Cream of Coconut Recipe: Cream of Coconut vs. Coconut Milk

March 10, 2022 Odiraa

Cream of Coconut Recipe: Cream of Coconut vs. Coconut Milk

Cream of coconut is sweet coconut syrup made with sugar and coconut milk. It’s a key ingredient in Pina Coladas and many tropical cocktails.

Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut and Real Gourmet are brands that make cream of coconut, this recipe works as an alternative.

Additionally, it adds a divine sweetness and softness to drinks and desserts and is the defining factor in many tropically inspired (or based) cocktails.

Cream of coconut is also easy to confuse with other coconut products, mainly coconut cream, and coconut milk since the names and packaging are nearly identical.

How is it different from coconut cream and coconut milk?

Coconut cream and coconut milk are two different products that are often confused with each other.

But what about the cream of coconut?

Many people mistakenly purchase this product, thinking it’s the same as coconut milk. Below is a breakdown of the differences between cream of coconut and coconut milk and my recipe for making cream of coconut.

However, read on to learn the basics of cream of coconut, including what it is, how it differs from coconut cream and coconut milk, where to find it in the grocery store, cream of coconut substitutions, how to make your own cream of coconut at home, and how to use cream of coconut in recipes.

What Is Cream of Coconut?

Coconut cream that has been sweetened and processed to have a thick, syrupy texture is known as cream of coconut.

It’s primarily used as a mixer for beverages and cocktails, and you can find it in non-alcoholic mixers like margarita mix and bloody mary mix, but it’s also used in desserts and as a vegan substitute for milk or cream.

What’s the Difference Between Coconut Cream and Cream of Coconut? Cream of coconut vs. coconut milk

The texture and taste of coconut milk and coconut cream are the key differences. The two can be compared to raw and finished products that aren’t quite interchangeable.

Coconut cream is unsweetened and thinner in texture, whereas coconut cream has been processed and sweetened.

You wouldn’t need to add condensed milk to a coconut cake recipe if you used cream of coconut because the cream of coconut already has that texture and sweetness.

What Is the Difference Between Coconut Milk and Coconut Cream?

Coconut cream and coconut milk are two distinct components. Coconut milk is made out of water and coconut pulp and has a more liquid consistency than coconut cream, which is thicker and smoother. Furthermore, because the cream of coconut has been prepared, it has a distinct sweetness to it.

Substitutes for Coconut Cream

If you can’t locate cream of coconut in your supermarket, you may simply make a suitable replacement by combining sweetened condensed milk with enough coconut extract to provide the desired flavor.

You can also combine coconut cream or coconut milk with sweetened condensed milk, though the texture will be thinner.

When using canned coconut milk to make a cream of coconut alternative, open the can without shaking it and skim off the fatty top layer before mixing with sweetened condensed milk.

Coconut milk, sugar, and salt can also be used to make your own cream of coconut.

How to Use Cream of Coconut

Coconut cream is commonly used as a drink mixer, but it can also be used as a dairy-free substitute in sweets such as cakes, homemade ice cream, and flan. Curries, soups, and smoothies can all benefit from the addition of coconut cream.

Because coconut cream is sweet, taste your recipe before adding any additional sweetener.

They can’t be used interchangeably!

Coconut cream is thick and unsweetened; coconut cream is sweeter and has a syrupier viscosity. This means that sugar content is optimized in recipes that call for each.

Although the traditional pia colada recipe calls for coconut cream, several variations call for coconut cream and simple syrup. Make sure you read your recipe carefully because substituting the wrong ingredient will result in a bitter or overly sweet beverage.

How to Make Cream of Coconut

Sweet coconut syrup produced with sugar and coconut milk is known as a cream of coconut. It’s a fundamental component of Pina Coladas and other tropical drinks.

Cream of coconut is made by Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut and Real Gourmet; however, this recipe can be used as a substitute.

You’ve probably come across the cream of coconut if you’ve ever created a pina colada.

