use it to thicken and enrich recipes like casseroles, curries, and pasta sauces. With its subtle, coconut flavor, it can also give a tasty twist to many desserts, including cookies, cakes, and puddings.
What does coconut cream do for the body? ›
Coconut cream is also an excellent source of potassium. Studies show that potassium is critical for maintaining the health of every cell in your body. Getting enough potassium daily is connected to a reduced risk of high blood pressure, salt sensitivity, fatigue, and muscle cramps.
Why is coconut cream so expensive? ›
The high prices of coconut milk and cream due to the fluctuating cost of raw materials may hinder the growth of the market.
Should I refrigerate coconut cream? ›
For best results. Look for coconut creams that are preservative-free and contain no added water or sugar. Shake well before use, as the liquid and cream will have separated. Coconut cream has a short shelf life once opened, so refrigerate and use within 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Is it OK to use coconut cream instead of milk? ›
The good news about coconut cream and coconut milk is that although they may be different consistencies, they're very similar. You can use coconut cream in place of milk if you dilute it with additional water. Different coconut cream brands vary on fat content.
Is coconut cream anti-inflammatory? ›
Coconuts contain a lipid called lauric acid. Some findings indicate that lauric acid has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting they may help support the immune system.
Is it OK to eat coconut cream? ›
Despite the potential health benefits of coconut cream and its lack of cholesterol, Harvard School of Public Health researchers recommend limiting it in your daily diet because of its high saturated fat content.
Can I put coconut cream on my face? ›
Coconut cream is a versatile and beneficial ingredient that can be used in many different ways to improve your skin and hair health. Whether you use it as a moisturizer, face mask, body lotion, or hair mask, it can help to hydrate, nourish, and soothe your skin and hair.
Is Trader Joe's coconut cream the same as coconut milk? ›
Coconut cream is the same thing as coconut milk—coconut meat blended with water—but it contains less water. While coconut milk is thin like cow's milk, coconut cream is thick like whipped cream. You can find this fat-rich cream floating on the top of any canned coconut milk, or you can buy it in a dedicated can.
Can you add coconut cream to coffee? ›
Absolutely! Coconut cream has a natural sweetness that can enhance the flavor of your coffee without the need for additional sweeteners. However, if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can always add a touch of honey or maple syrup.
Unopened coconut cream can last for several months or even up to a year when stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. However, once opened, coconut cream should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can last for 4-7 days.
Does canned coconut cream taste like coconut? ›
Compared to normal coconut milk, coconut cream has a much higher fat content, containing around 19-22% fat. Coconut cream still retains the delicious coconut flavor that coconut milk has, but is much thicker as it is essentially coconut milk with less water.
Why crack coconut cream? ›
Traditional Thai curry recipes call for frying the spice paste in coconut cream that's been “cracked”—that is, simmered until its oil separates out. Besides drawing out the oil, simmering the coconut cream also forces water to evaporate, making for a slightly more concentrated curry.
What is good about coconut cream? ›
Coconut cream is perfect for vegans, since it is plant based, as well as for those who are lactose-intolerant or those who have nut allergies. It contains no cholesterol and it's a great source of protein, antioxidants, phosphorus, magnesium, folate and potassium. Coconut cream is beneficial to hair and skin too!
What is creamed coconut used for? ›
Creamed coconut is made up of both the coconut flesh and oils which makes for a thicker consistency and adds more texture when used in curries such as our Korma, Tikka Masala and Rogan Josh recipes.
What do you do with the liquid from coconut cream? ›
Tropical drinks and dairy-free desserts are my favorite uses. While it's not the same as coconut milk, you can still use coconut cream in place of coconut milk for soups, smoothies, and whole grains, for added richness. And when in doubt, whipping up a batch of luscious coconut whipped cream is always a good idea.
Can I put coconut cream in coffee? ›
Absolutely! Coconut cream has a natural sweetness that can enhance the flavor of your coffee without the need for additional sweeteners. However, if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can always add a touch of honey or maple syrup.
How much coconut cream to use? ›
It can be used in a few different ways. First, diluted with water to make coconut milk or coconut cream – for 'thin' coconut milk, 120g of the block diluted in 500ml of water will work. Another way is to simply grate or add a tablespoon of the block direct into your dish.
