If you love cooking with coconut or enjoy dairy-free alternatives, you’ve probably wondered: how do you make coconut cream out of coconut milk? Luckily, it’s easier than you think! Coconut cream is a rich, thick, and luscious ingredient that can elevate your dishes, from curries to desserts and even whipped toppings. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about transforming coconut milk into creamy coconut cream, with easy steps and tips to get it just right.
What Is Coconut Cream and How Is It Different from Coconut Milk?
Before diving into the process, let’s clear up the difference between coconut milk and coconut cream. Both come from the flesh of mature coconuts, but they differ in consistency and fat content.
– Coconut Milk is made by blending grated coconut flesh with water and straining it. It’s thinner and more liquidy, perfect for soups, sauces, and smoothies.
– Coconut Cream is the thick, fatty layer that separates from coconut milk. It’s much richer and creamier, similar to heavy cream in dairy, and is often used to make whipped cream or add richness to dishes.
The Easy Trick: Making Coconut Cream from Canned Coconut Milk
The simplest way to make coconut cream at home is by using canned full-fat coconut milk. Here’s how:
Step 1: Chill the Coconut Milk
Place a can of full-fat coconut milk in your refrigerator overnight (or for at least 8 hours). This chilling step allows the cream to separate and solidify at the top of the can.
Step 2: Scoop Out the Cream
After chilling, open the can carefully without shaking it. You’ll notice a thick, solid layer on top – that’s your coconut cream! Scoop this creamy layer into a bowl, leaving the watery coconut milk at the bottom for other uses like smoothies or cooking.
Step 3: Whip or Use as Is
If you want whipped coconut cream, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the cream until fluffy (about 5 to 10 minutes). You can add a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract for sweetness and flavor, but it’s delicious plain too.
If you need thick coconut cream for cooking, you can use it directly without whipping.
Making Coconut Cream from Fresh Coconut: Two Methods
If you have access to fresh coconuts, you can make coconut cream from scratch. Here are two popular methods:
Method 1: Using a Blender
- Extract the Coconut Flesh: Crack open the coconut and remove the white flesh.
- Blend with Water: Add the coconut flesh to a high-speed blender with about 4 cups of water. Blend until smooth to make coconut milk.
- Strain: Pour the blended mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to separate the liquid from the pulp.
- Separate Cream: Let the coconut milk sit in a jar so the cream rises to the top. Scoop out the thick cream for your coconut cream.
Method 2: Using a Juicer
- Peel the brown skin off the coconut flesh for a pure white cream (optional).
- Pass the coconut flesh through a juicer.
- The creamy liquid that comes out is your coconut cream, ready to use or refrigerate.
Tips for Perfect Coconut Cream
– Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Light or low-fat coconut milk won’t separate well or yield creamy results.
– Avoid Emulsifiers: Some canned coconut milks contain stabilizers like guar gum, which prevent separation. Check the label before chilling your can.
– Chill Properly: The longer the can chills, the better the cream separates.
– Store Properly: Keep coconut cream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 weeks. Give it a quick whip before use if it separates again.
Delicious Ways to Use Coconut Cream
– Whipped Topping: Sweeten and whip coconut cream to top cakes, pies, or hot cocoa.
– Curries and Soups: Add richness and depth to your favorite savory dishes.
– Smoothies: Use the leftover coconut water or thin coconut milk for tropical smoothies.
– Desserts: Incorporate into puddings, ice creams, or vegan cheesecakes.
Coconut cream made from coconut milk is a versatile and delicious ingredient that’s easy to prepare at home. Whether you’re using canned coconut milk or fresh coconut, these simple steps will help you get that creamy texture and rich flavor every time. Enjoy experimenting and adding a tropical twist to your recipes!