How To Thicken Coconut Milk As Cream

Wondering how to thicken coconut milk as cream? We have the best tips and tricks for you to achieve this. You won’t believe how easy it is to make it.

I mean, who doesn’t like coconut milk? It’s delicious! These step-by-step guides will save your life in case you need to make homemade coconut cream or you just feel like making it from scratch. And ultimately, you’ll want to always make it at home instead of buying it at the store, I’m sure!

We will also show you how to make a dairy-free vegan whipped cream. Check it out!

Jump to Recipe

What is Coconut Cream?

Coconut cream from coconut milk… more than mouth-watering!

Coconut cream is like pastry cream, a sweet preparation with which we can fill any dessert or simply serve as an accompaniment. It is a very easy-to-make recipe, and for those who enjoy the flavor that this tropical fruit provides, it is a delight.

Certainly, this coconut cream makes you want to eat it by the spoonful, but let’s resist and make a dessert with it, surely it will be worth it. Coconut cream is very similar to coconut milk but contains less water, the difference is mainly about consistency. It has a thicker and paste-like texture, while coconut milk is usually creamy but liquid.

In other words, coconut cream is used to cook many salty and sweet dishes and it has a mild non-sweet taste. In the next paragraphs, you’ll see the step-by-step guide on how to make cream of coconut the easiest way and also, preserve the coconut flavor.

There are plenty of recipes out there on how to thicken coconut milk and make cream out of it. We found some good ones and we are now giving you the best ones in one post. Of course, we’ve tried them already.

Here you have 3 simple ways of making your coconut cream.

How to Thicken Coconut Milk Step-By-Step

Guide #1: Thickening With Cornstarch

Cornstarch is a white powder, with a much silkier and finer texture than flour, and is mainly used as a thickener. It is an essential ingredient in cooking: it is used to make light doughs, thicken soups, make sauces, among other culinary uses.

This preparation has a simple name, it is called Slurry.

Equipment

• a small mixing bowl
• a medium mixing bowl
• a fork
• a hand whisk
• a saucepan
• a fine strain

Ingredients 

• 1 cup of coconut milk
• 1 tbsp of cornstarch
• 2 tbsp of water

Step-by-step directions

Step #1: Make your slurry

First, grab a small bowl and mix the water and the cornstarch. You can use a fork to mix them until combined.

Cuisinart 719-18P Chef’s Classic Stainless 2-Quart Saucepan with Cover,Silver

Step #2: Mix and stir

Grab a saucepan, pour your coconut milk and simmer to low heat. Add the slurry and stir. Do not stop stirring until you see that it slowly thickens.

Patience is the key.

Step #3: Strain

Once your coconut cream has thickened, remove it from heat. Strain your cream with a fine strainer over a bowl or container.

Step #4: Let it cool

Let it cool at room temperature.

Another tip: if you want it to be a little sweeter, add 1/2 teaspoon of icing sugar to the mixture before you strain it.

Guide #2: Reducing Your Coconut Milk

Reducing sauces in the kitchen is very simple, but it also requires patience and attention. Coconut milk will thicken naturally when the water it contains slowly begins to evaporate. Check it out.

Equipment

• a large saucepan
• a hand whisk
• a fine strain
• a medium bowl

Ingredients

• 1 cup of coconut milk
• sugar to taste

Step-by-step directions

Step #1: Let it boil

Bring the coconut milk to high heat. You’ll notice small bubbles once it starts to boil. Then, lower the flame to low heat. Continue stirring.

Step #2: Strain

Once your coconut cream has been reduced, remove it from the heat. Strain your cream with a fine strainer over a bowl or container.

Step #3: Let it cool

Let it cool at room temperature before using it, or use it immediately if you’re cooking a warm dish.

Guide #3: Make Coconut Cream From Coconut Meat

This is definitely not as easy as the first two guides we already told you about, however… its way of making it from scratch – with coconut meat instead of milk – is the richest way of doing it. Try it and let us know what you think.

Actually, you should try all of these and compare! I assure you that you won’t want to buy it again and you’ll want to make your own coconut cream at home from now on.

Equipment

• a deep saucepan or casserole
• a spatula
• a cheesecloth
• a medium mixing bowl
• a cheese greater

Ingredients

• 4 cups of coconut meat – shredded –
• 1 cup of water
• sugar to taste

Step-by-step directions

Step #1: Shredd your coconut meat

Start by shredding your coconut meat.

Step #2: Boil

Grab your saucepan or casserole and pour the water and the shredded coconut meat into it at high heat. Let it boil and turn off the flame.

Step #3: Let it cool

Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature.

Step #4: Strain

Once is completely cool, sift the mixture with the cheesecloth and press it with your hands to remove any excess liquid. You’ll notice your milk being thicker than the store-bought milk, so this is a good sign. Set aside.

Step #5: Let it sit and separate

Let it sit at room temperature and away from sunlight. Keep it in a fresh place. In about an hour or so, you’ll notice a layer of coconut cream floating and rising to the top!

Voilà!

Making Coconut Whipped Cream

This video will show you how to make dairy-free vegan whipped cream from canned coconut milk, you can use your homemade coconut milk also. I hope you like it!

Final Words

I hope you enjoy these 3 easy ways to make coconut cream from scratch. And please feel free to ask if you have any questions, we’ll always be happy to help.

Cheers to all my keto friends out there!