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    Salted Plains » Recipes » Vegan

    How to Make Dairy-Free Coconut Whipped Cream

    Published: Jul 17, 2023 by Tessa · This post may contain affiliate links · 1 Comment

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Learn how to make coconut whipped cream at home! Use as a garnish or in recipes as a healthier dairy-free whipped cream alternative. 

    Non-dairy cream in a small bowl.

    Whether you are dairy-free or want a healthier dairy substitute, coconut whipped cream is the perfect choice. Use it for your favorite desserts!

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients and substitutions
    • Step-by-step instructions
    • Storage
    • Tips 
    • Serving suggestions
    • FAQs
    • Recipes to pair with dairy-free whipped cream
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why you'll love this recipe

    • Simple ingredients
    • No artificial flavors
    • Great dairy-free option

    Ingredients and substitutions

    Here are a few quick notes about the ingredients in this recipe. You can see a complete list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.

    Ingredients to make dairy-free whipped topping on a marble surface.

    This recipe uses chilled coconut milk or coconut cream and is mixed with a sweetener.

    The sweetener is optional but does aid in that dairy-free sweet cream flavor. Here is what you will need:

    Full-fat canned coconut milk or coconut cream - Coconut milk is a great stand-in instead of heavy whipping cream. Plus, it's a good source of nutrients and minerals like iron, selenium, and magnesium. 

    When using a can of full-fat coconut milk you'll want to refrigerate it overnight. This will allow the rich part of the milk to solidify and is what you will use. Save the leftover coconut water to use in your morning smoothie or smoothie bowl!

    Alternatively, prepared canned pure coconut cream can be used as well. 

    Vanilla extract - Pure vanilla extract adds sweetness and rounds out the flavor. 

    Sweetener - Maple syrup, honey, agave, or powdered sugar (icing sugar) are all great sweeteners to use with this recipe.

    Whether liquid sweetener, powdered, or granulated, start with a small amount and add more to fit your preferences. 

    Pinch of salt

    Step-by-step instructions

    Before you start: Grab a medium mixing bowl and an electric hand mixer. Chill the cans of coconut milk or cream in the refrigerator overnight.

    Hardened coconut milk being scooped out of a can.
    Dairy-free cream being mixed in a bowl with a hand mixer.

    Step 1: Scoop out the hardened milk on top that has separated and place it in the mixing bowl.

    Beat the hardened solids with the electric mixer. Start at a low speed and increase to medium speed until soft peaks are achieved.

    Step 2: Add the vanilla extract and mix until integrated. Add the maple syrup (or sweetener of choice) and mix until the mixture is light and fluffy.

    Storage

    Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. It will harden in the refrigerator, so re-whip if needed to soften before use.

    Tips 

    • Place a medium mixing bowl in the freezer to chill for at least 10 minutes before the whipping process. 
    • To maintain the whipped texture, it's best to keep it chilled until serving. Since it contains a high proportion of fat it can become more liquidy when heated.
    • The "coconut" taste can differ between brands but is often hidden when used in a recipe with other ingredients.

    Serving suggestions

    This delicious dairy-free whipped cream makes the perfect topping for your favorite dessert recipes. Use it where you would traditional whipped cream. 

    • Garnish or top cakes, pies, crisps, cobblers, mug cake, and ice cream
    • Dollop onto hot cocoa or in a bowl with fresh fruit or fresh berries.
    • Substitute where heavy cream is used (like in this fruit fool!)
    • Layer in a no bake icebox cake
    • Add to milkshakes and smoothies
    • Top pancakes and waffles and healthy baked oatmeal
    A bowl of dairy-free topping on a marble surface.

    FAQs

    Does it taste like coconut? 

    There is a coconut flavor to this whipped topping. When used in recipes as one of many ingredients, the flavor is often hidden.

    How do you thicken coconut whipped cream? 

    There is not usually a need to add a thickener to your homemade whipped topping. But sometimes you may get a can of coconut milk that proves more difficult to whip and thicken.

    To try to salvage a dud can, add 1-3 tablespoons of arrowroot starch or cornstarch (or tapioca starch) and beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until thickened to the right consistency.

    Does coconut whipped cream melt?

    Coconut whipped cream can melt under certain conditions, particularly when exposed to heat or warm temperatures. Since it contains a high proportion of fat it can become more liquidy when heated.

    Recipes to pair with dairy-free whipped cream

    • Chocolate Pudding Cake (gluten-free, vegan) | saltedplains.com
      Easy Chocolate Pudding Cake (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
    • Cinnamon baked apples in a white baking dish.
      Cinnamon Baked Apple Slices
    • A three-layer sheet pan cake with coconut whipped cream and roasted strawberries on top.
      Sheet Pan Strawberry Shortcake (Gluten-Free)
    • oats and blackberries with coconut whipped cream in bowl
      Vegan Blackberry Crumble (Gluten-Free)

    Love this recipe? Please consider leaving a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating on the recipe card below and let me know what you think in the comments!

    📖 Recipe

    A bowl of coconut whipped cream.

    How to Make Coconut Whipped Cream

    Learn how to make coconut whipped cream at home! Use as a garnish or in recipes as a healthier dairy-free alternative. 
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
    Course: Condiment, Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16
    Calories: 55kcal
    Author: Tessa

    Equipment

    • Electric Mixer
    • Glass Mixing Bowl

    Ingredients

    • 2-13.5 ounce cans full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream refrigerated overnight
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup*

    Instructions

    • Chill the cans of coconut milk or coconut cream in the refrigerator overnight. When ready to prepare the recipe, place a medium mixing bowl in the freezer to chill for at least 10 minutes.
    • Scoop out the hardened cream on top that has separated and place in the chilled mixing bowl. Beat the hardened solids with an electric mixer, starting on a low speed and increasing to medium speed.
    • Add the vanilla extract and mix until integrated. Add the maple syrup (or sweetener of choice) and pinch of salt and mix until cream is light and fluffy. Add additional sweetener to taste if needed.
    • Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will harden in the refrigerator, so re-whip or stir to soften before use.

    Notes

    *In addition to maple syrup, you can use agave syrup, organic powdered sugar, or honey if not vegan. Tailor amount to sweetness preference.
    To store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.
    To maintain the whipped texture, it's best to keep it chilled until serving. Since it contains a high proportion of fat it can become more liquidy when heated.
    The "coconut" taste can differ between brands. When used in a recipe with other ingredients this can be undetectable.
    This recipe yields ~2 cups when made will canned coconut milk. The recipe when made with canned coconut cream yields a little over 3 cups.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 59mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @SaltedPlains or tag #saltedplains!
    Coconut whipped cream in a bowl.
    « Is Coconut Milk Gluten-Free?
    No Bake Blueberry Pie »

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    Comments

    1. Ali

      October 18, 2021 at 10:44 pm

      5 stars
      I'm going to be making this again over Thanksgiving!!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Tessa! I create gluten-free, real food recipes that are approachable and delicious.

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