Easiest Coconut Milk Recipe
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Do you love coconut milk but don’t love the hefty price or some of the additives they put in there?
Good news. Here’s how to homemade coconut milk and I’ve got a few ways to do it. They’re super easy and save a ton of money over store-bought varieties!
I’m all about DIY versions of kitchen staples like almond milk, homemade rice milk, powdered sugar substitute and dairy-free condensed milk.
Basically, if I can make it myself, I pretty likely will do it :).
And making homemade coconut milk is one of the EASIEST things you will ever do.
All you need is dried coconut and water. That’s it.
There are other options for how to make it, but basically here’s the deal for how to make the easiest homemade coconut milk ever.
You’ll be happy and your wallet is going to be SUPER happy.
What You Will Need
- Dried Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
- Water (I really using quality filtered water)
- Sweetener (optional. If using, add a dash of salt (I recommend Real Salt) as well)
Directions
You can just add plain dried coconut and water to your high speed blender or food processor and blend i.
If you really want to make this smoother, you can strain it through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth, but don’t bother doing that.
When it gets thick in the pitcher, we just add some more filtered water and stir it up.
We’re pretty used to “not perfect” coconut milk around here. Since it’s so simple and cheap to make, that we deal with it.
However, you can make your homemade coconut milk a lot less grainy by following the directions in this post. Basically grinding the coconut first, then blending with some water, and then adding the rest of the water.
Still no need for a nut milk bag, but creamier and less grainy than doing it the super simple way.
Sure, it’s not as “amazingly thick and creamy” as the expensive stuff in the stores, but then, when you are saving something like 90% off the price, I can deal with a little graininess, you know?
How to Use Homemade Coconut Milk
– In recipes as a dairy-free alternative, if you are dairy allergic, vegan, or just plain out of milk
– In a smoothie
– Plain – my son LOVES coconut milk with some stevia extract or my Liquid Vanilla Stevia
– Make frozen coconut milk ice cubes and add them to your favorite drinks so they aren’t diluted by regular ice cubes. This is great in coffee or tea.
– Over hot or cold cereal (we love it over my Baked Oatmeal / Oatmeal Cake)
Recipe Notes and Substitutions for Homemade Coconut Milk
- Sweetener: Any healthy sweetener can be substituted for the xylitol.
- Salt: If using sweetener, add a dash of salt (I use Real Salt).
- THM: If you are on the Trim Healthy Mama plan, this recipe will fit in as an “S.”
If you are on the Trim Healthy Mama eating plan, if you’re using this in smoothies, etcetera, you’ll need to use less than 1/2 cup of this homemade coconut milk to keep your drink an FP (and that’s with not adding any other fat to the meal/snack).
Larger quantities can be used for S meals. The other alternative is to use only 1/2 cup coconut for 8 cups of water and you have a THM friendly milk to use in all of your recipes.
Easiest Coconut Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried unsweetened shredded coconut (use less if needed to meet your dietary needs)
- water (enough to make 5 cups of coconut milk)
Instructions
- This is the new step: Grind the coconut in your blender or spice grinder until fairly finely ground. (I love this coffee grinder. I think you get a better grind in this than in the blender.)
- Add 1 cup of water to the ground coconut in a high powered blender (like Vitamix) and blend on high for 1 minute.
- Add water to make 5 cups of coconut milk. Blend on high for 3 minutes.
- Enjoy and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Sweetener: Any healthy sweetener can be substituted for the xylitol.
- Salt: If using sweetener, add a dash of salt (I use Real Salt).
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is merely an approximation. Optional ingredients are not included and when there is an alternative, the primary ingredient is typically used. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts since they have been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
More Super Fast Whole Food Pantry Staples:
– Powdered Egg Replacer (compare to Ener-G)
– Powdered Sugar Substitute –
– Easiest Almond Milk Ever
– Homemade Rice Milk
– Homemade Nut or Seed Butter
– Homemade Coconut Butter
– Homemade Taco Seasoning
– The “BEST” Cinnamon Sugar
Have you ever made Homemade Coconut Milk?
I have made coconut milk twice, n I have a solid round disk on the top of my milk after I put it in fridge, why
Hi there! I think I mentioned that in the post that if you don’t run the milk through a cheesecloth, etc., that will happen. I assume you didn’t do that, correct? We just deal with it and stir it back in but those are solids that turn hard when they are cold.
Love homemade coconut milk. I changed a little to make it more creamy. I soaked coconut flakes in 4 cups of heated warm water for an hour or so. Then the same method you use afterwards. No sweetener needed. Creamy coconut milk is sweet enough for me. When I’m in hurry, I do your way. Love tons of your recipes??Thanks!
Oooh that’s a great tip! So it turns out better than this? Tell me more!!! No straining?
So happy to find this. Newbie to keto, didn’t want to buy coconut milk. This is so simple and quick.
So glad to hear it! I hope to have some fun videos soon and this is maybe going to be our first one – stay tuned!!
Wow Wow
Thank you!
I’m sorry but this method is not a very healthy one! I use a regular high speed blender fresh coconut meat highly filtered water.
