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.
PrintHow to Toast Coconut
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
- Category: Side dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
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!
Ingredients
- 1–2 cups sweetened or unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
On the stovetop
- Place coconut in a skillet over medium-low to medium heat.
- Once the coconut starts to turn brown, stir frequently to prevent burning. Continue cooking until it reaches the desired color.
- Transfer the coconut to a plate to prevent it from further cooking. Cool completely.
In the oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Spread the coconut thinly on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 5-10 minutes until it reaches the desired color. Turn the coconut with a spatula once it starts to cook to prevent burning. Keep a close eye on it because it can burn quickly once it starts to toast.
- Transfer the coconut to a plate to prevent it from further cooking. Cool completely.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 116
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg