Coconut paste - everything you need to know

Creamed Coconut (Coconut Butter): What It Is and How to Use It

Do you love Raffaello? Here’s an ingredient that makes it easy to create a lighter, homemade version. Learn what creamed coconut is, how to soften it, and the best ways to use it in your kitchen.

Quick Answer (TL;DR)

Creamed coconut (also sold as coconut butter or coconut paste) is 100% finely ground coconut meat. It’s usually solid at room temperature, but melts easily in a water bath. Use it as a coconut topping for crêpes and pancakes, in curries, creamy soups, desserts, or to make homemade coconut milk or coconut cream.

Watch a video about creamed coconut

What is creamed coconut?

Creamed coconut (often labeled as coconut butter) is made from coconut. It’s produced by drying coconut meat and grinding it into a smooth, creamy paste. At room temperature it usually has a firm, dense texture, but it can be easily softened. Mixed with water, it turns into coconut milk or coconut cream.

Coconut oil separating on the surface is completely normal for this type of product. A high-quality creamed coconut should list only coconut in the ingredients, with no added sugar, preservatives, or colorings.

Creamed coconut vs. coconut butter: are they the same?

Yes. These names are often used for the same product. In English, the most common term is creamed coconut, and you may also see it sold as coconut butter or coconut paste.

How to soften creamed coconut

If you live in a cooler climate (like Poland or Northern Europe), creamed coconut often becomes very firm in the jar. It usually turns liquid only during hot summer weather, when room temperatures are high enough.

The good news: it’s very easy to soften. Here’s how:

• Boil water in a small pot and turn off the heat.
• Place the jar of creamed coconut in the hot water and wait about 5–10 minutes.
• Remove the jar and stir well to combine.

Properties of creamed coconut

Creamed coconut is a high-fat, calorie-dense product, similar to other nut butters. It’s delicious, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation. 🙂 Because it contains little sugar, it’s popular in keto diets, and some people use it when expanding an infant’s diet (in that case, it’s always a good idea to consult your pediatrician).

Nutritional values (per 100 g):

• Energy: 610 kcal / 2552 kJ
• Fat: 61 g
• Of which saturates: 57 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Of which sugars: 8 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Salt: 0 g

Is creamed coconut vegan?

Yes. Creamed coconut is 100% vegan as long as it’s made only from coconut, with no additives. Always check the label. If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative to heavy cream, creamed coconut can be a great option.

Is that mold? My creamed coconut looks spoiled

Creamed coconut usually contains no stabilizers, so it will separate over time. This is completely natural. Coconut oil can rise to the top of the jar. At first, you might see small pale spots that can look like mold at a glance. In most cases, it’s not mold—it’s just the oil separating.

If a jar has been sitting on the shelf for months, you may even see a thick layer of oil on top. This is normal and easy to fix: warm the jar gently and stir.

How to store creamed coconut

You can store creamed coconut at room temperature, ideally in a dark cupboard. You don’t need to refrigerate it after opening.

Tip: If you like eating it straight from the jar, use a clean spoon each time. You can keep it in the fridge if you prefer, but remember it will become very firm when chilled. Once opened, you can store it until the best-before date.

Creamed coconut vs. coconut oil: what’s the difference?

Creamed coconut and coconut oil are often confused because both are white and commonly sold in glass jars. But they’re very different products.

• Creamed coconut (coconut butter) is made from whole coconut meat, not just fat. It’s used as an ingredient and as a topping for crêpes, pancakes, and fritters. It’s not suitable for frying. Think of the difference like peanut butter vs. peanut oil.
• Coconut oil is pure fat extracted from coconut. You can use it for frying (depending on the type) or as a cosmetic for hair and skin.

How to use creamed coconut

Creamed coconut works well in dishes that pair nicely with a rich coconut flavor. It’s especially popular in Asian and Indian cooking, such as curries and thick creamy soups. It’s also great in sweet desserts, ice cream, and cakes (for example, cheesecake).

Creamed coconut uses: the most popular ways to enjoy it

• Topping for crêpes, pancakes, omelets, fritters, and waffles
• Homemade coconut milk or coconut cream exactly when you need it
• Curries, sauces, and creamy soups (Indian and Asian cuisine)
• Oatmeal or rice cooked with coconut milk (no blender needed)
• Desserts (creams, glazes, ice cream, cakes)
• Snacks like energy balls or Raffaello-style treats

Coconut drizzle for crêpes and pancakes

The easiest and most popular use is as a topping for crêpes and pancakes. Use it like any other nut butter: scoop a little, place it on something warm, and it will melt into a creamy coconut sauce.

