Fundamentals: How to Toast Coconut
I think we’re all well aware that I bake more than the average person. Being in the kitchen so much makes me take for granted the tasks that are second nature for me. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re second nature for you. After all that’s why I started the Fundamentals series to begin with – which I’ve been a little lax with, by the way.
While toasting coconut for an upcoming recipe, I thought the simple process would be the perfect way to get the Fundamentals series back in motion.
Coconut can add flavor and texture to many desserts such as cupcakes, dessert bars and cookies. Shredded or flaked coconut straight from the bag has a great flavor but, in my opinion, it can be a tad chewy. If you’d like the coconut to have a crisp texture, it is really simple to toast at home. Toasting the coconut will also bring out a richer, nuttier flavor and will add more depth to your favorite dishes and desserts.
There are two techniques for toasting coconut. You can use the stove top or the oven. Personally, I am a big fan of the stove top method. I find I have a little more control since I am able to keep a constant eye on the coconut, plus frequent stirring allows for a more evenly toasted finished product.
If you have a topic that you’d like to see covered in an upcoming Fundamentals post, send us an email at questions@mybakingaddiction.com.
How to Toast Coconut
Ingredients:
- shredded, shaved or flaked coconut
Directions:
Stove Top Method
- Place desired amount of coconut flakes in a large skillet.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the flakes are mostly golden brown.
- If the coconut is sweetened it tends to brown faster so, it will take less time.
Oven Method
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Spread coconut flakes on a baking sheet in a thin layer and bake in preheated oven. The flakes will toast very quickly and won't take more than 5-10 minutes.
- After a few minutes stir the coconut to help ensure even color. Remember, sweetened flakes will take less time because sugar speeds the toasting process.
Notes:
- If you have unsweetened flakes and would like to sweeten them up a bit, you can place a pound of unsweetened coconut flakes in a zip top bag with 2 tablespoons of confectioners sugar. Give them a good shake and voilà - you have sweetened coconut.
Okay, I feel weird. I’ve never toasted coconut in a frying pan. It never occurred to me! How have we never discussed this? This is way easier than parchment paper, baking tray, and waiting for the oven to preheat. I feel like you’ve been holding out on me.
Easy, peasy! Thanks for sharing. I didn’t know how easy it was to toast coconut!
I want to sprinkle this toasted coconut all over my cakes!
I toast my coconut in the microwave…and it works great. It’s the easiest method I’ve found and you just have to stop it every thirty seconds or so and stir it around a bit.
Great idea, Amy! I may research it and add it to the post. Thanks for sharing.
-Jamie
Very useful information. I enjoy using coconut in recipes from time to time so will be adopting some of the methods you’ve listed above. My preferred is also the DIY stove top method that you’ve described.
Good topic – I love toasted coconut and use it for certain dishes (such as rice pudding sweetened with cream of coconut and topped with toasted coconut). I’ve never heard of toasting it on the stovetop, but I’m sure gonna try it next time!
I never knew how to do this before, thanks!!
That’s amazing! I had never heard about toasting the coconut!!! And everything you say is so right…I take your advice from now on ☺! Thank you and nice to meet you! I love your site internet!!! I’m going to follow you ☺!
Emanuela
Awesome! Thank you! I will be toasting coconut for the first time for some cupcakes I’m making for a birthday party in a couple of weeks, perfect timing.
Sincerely,
Baking Rookie : )
Ironically enough, I have never toasted coconut and was curious the proper method a few days ago. Now I know so thank you very much! I’m sure something yummy will come of it.
Thank You so much for the skillet method! I just toasted up some coconut and it was so nice & easy!!
Shannon-
I am so glad you enjoyed this fundamentals post. Thanks for stopping by and providing your feedback – have a great day!
-Jamie
I toast coconut and nuts in an air popcorn maker. A 1/3 cup of nuts or coconut toasts more evenly than the stove or oven methods. You also can watch the nuts or coconuts become gradually browner and the smell of the coconut or nuts will reveal when it is perfectly roasted. Bon Appetit.
I too have never toasted coconut and need it for my pinacolada cake. Thanks for the info.
Easy cake recipe–angelfood cake mix to which you add 1can crushed pineapple. Pour into greased baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool. Spread with fat free cool whip and sprinkle with 1/2 cup toasted coconut. Refrigerated.
Susan,
Thanks for the recipe! Let us know how the toasted coconut is with the cake! Have a wonderful day and thank you for following MBA!
