Best Cream of Coconut Substitutes for Cooking | Ingredient Swap Guide
The best substitute for cream of coconut is Coconut Cream and Sugar at a 1 cup coconut cream + 1/4 cup sugar per 1 cup cream of coconut ratio. It works best for cocktails, desserts, baking. There are 3 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Coconut Cream and Sugar
1 cup coconut cream + 1/4 cup sugar per 1 cup cream of coconut
Mix until sugar dissolves. Adjust sweetness to taste. Closest match to commercial product.
What are the other substitutes for cream of coconut?
Coconut Milk and Sugar
1 cup full-fat coconut milk + 1/3 cup sugar, simmered to reduce
Simmer until thickened and reduced by half. Thinner than cream of coconut but works well.
Sweetened Condensed Milk
1:1
Similar sweetness and consistency but no coconut flavor. Add coconut extract if desired. Not vegan.
Heavy Cream, Coconut Extract, and Sugar
1 cup cream + 1/4 cup sugar + 1 tsp coconut extract
Mix well until sugar dissolves. Dairy-based option with coconut flavor. Not vegan.
What should you know before substituting cream of coconut?
Shake or stir cream of coconut well before using as the solids often separate and settle. For cocktails, blend rather than shake for smoothest incorporation into frozen drinks.
How do you substitute cream of coconut in a recipe?
Cream of coconut is a thick, sweetened coconut product used primarily in tropical cocktails like piña coladas and in desserts. Unlike coconut cream, it contains added sugar and has a pourable consistency similar to sweetened condensed milk.
The best substitute for cream of coconut depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Coconut Cream and Sugar (1 cup coconut cream + 1/4 cup sugar per 1 cup cream of coconut), which works well for cocktails, desserts, baking.
If you need a different option, Coconut Milk and Sugar (1 cup full-fat coconut milk + 1/3 cup sugar, simmered to reduce) is another reliable choice. Simmer until thickened and reduced by half. Thinner than cream of coconut but works well.
When substituting cream of coconut, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of cream of coconut?
Mix 1 cup coconut cream with 1/4 cup sugar until dissolved for the closest substitute to cream of coconut. Alternatively, simmer full-fat coconut milk with 1/3 cup sugar until reduced by half for a thinner but effective replacement in cocktails and desserts.
Is cream of coconut the same as coconut cream?
No, cream of coconut is sweetened with added sugar and has a pourable consistency, while coconut cream is unsweetened and thicker, similar to heavy cream. To make cream of coconut from coconut cream, simply add sugar.
Can I use coconut milk instead of cream of coconut?
Yes, but you need to add sugar and reduce it by simmering. Use 1 cup full-fat coconut milk with 1/3 cup sugar, simmered until reduced by half to concentrate the coconut flavor and thicken the consistency.