Cream of coconut is a thick, sweetened coconut puree that is often used in tropical cocktails and desserts. It is not to be confused with coconut cream or coconut milk. While coconut cream is the fatty part of coconut milk, cream of coconut is specifically made by blending coconut meat with sugar, resulting in a sweet and syrupy product. It is typically found in the liquor aisle of grocery stores or online, and brands like Coco Lopez and Coco Real are among the most popular options available.

Key Differences Between Cream of Coconut, Coconut Cream, and Coconut Milk

Cream of Coconut: Sweetened coconut puree, syrupy consistency, used primarily in desserts and cocktails.
Coconut Cream: Unsweetened, thicker than coconut milk, often used in savory dishes or as a dairy alternative.
Coconut Milk: A liquid made from blending coconut flesh with water, used in both sweet and savory recipes.

Cream of coconut can be used in many creative ways. Here are some popular applications:

1. Tropical Cocktails

Cream of coconut is a key ingredient in many tropical drinks, such as:

Piña Coladas: Blend cream of coconut with pineapple juice and rum for a classic cocktail.
Coconut Mojitos: Add cream of coconut to your mojito mix for a creamy twist.

2. Desserts

Incorporate cream of coconut into your favorite dessert recipes:

Coconut Cream Pie: Use it in the custard filling for a rich, creamy pie.
Coconut Rice Pudding: Stir cream of coconut into rice pudding for added sweetness and flavor.

3. Savory Dishes

Cream of coconut can also enhance savory recipes:

Coconut Chicken Curry: Use it as a base for a creamy curry sauce with chicken and vegetables.
Instant Pot Pineapple Chicken Curry: A delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.

Here are some tried-and-true recipes that highlight the deliciousness of cream of coconut:

1. Classic Piña Colada

A refreshing cocktail made with cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and rum. Blend all ingredients with ice for a tropical treat.

2. Creamy Coconut Chicken

This one-pot dish combines chicken thighs with a creamy coconut curry sauce. Serve it over rice for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

6 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 can of coconut milk
Curry powder, garlic, and onion for flavor

Instructions:

Season chicken with spices and sauté until browned.
Add onions, garlic, and curry powder, then pour in coconut milk.
Simmer until chicken is cooked through and serve with rice.

3. Coconut Cream Pie

A luscious dessert featuring layers of coconut custard and whipped cream.

4. Blood Orange Coconut Cream Soda

A refreshing drink combining blood orange juice and cream of coconut for a sweet and tangy beverage.

5. Instant Pot Mango Sticky Rice

A delightful Thai dessert made with sticky rice, cream of coconut, and fresh mango slices.

Cream of coconut is an incredibly versatile ingredient that can elevate both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re mixing up a cocktail, baking a pie, or creating a comforting curry, cream of coconut adds a delightful tropical flavor that is hard to resist. Keep a can or bottle on hand, and experiment with these recipes to discover your new favorite dishes!