In my first attempt at a coconut cream pie, I used coconut cream. I’d never made a coconut cream pie before and had mixed up coconut milk with coconut cream.

The pie, unfortunately, was a disaster and was far too sugary. Of course, it was my fault. I got cream of coconut milk instead of full-fat coconut milk because the recipe called for it.

It’s difficult to keep up with the growing number of coconut products on the market. Coconut cream and coconut milk are two distinct products that are frequently misunderstood.

Many individuals, including myself, have made the mistake of thinking this product is the same as coconut milk but its not

Cream of Coconut Ingredients

1 can full-fat coconut milk (I like to use the native forest and thai kitchen coconut cream or milk)
¾ cup granulated sugar
pinch of salt (optional)
½ tablespoon coconut milk powder

Instructions

Firstly, in a small pot, combine all of the ingredients and heat over low heat.
Secondary, stir in the sugar and coconut milk powder until they are completely dissolved.
Thirdly, pour the mixture into a blender and blend to break down the coconut milk powder if it doesn’t dissolve completely. Then, return to the pot and whisk until no clumps remain.
After that, refrigerate the mixture in an airtight jar.
The coconut cream will last for 7 days in the refrigerator. Any leftovers should be frozen for later use.
Traditionally, sugar is used in coconut cream. You can, however, prepare a low-carb/sugar-free version with your preferred sweetener.

Coconut milk powder is an optional addition to the recipe. It thickens the coconut cream somewhat and enhances the coconut taste of the syrup.

What is coconut cream?

Coconut cream is a simple syrup made with coconut milk rather than water. It has a silky texture and a sweet creamy consistency. It’s ideal for drinks, particularly tropical cocktails.

Is cream of coconut the same thing as coconut cream?

These goods are not interchangeable in recipes since they are not the same.

Coconut cream is a thick heavy cream derived from coconut milk, while the cream of coconut is a sweetened coconut milk sauce.

Is there anything I can use in place of cream of coconut?

You can make cream of coconut at home in minutes if you have coconut milk on hand. Simply cook the coconut milk with sugar. After the sugar has dissolved, you can use the combination instead of coconut cream.

How do I utilize coconut cream?

Use coconut cream in cocktails like my virgin pina colada, smoothies (it’s delicious in my pina colada smoothie), or desserts like this pineapple upside-down cake (I need to develop a healthier version of this one)!

Coconut cream, like coconut milk, can be frozen and used later.

Where can you get coconut cream?

Coconut cream in tetra packs, similar to coconut milk and ordinary milk, can be purchased on the milk/creams aisle, while bottled coconut cream can be found near yogurts and desserts in the refrigerated milk, cream, and coffee creamers areas.

Is coconut cream a liquid or a solid?

At room temperature, coconut oil hardens into coconut cream, therefore canned coconut milk usually separates into two layers: liquid water on the bottom and solid white cream on top. In some cans, the cream was as thick and dense as Crisco, but in others, it was thinner.

Coconut milk or cream: which is better?

It’s thicker, has a higher fat content, and can be scooped all over. In curries and soups, coconut milk and cream are often used interchangeably. Try coconut cream if you want a fuller flavor and texture, or vice versa. When substituting coconut milk and cream in baked items, however, be cautious.

What kinds of dishes can you prepare with coconut cream?

Coconut cream can be used to make dairy-free whipped cream.

In this recipe, use 12 cups of coconut cream instead of coconut milk. Coconut cream can also be used in curry recipes to make them thicker and creamier. It’s great in chickpea or veggie curry.

To replace coconut milk with coconut cream, follow these steps: 1 cup coconut milk = 2 teaspoons coconut cream + 34 cups water

What can you do using coconut cream?

Coconut cream is commonly used in tropical drinks and coconut cocktails, the most well-known of which is the Classic Pia Colada. The Painkiller, Chi-Chi, Coconut Margarita, and Blue Hawaiian all include it.

Coconut cream is a simple syrup made with coconut milk rather than water. It has a smooth texture and a sweet creamy consistency.

It’s ideal for drinks, particularly tropical cocktails.