40 Coconut Recipes You'll Go Coco-Nuts Over
From sweet to savory, this tropical powerhouse can do it all.
Like pickles, licorice, and other polarizing flavors, coconut is one of those things you either LOVE or HATE. We’re of the opinion that coconut's allure actually lies in its adaptability and versatility, showcased in how it can bring flavor and depth in both desserts and savory dinner recipes (with snacks, cocktails, and more in between). Whether you’re craving its sweet, nutty flavor, want to add creaminess without dairy, or need a little toasty crunch, coconut is the ingredient you should be reaching for. Check out these 40 recipes that showcase it in all its glory, from milk to flakes to coconut water.
Looking for a sweet treat or drink that’ll make you feel like you’re on a tropical island? You can’t go wrong with a classic, like a piña colada, a coconut cream pie, or a painkiller cocktail. Want to branch out a bit? Our coconut cheesecake bars, our coconut-lime layer cake, our piña colada lasagna, or our spiked coconut limeade have a little more going on, and are just as satisfying.
Looking for a coconut-ty dinner that’ll have everyone you share it with asking what the secret ingredient is? You’ve got to try our panang curry, our one-pan coconut-lime chicken (sort of a jazzed up version of our creamy Tuscan chicken, if you’re familiar!), our coconut curry shrimp & peas, or our spicy coconut grilled chicken. Watch out—they might just have you grabbing a can every time you’re at the store. Made any of these recipes? Let us know how they went in the comments below.
Million-Dollar Pie
Southerners know a thing or two about decadent desserts, and this retro pie is everything you want in the millionaire experience—crunchy, sweet, mile-high, and make-ahead.
Get the Million-Dollar Pie recipe.
Coconut Chickpea & Sweet Potato Curry
If you're craving a comforting dinner that's also vegan, look no further. This curry is bursting with flavors inspired by chana masala and is bolstered by hearty sweet potatoes—it's so delicious, no one will miss the meat.
Coconut Cheesecake Bars
A must for coconut lovers, this dessert has everything you love about cheesecake bars, plus the dreaminess of creamy, nutty coconut. Think piña coladas or coconut cream pie in a layered dessert that’s easier to make and to share (perfect for potlucks, parties, and more).
Get the Coconut Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Coconut Rice
Not entirely sweet or savory, coconut rice is versatile enough to do it all. Distinct from Thai-style mango sticky rice, this popular recipe is a side option for a variety of mains. The subtle coconut flavor makes it ideal served with saucy weeknight dinners, but with a few adjustments, it can also be a deliciously simple dessert.
Get the Coconut Rice recipe.
Coconut Ice Cream
This coconut ice cream is no joke. Not only is it dairy-free but it's completely vegan, too. It's ultra-creamy with a sweet coconut flavor that only gets better topped with toasted coconut.
Get the Coconut Ice Cream recipe.
Coconut Braised Cabbage
We think cabbage is one of the great unsung heroes of the vegetable world. It’s ultra-nutritious, affordable, and with a little effort, can be incredibly delicious. This braised cabbage recipe is a perfect example of that.
Get the Coconut Braised Cabbage recipe.
Piña Coladas
When you have a creamy, cold, and refreshing piña colada in your hand, life truly becomes a beach. A classic summer drink, this tropical vibe in a glass is easy enough to order out at a bar, but when you want the perfect combination of sweetness, creaminess, and slush factor, making it at home is tops.
Get the Piña Coladas recipe.
Vegetable Curry
When you want something comforting, savory, and just a little spicy, you can’t go wrong with some form of curry. In this recipe, a variety of vegetables takes center stage alongside a creamy Thai-style curry. We promise you won’t even miss the meat.
Get the Vegetable Curry recipe.
One-Pan Coconut-Lime Chicken
If our creamy Tuscan chicken is a mainstay at your house, this recipe is going to be just the thing to shake up your weeknight dinner routine. We paired quick-cooking chicken cutlets with a spicy-sweet coconut milk sauce that’s out-of-this-world tasty.
Get the One-Pan Coconut-Lime Chicken recipe.
Chicken & Coconut Rice Casserole
Coconut milk is truly magical. It turns ordinary rice into a creamy, flavorful, perfectly cooked rice. We're honestly never cooking our rice without it again.
Coconut Cookies
Soft and chewy, with slightly golden crispy edges, these simple cookies really let their star ingredient—coconut—shine. Almond flour adds to their nutty vibes, as well as makes this recipe gluten-free, meaning it’s great for sharing with a wheat-averse crowd.
Get the Coconut Cookies recipe.
Coconut Curry Shrimp & Peas
This recipe is a deliciously quick route to a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner. A smattering of spices infuses the coconut milk, then all that's left to do is poach the shrimp directly in the broth and heat the peas and spinach through, and you're ready for dinner.
Get the Coconut Curry Shrimp & Peas recipe.
Coconut-Pineapple Spritz
Craving a tropical vacation? This summer cocktail is for you. Tbh no matter the time of year, one sip of this coconut and pineapple spritz will transform your mindset right to a tropical beach or beautiful sunny day, making this the perfect cocktail for any season.
Get the Coconut-Pineapple Spritz recipe.
Coconut Cream Pie
We're crazy for all coconut desserts, but this pie is something we dream about. The not-too-sweet custard is topped with our homemade whipped cream and and toasted coconut for layers of creamy goodness with an added, toasty crunch. It just might be one of our fave summer pies!
Get the Coconut Cream Pie recipe.
Coconut-Lime Layer Cake
Put the lime in the coconut and bake this stunning layer cake! One of the reasons this cake is SO fun to eat is that it’s not about blasting every component with all the lime and all the coconut flavor, but instead letting each part of the cake bring something to the party.
Get the Coconut-Lime Layer Cake recipe.
One-Pot Creamy Vegan Greens
Creamed spinach without the dairy? Yes, please. Did you know that by substituting a few key ingredients, you can make these easy, creamy greens without sacrificing any of the rich flavors you’d usually get from dairy? Not only is it a bit more nutritious, but it’s also just as delicious.
Get the One-Pot Creamy Vegan Greens recipe.
German Chocolate Cake
This is a sweet chocolate cake that is filled and frosted with a rich, sticky coconut and pecan filling. The toasted nuts mixed with evaporated milk and butter make a custardy, almost caramel-like filling is dangerously delicious. 😈
Get the German Chocolate Cake recipe.
Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken
Get these spicy coconut chicken thighs on the grill, you won’t regret it. They're wildly tender thanks to a tasty duo of coconut milk and tenderizing pineapple juice in the marinade.
Get the Spicy Coconut Grilled Chicken recipe.
Coconut Ranch Kale Salad
The vegan coconut ranch dressing here is absolutely irresistible (Seriously, you'll want to dip everything in it.). But the crunchy chickpeas may just be our favorite part. Who needs croutons?
Get the Coconut Ranch Kale Salad recipe.
Homemade Granola
The granola in your pantry should be so good that you wake up in the morning thinking about it, so we’ve created a homemade version worth dreaming about. It’s just the right mix of sweet and savory, and perfectly rides the line between crunchy and chewy. It also only takes an hour to make!
Get the Homemade Granola recipe.
