Cream of Coconut: The Sweet, Tropical Ingredient Every Kitchen Needs
What Is Cream of Coconut?
Cream of coconut is a thick, sweetened coconut product made by blending coconut cream with sugar. Rich, velvety, and bursting with tropical flavor, it’s a must-have for both sweet and savory dishes. Often confused with coconut cream, this ready-to-use ingredient is most famous for its starring role in the classic Piña Colada—but its uses go far beyond cocktails.
How It’s Made
Unlike regular coconut cream, which is simply the thick part of coconut milk, cream of coconut is sweetened and processed to a smooth consistency. The result is a silky, pourable ingredient that adds instant coconut flavor and sweetness to your recipes, without the need for extra sugar or blending.
Popular Culinary Uses
Cream of coconut shines in tropical desserts, from coconut cakes and puddings to ice creams, frostings, and custards. It’s also a key player in Caribbean and Southeast Asian cuisine, where it can be used in sauces, marinades, or glazes for seafood, chicken, or grilled vegetables. In drinks, it adds creamy texture and exotic sweetness to smoothies, milkshakes, and of course, tiki cocktails.
Cream of Coconut vs Coconut Cream
It’s easy to get confused, but here’s the key difference: cream of coconut is sweetened, while coconut cream is not. This makes cream of coconut better for desserts and drinks, while unsweetened coconut cream is better for savory dishes where you want richness without added sugar.
Tips for Using Cream of Coconut
Store it at room temperature, but shake or stir well before using, as it can separate. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and use within a few days for best flavor. A little goes a long way, so start small and adjust to taste—especially in beverages and sauces.
A Pantry Essential for Island Vibes
Whether you're hosting a summer party, baking a coconut-infused dessert, or just craving something tropical, cream of coconut is your shortcut to island flavor. It’s easy to use, packed with sweetness, and instantly transforms any recipe into something special.
Cream of coconut: sweet, smooth, and your passport to tropical indulgence.