Xylitol there is just so many things wrong with using that especially if you have pets! but even then there are health risks with it for humans.. Honey is a better substitute or if you are on a diet for autoimmune diseases no sweeteners of any kind! sounds horrible but if you stay off all sweeteners for a few months you’re taste buds can be somewhat tricked by adding a small amount of Apple cider that has the mother in it such as Bragg’s apple cider there are other brands as well ..
method is to use fresh coconut meat from fairly young coconuts preferably with green husks which are great as they have sweet tasting water in them scoop out the meat wash thoroughly to get all the shell off and fill standard size blender 2/3 with the meat add 1 to 1 1/2 cup’s Filtered water blend at high speed till pasty put in a high hat colander that is restaurant grade for making clear beef stocks and use a spatula to strain through get the moisture out plus the milk and fat repeat 3 times with the same meat. do not throw meat away this can be added to smoothies dried and made into flour for baking etc .
Hello there! First of all, thanks for reading. Secondly, it isn’t an unhealthy recipe at all. We actually almost never add any sweetener and it was noted that it was optional.
Yes, there are some who have concerns about xylitol and others who think it’s really fine to use. I actually am going to be changing over the sweeteners that I recommend so that might interest you.
I have heard that avoiding sweeteners will change your tastebuds. It depends on what your goals are.
I think your method sounds great but is fairly tough for busy moms and others. I am glad you are able to pull it off, though! I try to use only dried organic coconut meat so I can make this easily many times in a week. Hope that clarifies and hope to see you around again!
I put it in the fridge to let cool and the top is all hard. Is that normal? Do I just scoop that out and throw it away or what are your thoughts?
Hi there – that happens b/c the solids aren’t strained out. You can do that if you like but we just stir them back in b/c it’s easier that way, plus there are uses for them–some dry them and use them in recipes :).
I have a quick question: how long does it last in the fridge? I have a spouse with auto immune issues and can’t do a lot of fresh juices unless it is same day. Thanks!
The typical thinking on this is 4 days max. You could always make a smaller batch as well — hope it works well for you!
Hi. You’re recommending grinding the coconut flakes before blending them. I found this 4 lb bag of organic coconut flour on Amazon for under $11. It seems to be 100% ground up coconut. I’m interested in your thoughts on possibly using this instead of buying flakes and grinding them up.
https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Coconut-Anthonys-Verified-Gluten-Free/dp/B00BSZBEAG/ref=pd_rhf_dp_s_all_spx_wp_0_2/143-2471752-6930750
Thank you
Steve
Hi there. Coconut flour is not just ground up coconut. It’s what remains after making coconut milk and sifting it. Hope that is helpful!
Hi Adrienne. I didn’t know that coconut flour is the remains of coconut milk. That’s not what I want! Thank you for educating me.
Sure! What do you mean that it’s not what you want? Thanks!
I mean I don’t want the remnants of making coconut milk to make coconut milk, I want coconut flakes or similar grated forms of coconut. What you suggested in your posts.
Thank you!
You are so welcome!
There’s a big problem with throwing away the coconut solids. Those solids can be used to make coconut flour! Recipes all over the internet. I will be doing this to make dog treats, and to try with recipes.
Hi Tere. Actually I really don’t advocate tossing the solids, but actually coconut flour is from the coconut meat and not from the fat that is separated out like that. I don’t know why people think that but it isn’t the case. You can use the solids but it won’t work like coconut flour in regular applications.
I love how simple this is to make and budget friendly! It is great to be able to make this and control the ingredients and sweetness myself!
Thanks, Stacey!! That’s what we love about it too. I am pretty happy every time I make it that I saved $$!
I have lots of fresh coconuts and I will toast my own coconuts. Can I use my fresh coconut flakes to make this recipe?
Yes, you can. You would use a bit less water since there is some liquid in there but it wouldn’t offset it too much. Enjoy!
Hi!
What kind of coffee grinder do you recommend? I’m unable to click on it to open.
Thanks!
Sorry about that. For whatever reason there was no link there. I have since put one in.
I make coconut milk using Coconut Creme Concentrate from Tropical Traditions (other brands call it Coconut Manna, Coconut Butter, etc.). It’s basically 70% coconut oil and 30% coconut meat. Add water and blend well. You can filter it too if it feels gritty from the coconut meat.
Sounds yummy! How much water to how much Coconut Butter? Thx!
I just do it till it’s like milk. Start with half water, half coconut butter and go from there.
Hi,
Thanks so much for this recipe. Now all I need is a container to put it in. 🙂
It does sound easy. I have an older blender that I bought at a yard sale and it
works great with recipes that I have made in it. It’s fast. I love it.
Again, thanks for the recipe. I have signed up for more good stuff that you send out.
Rose Brennan
You are so welcome! I just put it in any kitchen food storage container. Good for you on the blender and thanks for the kind words!
hi I’m really excited to try this recipe but it says add enough water for 5 cups coconut milk. Does this mean 5 cups water? Or is it less?
Add water so that the total amount in your blender is 5 cups. Hope it works well for you!