How to make coconut milk or coconut cream from creamed coconut (no waste)

You probably know the feeling: a recipe calls for just a little coconut milk, so you open a whole can and then wonder what to do with the leftovers. To avoid wasting food, it’s handy to keep a jar of creamed coconut at home.

Option 1 (blender): Blend warm water with creamed coconut until smooth. The ratios matter.

Suggested ratios:

• Coconut cream – ratio 5:2 (e.g., 50 g water and 20 g creamed coconut)
• Coconut milk – ratio 5:1 (e.g., 50 g water and 10 g creamed coconut)

Practical conversion: about 25 g of creamed coconut per 100 ml of water (for a thicker coconut cream).

PROTIP

If you need coconut milk for oatmeal, you don’t have to blend it first. Just add creamed coconut to oatmeal simmering in water and stir until it melts.

Recipes with creamed coconut

Millet Raffaello-style balls (recipe)

This is one of the most popular ideas using creamed coconut. A dessert made with creamed coconut and millet is a real crowd-pleaser.

How to make millet Raffaello-style balls

• Cook the millet according to package instructions and let it cool.
• Add creamed coconut, coconut sugar, and coconut flour, then blend until smooth.
• Wet your hands so the mixture doesn’t stick, form balls about 3–4 cm in diameter, and roll them in desiccated coconut.
• Chill in the fridge for 3 hours.

Ingredients

• Millet – 100 g
• Creamed coconut – 3 tbsp
• Coconut sugar – 3 tbsp
• Coconut flour – 1 tbsp
• Desiccated coconut – for coating

5 quick ideas for creamed coconut (15 minutes)

1. Bounty-style oatmeal: Stir a spoonful of creamed coconut and a square of dark chocolate into hot oatmeal.
2. Coconut smoothie: Blend banana, a handful of spinach, water, and a spoonful of creamed coconut.
3. Quick curry: Warm curry paste in a pan, add vegetables and tofu, then stir in creamed coconut loosened with a bit of water.
4. Cheesecake topping: Melt creamed coconut in a water bath and drizzle over cheesecake instead of icing.
5. Energy balls: Blend dates, nuts, and creamed coconut, roll into balls, and chill.

Where to buy creamed coconut

You can find creamed coconut in many health food stores, often on the shelf near coconut milk. It’s increasingly available in supermarkets too. Check the organic foods aisle or the international cuisine section.

Rossmann (Poland)

In Poland, you can often find organic creamed coconut in Rossmann stores in the organic food aisle. Look for a yellow label—the jar is easy to spot next to other spreads.

Online store

In our organic shop you’ll find organic creamed coconut in small and large jars. If you use it often, the large jar is a great-value option.

Creamed coconut in Krakow

Looking for creamed coconut in Krakow? Visit our brand store in Salwator: Plac na Stawach 10. Larger sizes are also available in-store.

Creamed coconut at Lidl: is it available?

In discount supermarkets (like Lidl), similar coconut products may appear seasonally depending on weekly themes. If you’re buying elsewhere, always check the ingredients (ideally: 100% coconut, no additives). Our organic creamed coconut is available online all year round.

Which creamed coconut should you choose?

Look for an organic certification. This helps reduce the chance of buying coconut products made from coconuts treated with sulfur dioxide. Also check the ingredients list—there should be nothing except coconut. In our experience, creamed coconut made from coconuts grown in the Philippines or Sri Lanka is especially flavorful.

Customer reviews

Ekogram Organic Creamed Coconut has had loyal customers for years. Here’s what they say:

So good! I love eating it straight from the jar with a spoon, and I also add it to roasted apples it tastes like an apple Bounty. Highly recommended!

Such a great find! It turns any oatmeal into a delicate, creamy coconut treat. And crêpes with it are next level. I recommend it to everyone!

Absolutely amazing. The best coconut product I’ve ever tried. You have to taste it to understand. There are so many ways to use it, but my favorite is still just a spoonful straight from the jar. It’s very filling, so you can’t eat too much.

Creamed coconut is awesome. Coconut lovers must try it!

Pure coconut flavor. The only downside is that after the fridge it’s rock hard, so you need to let it sit out for a bit before using.

Perfect pancake topping. You can really taste the fresh coconut. It’s not ultra-smooth (which I usually prefer), but the flavor makes up for it. I always keep it on hand when I run out of coconut milk.

❓ FAQ: Frequently asked questions

Buy creamed coconut in our store

Ekogram Organic Creamed Coconut