What To Do With Coconut Cream? Creative Ideas & Recipes

Coconut cream is one of the most exciting food products on the Epicurean scene. 

This rich, thick, dairy-free cream alternative is frequented in vegan and ketogenic recipes. 

We know coconut cream is a go-to dairy-free ingredient in curries, soups, and stews.  

Yet, as we discover more about this versatile product, several food cultures across the globe incorporate it into an array of savory and sweet coconut cream recipes.  

From flavorsome vegan meals and tasty chicken dishes to ice cream, cocktails, and chocolate mousse, coconut cream delights your palette with every mouthful.

Whether you are new to coconut cream or obsessed with it, we explore what to do with coconut cream and showcase this product that has taken our diets and meals to new levels.

What Is Coconut Cream?

It is a thicker version of coconut milk made from coconut meat in mature coconuts. The coconut meat is grated and simmered in hot water. Then, the liquid is squeezed to produce coconut cream.

This method of preparation also applies to coconut milk. The difference is that coconut cream has less water and more coconut fat than coconut milk.

For this reason, It is an excellent vegan cream alternative to its dairy cream equivalent. 

Moreover, coconut enhances your dish’s creamy and luxurious taste and texture. Similar to dairy cream but without the heaviness and lactose.

In particular, it plays an essential role in Southeast Asian cuisine, including Thai, Indonesian, Polynesian, and Indian. 

As the demand for dairy-free alternatives continues to increase, coconut cream has effortlessly found its way into several diets and recipes.  

What Can Coconut Cream Be Used For?

You can use it in both cooking and baking. In fact, you can use in just about any recipe that requires cream.  

Add it to hearty, savory dishes or use it to make sauce, whipped cream, decadent desserts, and sweet treats.

Coconut cream is available canned at several grocery store outlets, online, and in Southeast Asian cuisine specialty stores. Even better news, you can easily make it at home.

Whether you opt for the canned version or make your own, you will see a thick layer of cream on top of a liquid. Don’t worry! This consistency is correct. 

When adding coconut cream to a warm dish, such as curry, soup, or stew, you can add it as is. The heat allows it to dissolve into the dish evenly once stirred through.  

That said, some recipes may only require a part of the can of coconut cream. 

If this is the case, we suggest you empty the coconut cream in a saucepan and slowly bring it together on a low heat setting. 

Then, once cooled down, you can store the leftovers for future use.

If you want to whip, the best way is to use a stand or hand mixer with a whisk attachment. 

The trick is placing the coconut cream into a chilled bowl or ensuring the product is chilled before you whip it.  

We recommend you mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. You will notice the cream begins to thicken. Bearing in mind, it does not “peak” like dairy cream.  (*)

As coconut cream is unsweetened, you can add a sweetener of your choice.  

5 Delicious Savory Recipes Using Coconut Cream

Notably, some of these recipes specify coconut milk. We suggest you use half the amount of coconut cream due to the added thickness and creaminess.   

Again, as coconut cream is unsweetened, add a teaspoon or two of sugar or your preferred sweetener.  

Thai Coconut Chickpea Curry

Chickpeas are a staple plant protein. (*) So, this colorful and fragrant curry recipe is ideal for vegan and vegetarian diets. It takes 30 minutes to prepare, making it an easy and nutritious meal to whip up quickly.

Get recipe here: vegancocotte.com

Coconut Shrimp Curry

Ideal for seafood lovers looking to satisfy their curry craving in under 30 minutes. This delicious curry recipe uses simple and flavorsome ingredients and is excellent served with rice.

Get recipe here: jocooks.com

Easy Coconut Chicken Curry

A simple and satisfying chicken curry best served with steamed rice. It is ideal for those seeking a chicken protein-based dish. This curry recipe does not include vegetables. We suggest making a quick side salad to boost the meal’s nutrition.

Creamy Mushroom Soup with Coconut

If you love mushrooms, this is the soup for you. It is great to serve as a starter or a light main alongside freshly baked bread and a garden salad.  Try it out here!

Rich Brazilian Vegan Stew with Cauliflower, Cashews, and Coconut

This stew is a must-try if you love a wholesome meal with nuts. It is rich, creamy, and flavorsome. Ideal served on steamed rice with a baby leafy green salad on the side.  Find the recipe here!

And it doesn’t stop there!

5 Scrumptious Sweet Recipes Using Coconut Cream

Healthy Chocolate Mousse

We all love a decadent chocolate mousse. This 4 ingredient mousse is quick and easy to prepare. Surprise your guests with this delicious coconut cream recipe.  Have a look!

Pina Colada Icecream

This scrumptious ice cream is ideal for serving alongside a fresh fruit salad. Again, with only 4 ingredients, you can have this sweet treat whipped up quickly.  Check out the recipe here!

Vegan Mango Mousse

It has never been easier to prepare a quick and refreshing fruity mousse.  This recipe requires 3 ingredients and will have your guests returning for more. Enjoy as a dessert or snack treat.  

Vegan Creme Caramel

If you love a traditional creme brulee, this vegan cream alternative is for you. It is fun to prepare with the children and is smooth and creamy.  Find the recipe here!

Keto Coconut Cream Cheese Cake (Non-Vegan)

This low-carb coconut cream-based cheesecake is an excellent choice for keto diet followers. It is smooth, creamy, and the ultimate keto treat.  Try it out!

Interesting Facts

What Can I Do With Opened Coconut Cream?

Coconut cream is a great ingredient for all kinds of dishes. You can make sweet desserts or savory curries. If you have leftovers, use it to make frosting for cake. Or you can use it to make coconut chicken curry for dinner. It is also good in smoothies and other drinks.

Is It Good For You?

Of course, coconut cream is tasty. Yet, studies are still ongoing to establish whether coconut cream has proven health benefits we can count on.

So far, we know coconut cream is an excellent source of potassium- an essential mineral for maintaining healthy body cells, reducing the risk of heart disease and salt sensitivity, alongside fighting fatigue and muscle cramps.  

Furthermore, coconut cream is a great source of:

• Anti-oxidants
• Choline
• Folate
• Magnesium
• Phosphorus
• Protein

All essential elements to help support optimal body health, including:

• Nervous system development
• Asthma
• Low blood sugar levels
• Clotted arteries
• Building healthy teeth and bones

Potential Side Effects

Coconut cream has a high-calorie content of 1060 calories per cup, of which 46 grams is saturated fat – more than double the recommended daily intake (RDI). So, not the ideal food product to consume if you have high cholesterol. (*)

In addition, saturated fats increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Also, you may be susceptible to a coconut allergy if you have nut allergies.  

On the upside, adding coconut cream to your diet may assist if you need to gain weight. Your doctor can advise you on the safest and best ways forward.  

Decidedly, coconut cream is a delicious ingredient to add to your diet. However, using it sparingly is advised. If you want to learn more about coconut cream’s health benefits and risks, have a look here. (*)

Should You Stir It?

If you are using it in a warm meal, there is no need to stir it as it blends in when stirred through. However, suppose you do not need the entire can. 

We suggest you empty it into a saucepan and slowly stir it on a low heat setting until it comes together. This way, you can use what you need and store the rest for later use.

Can coconut cream be eaten straight from a can?

It is not a dessert or meal on its own. It can be eaten raw and used as an ingredient in several warm dishes, desserts, and beverages.

Can You Use In Coffee?

Absolutely! It is delicious in coffee. You will notice a slight “oily” look on the top of your coffee. 

This look is typical due to the coconut fat in coconut milk. Also, it makes an excellent dairy-free iced coffee.

Final Creamy Thoughts

What to do with coconut cream has endless culinary uses. It is gluten-free, dairy-free and growing in popularity. 

Think about it; there are so many recipes out there that require cream. 

So, why not try a coconut cream recipe next time you prepare your favorite meal needing a creamy finishing touch? 

Let us know the result!