Ultimate Coconut Milk Powder Recipes You Need to Try

Is there anything more lusciously tropical and decadent than the taste of fresh coconut? How about a rich coconut cream used to enhance all kinds of dishes, from curries to hot drinks? But what if you want those flavors without the work of cracking open a coconut? That’s where coconut milk powder comes in!

This versatile pantry staple packs all the creaminess of coconut milk in an easy-to-use powder. Keep reading for the very best ways to use coconut milk powder in recipes that will get your taste buds to a tropical oasis with each delightful, coco-coconutty bite!

Sip a Coconut Thai Tea Latte

You’ll feel like you’re relaxing on a beach in Thailand with this creamy, spiced tea latte featuring coconut milk powder. All you need is black tea, maple syrup or sugar, your favorite spices like cardamom or vanilla, and coconut milk powder whisked into hot water or milk. The flavors blend beautifully for a drink that will make you say “ohmmmmm” with blissful relaxation!

Make it vegan: Add agave or maple syrup to sweeten. Soy, almond, or oat milk also works great here!

Take Oats to an Exotic Level

Can oatmeal get any creamier? Oh yes, it can! Coconut milk powder transforms your morning bowl of oats into a tropical dream!

For every 1 cup of rolled outs or oatmeal, add ​1⁄4 to ​1⁄3 cup of coconut milk beverage powder whisked into your liquid of choice. The gentle sweetness and richness of the coconut pair perfectly with ripe bananas, pineapple, mango, or toasted coconut flakes on top. It’s oatmeal gone luxe!

Make it vegan: Use non-dairy milk like almond or soy. Top with fresh fruit instead of honey.

Liven Up Soups and Stews

Is it even soup season without velvety Thai Coconut Soup or Caribbean Black Beans on the menu? To take these and all your favorite soups and stews to the next level, stir in 2 to 4 tablespoons of coconut milk powder just before serving.

The coconut flavor transforms simple vegetable broths into gourmet fare. It beautifully complements spice mixes used in African Peanut Stew or Indian Dahl and vegetable purees like Creamy Roasted Tomato. Coconut milk powder performs double duty by lightly thickening and giving body to these dishes, too.

Make it vegan: Replace meat broth with vegetable broth and skip any meat- and dairy-based ingredients.

So dreamy…and so easy, thanks to the convenience of coconut milk powder. It’s a pantry hero for quick yet seriously delicious soups and stews all year long!

Lift Energy Bites and Bars Higher

Take your homemade energy bars, bliss bites, and protein bites on a tropical vacation with the addition of coconut milk powder! This secret weapon guarantees supreme creaminess and texture in just about any sweet or savory bite.

Simply substitute coconut milk powder for other liquids or binding ingredients in your favorite food bar recipe. Try using 1-2 tablespoons per cup of dry ingredients. Roll bites in toasted coconut and top with banana chips for a dynamite Polynesian flavor and texture combo that’s out of this world!

Make it vegan: Use maple syrup, peanut butter, nuts/seeds, and dried fruit instead of honey or chocolate chips. Still so satisfying!

Coconutty Curries

And now for the seriously saucy stuff…curries, stir-fries, and exotic entrees! There’s simply no better friend to these highly spiced dishes than a nice splash of coconut milk. But instead of cracking open (and figuring out what to do with) several leftover coconuts, coconut milk powder makes enjoying these flavors infinitely easier.

For Thai Red Curry, spicy coconut stews, and Southeast Asian noodle dishes, just whisk about 4 to 6 tablespoons (or more!) of coconut milk powder into your sauce to achieve perfect creaminess. Simmer gently so those beautiful flavors can mingle. You’ll be transported poolside or beachside as you slurp up spoon after spoon of your new favorite curry in paradise. Just how vacation should feel!

The mild, sweet flavor and luscious texture also make them amazing additions to lighter veggie or lentil curries using Indian, African, and Middle Eastern spice blends.

Make it vegan: Use coconut- or soy sauce. Stick with all veggies, lentils, or chickpeas instead of meat. Serve over brown rice or quinoa for a completely plant-based meal instead of naan.

Coconut Milk Powder for the Win!

As you can see, coconut milk powder is about to become your new BFF in the kitchen. With so many ways to whip up creamy, dreamy foods and drinks, why would you ever use regular old dairy milk again?! From breakfast to soups to desserts, the flavor and versatility of this pantry staple are impossible to beat.

The next time you find a can of coconut milk in the back of your fridge with most of it still unused and spoiling — stop! Toss it and invest in this long-shelf-life coconut milk powder bulk instead. Just keep it handy on your pantry shelf or tucked inside your fridge door whenever that coconut craving hits.