How to Toast Coconut

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Level up your baked goods with toasted coconut! Learn how to toast coconut in 5 minutes with these 2 simple methods. Use as a topping for cupcakes, pies, yogurt, and more!

Toasted Coconut in 5 Minutes

Ever wondered how to make toasted coconut to add to your desserts? While you can buy a bag at the store, I prefer to make mine at home. It takes just 5 minutes and you don’t need anything besides the shredded coconut.

Homemade toasted coconut can be made in 2 ways – on the stovetop or in the oven. Using the stovetop is perfect if you don’t already have the oven turned on, while the oven is great for toasting larger amounts.

Straight of the bag, coconut is a little sticky and sweet. Once toasted it dries out and gives it a nuttier, deeper flavor. Toasting it yourself is super quick and easy and it definitely levels up the dessert.

If you’re not doing this yet, it’s time to start!

Sweetened vs Unsweetened

You can toast both sweetened and unsweetened coconut flakes using these techniques. Which one you use is completely up to you. If I’m not sure what I need it for, I usually go with unsweetened but toasted sweetened coconut flakes do have a nice, rich flavor.

Note that sweetened flaked coconut will take a few more minutes to toast than unsweetened and that it can also burn easily. Be sure to keep a close eye on it.

How to Toast Coconut

Below are my two favorite methods for making toasted coconut – the stovetop and the oven!

On the Stovetop

This is the quickest and easiest way to toast coconut and allows you to have more control over the process. It takes 5-7 minutes depending on how high you have the heat. However, it is better to cook it on lower heat to prevent burning.

• Heat coconut in a skillet. Heat coconut over medium-low to medium heat. Once it begins to turn brown, stir frequently. Cook until it reaches the desired color.
• Cool. Transfer to a plate to prevent further cooking. Cool completely.

In The Oven

Usually, I toast my coconut in the oven when I am already baking something else. I don’t love to heat up my oven if I don’t have to. But this is a great technique if you need to toast a large amount!

• Spread coconut on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the coconut in an even layer.
• Bake. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes. Turn with a spatula to prevent burning and keep a close eye on it.
• Cool completely. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool completely.

Tip: Stir Frequently!

Whichever technique you use, be sure to watch your coconut carefully and stir frequently. This will help it brown evenly on all sides, versus burning on one.

What To Use It On

Here are a few of my favorite ways to use toasted coconut.

• It makes the perfect topping for a coconut cake
• Use it in cookies
• Add it to your frosting
• It’s perfect for topping cupcakes and cake and pies
• Add it to oatmeal or yogurt
• In homemade granola
• On pancakes or French toast
• On cinnamon rolls

Storage

One of the great things about homemade toasted coconut is that it will last for weeks. Once it has cooled completely, just transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the pantry or another cool place out of direct sunlight. Then you’ll have it on hand for weeks to come, whenever you need it.

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