What to do with canned coconut cream
Canned coconut cream is a versatile ingredient that can add richness, creaminess, and flavor to many dishes. It is made from the thick, white flesh of mature coconuts, which is blended with water and then strained to remove the solids. The resulting liquid is then canned and sold in supermarkets or online.
Canned coconut cream is different from coconut milk, which has a thinner consistency and less fat content. Coconut cream is also different from coconut cream, which is a sweetened product that is often used in cocktails and desserts.
Canned coconut cream can be used in both savory and sweet recipes, as well as in beverages and sauces. Here are some ideas on how to use canned coconut cream in your cooking:
- Use it as a dairy-free substitute for heavy cream in soups, stews, curries, casseroles, and sauces. You can also whip it into a fluffy whipped cream for topping cakes, pies, or fruit salads. To whip canned coconut cream, chill the can in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, then scoop out the solid part and beat it with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. You can add some sugar or vanilla extract for extra sweetness and flavor.
- Use it as a base for vegan ice cream, pudding, custard, or mousse. You can blend it with fruits, nuts, chocolate, or other flavorings to create your own dairy-free desserts. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays and blend it with frozen bananas or berries for a quick and easy soft serve.

what do you use cream of coconut for
- Use it as a thickener for smoothies, shakes, lattes, or hot chocolate. You can add some canned coconut cream to your blender along with your favorite fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, or spices to make a creamy and nutritious drink. You can also heat it up with some cocoa powder and sugar for a decadent hot chocolate.
- Use it as a marinade or dressing for salads, vegetables, tofu, tempeh, or meat. You can mix it with some lime juice, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, curry paste, or other seasonings to make a flavorful marinade or dressing. You can also use it to make a creamy coleslaw or potato salad.
- Use it as an ingredient for baking cakes, muffins, cookies, brownies, or breads. You can replace some or all of the butter or oil in your recipes with canned coconut cream to make them moist and tender. You can also use it to make a glaze or frosting for your baked goods.

Canned coconut cream is a convenient and versatile ingredient that can enhance your recipes with its rich texture and tropical taste. It is also vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free, making it suitable for people with dietary restrictions or preferences. You can store unopened cans of coconut cream in a cool and dry place for up to two years. Once opened, you should refrigerate the leftover coconut cream in an airtight container and use it within 3 to 4 days.
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If you are looking for some inspiration on how to use canned coconut cream in your cooking, here are some recipes that you can try:
- Coconut Cream Pie: A classic dessert that features a flaky crust filled with a creamy coconut custard and topped with whipped coconut cream and toasted coconut flakes.
- Thai Coconut Chicken Soup: A spicy and aromatic soup that combines chicken broth, coconut cream, lemongrass, ginger, lime juice, fish sauce, chili peppers, mushrooms, and chicken.
- Coconut Rice Pudding: A comforting dessert that is made by simmering rice, coconut cream, sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon in a pot until thick and creamy.
- Coconut Curry Lentil Soup: A hearty and healthy soup that is made by sautéing onion, garlic, carrot, celery, curry powder, turmeric, cumin, and salt in a large pot, then adding vegetable broth, lentils, coconut cream, and spinach and simmering until the lentils are tender.
- Coconut Lime Cake: A moist and fluffy cake that is flavored with lime zest and juice and frosted with whipped coconut cream and lime curd.