Jamie
I am putting toasted coconut on a cake, if I refrigerate the cake, will the coconut get soggy, or will it keep its crisp texture?
Kristen,
I think eventually the coconut might get soggy, but if you tried to put it on after refrigerating the cake, it won’t stick, because the frosting will harden. I think you’d have at least a day or two of crisp coconut, though.
-Jamie
can i store toasted coconut? or will it get soggy?
Valerie,
I haven’t tried it, but google tells me: “Toasted coconut needs to be stored in an airtight container, as coconut can go rancid if exposed to air. If stored properly, toasted coconut can stay for 2 months in the freezer. But if it is stored outside, then it may last at the most for 1 month.”
Hope that helps!
– Jamie
I WANT TO ADD SUGAR AND SALT TO THE COCONUT BEFORE TOASTING IT, HOW SHOULD I GO ABOUT IT. THANKS FOR THIS.
Thanks! I’ve never toasted coconut before. I’m making some miniature cupcakes that I’d seen a picture of somewhere for my best friend’s baby shower. They’ll be chocolate &/or pumpkin with cream cheese icing and toasted coconut on top to make it look like a miniature bird’s nest. I haven’t decided on the icing color yet. Blue icing for baby boy, or brown or green icing to go with the nest? Now I just have to make the blue egg. If only it were Spring, so I could go to the drug store down the street and buy a bunch of malted robin-egg-blue eggs…
Jess-
Those cupcakes sound adorable! Thank you so much for stopping by and have a wonderful day!
-Jamie
Hi, I just found your site and I think it’s going to be my go-to for baking questions, etc.!
I have a question: I am making an apple cake (it’s called “Fabio’s Apple Cake”) and I have some left over toasted coconut from a jar of toasted coconut cashes (simply, incredibly delicious by the way). I want to put it on top of the cake. Since it’s already toasted, should I put it on the cake, say, the last five minutes of baking? Or put it on when I take the cake out? Thanks.
Donna
Donna, I’d add it once the cake is out of the oven.
– Jamie
Thank you, Jamie. It came out great – I added a walnut streusel on top and threw on a small amount of the coconut.
I am making a coconut cream pie and it calls for whipped cream with a sprinkling of coconut on the top — would toasted coconut be better?
Linda, in my mind, toasted coconut is always better. But I like the texture much more. It’s a personal preference.
– Jamie
purchase 9″ keebler shortbread or flavor of choice pie crust. 1 pack coconut creme jello pudding. make jello according to pie filling directions. pour into crust and refrigerate. add toasted coconut to top. yummy!
Thanks for this! I’ll be using it to top a pumpkin cheesecake!
Subrina-
That sounds wonderful. Thanks for visiting.
-Jamie
You are a goddess!! I’ve never tried (nor heard of the stove top method). I’m going to try it this very minute! And the tip about sweetened coconut browning faster…who knew! Thank you!
Beverly Elaine-
I’m glad this was helpful. Thanks for visiting.
-Jamie
Do you need to refrig toasted coconut?
Linda-
The toasted coconut should be fine at room temperature or in the refrigerator in a covered container.
Can I color coconut before toasting???
Connie-
I wouldn’t recommend coloring the coconut before toasting. I hope this helps.
-Jamie
Hi. I am using unsweetened coconut. If i want to add powder sugar do we do it before we toast it on stove or after? Thank you in advance.
Hi Rachel – sweeten it before you toast it. Thanks for visiting! – Jamie
I don’t know if we get coconut flakes in India. I’ll need to start with a coconut. I have a question – do you use dry coconut, also called copra or fresh coconut (not green coconut) with some water & husk outside?
Hi, Mani! This site offers great advice on how to sweeten up coconut. I hope it works for you! http://motherwouldknow.com/how-to-substitute-unsweetened-for-sweetened-coconut/
Just tried this, it came out amazing. Thanks for th tip.
You’re welcome, Linda. I’m glad it worked out!
How long do I need the coconut to cool before storing it?
Hi, Jim! Cool the coconut so it’s room temperature. I hope you enjoy it!
Hi, Thank you for the shortcut stovetop method. Just wanted to mention that if you use a skillet in which you cook food in everyday, the coconut will be infused with that smell. So either use a skillet dedicated for similar purposes or go for the oven method. The oven method just took me 3 mins without stirring. I just spread the coconut evenly on a baking sheet.
Thanks so much for the tip, Anjali!
Wow I thought it would be harder then this. Thank you! I will use this method for my dark chocolate coconut fudge.
You’re welcome, Karleen! Enjoy your fudge!