More and more of us are becoming fans of coconut in our deserts and dinner recipes.
Could it be because it’s so darn healthy? Or is it because that nutty flavor just takes that desert to the next level? In this article we’re going to explore all the delicious ways you can utilize coconut flakes in your favorite desserts. Spoiler! You already know we’re going to have to look at caramelized coconut toppings, coconut toppings for cheesecake, sponge cake toppings and a few more! Let’s get baking, shall we?
Caramelized Coconut Topping
You can just go in so many directions with this one. We think it’s because it goes over well all the time, even the kids will love it! For starters how about trying caramelized coconut chips for your recipe? It’s so simple to make, yet adds that missing flair to your deserts you always knew you needed. Mystery solved!
Here’s one of our favorite recipes for Caramelized Coconut Chips Topping:
- 6 cups of CNS Coconut flakes
- 1/3 cup maple syrup, rice syrup, date syrup, or honey
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 Teaspoon sea salt
All you need to do is set the oven to 300 degrees F, stir all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl (carefully, not to break the flakes), and then lay out the coconuts on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, stirring one time half way through. Then leave the coconut flakes in the oven to cool for added crispy-delight. After about an hour or so, you can add this delicious caramelized coconut topping to your favorite frosting, to ice cream, to an ice cream birthday cake, and of course, on top of frosted cupcakes!
Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/slice-of-pie-on-plate-beside-fork-162688/
Coconut topping for Cheesecake
Our family especially loves to bake cheesecake in the Spring, but it’s really an all season delight. It’s just one of those cakes that go over well every single time. That’s why we had to include it in our list. Have you ever tried a cheesecake with a toasted coconut topping? Would it be rude to say you haven’t lived if you haven’t tried this combo? It’s just that good. Here’s our favorite recipe for baking a cheesecake with a coconut topping.
Let’s start with the crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
For the Cheesecake Delight:
- 32 ounces (4 packages) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cream of coconut or coconut cream (not coconut milk)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
FOR the TOPPING:
- Homemade whipped cream
- 1/2 cup CNS unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted
For detailed instructions, head over to the recipe here.
Photo by Надежда Мустафаева: https://www.pexels.com/photo/half-of-yummy-cake-on-stand-7810772/
Sponge Cake with Coconut Topping
Baking a sponge cake is so nostalgic for us. It reminds us of all the times our family sat around the table eating our grandmother’s delicious sponge cake. We love this recipe because it’s never too sweet, but really manages to hit that sweet tooth during tea time or after a meal. Here’s one of our favorite sponge cake recipes that includes a yummy coconut topping to really take that sponge cake to the next level.
Hot Milk Sponge Cake with Coconut Topping:
- 1 cup CNS flaked coconut
- 1/2 cup macadamia nuts or slivered almonds, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 recipe Broiled Macadamia-Coconut Topping
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 tablespoon milk
- 2 eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For complete directions, follow the recipe here.
Photo by 陈 欣茹: https://www.pexels.com/photo/smoothie-13222799/
Toasted Coconut Topping
You can either toast the coconut yourself, or you can order toasted coconut directly from us! If you’re running a bakery or restaurant, you’ll probably want to skip the step of toasting the coconut and leave it to us coconut professionals to get the job done right for you. This way you can focus on your recipes and clients and less on the work we’ve already done!
Order your next favorite batch of toasted coconut from us at CNS CONFECTIONERY. We’re a family owned business who been in the coconut business for decades!