If you're cuckoo for coconut, whip up a batch of chocolate macaroons, bake a coconut cheesecake or go tropical with coconut meringue pie. These sweet coconut desserts are pure paradise.
Nutty, sweet and wonderfully tropical, coconut is a summertime favorite. I love that so many coconut desserts exist because so many ways to enjoy coconut exist, from coconut milk and coconut cream to shredded coconut, toasted coconut, coconut extract, coconut flour, coconut yogurt and coconut whipped cream. If you’re a coconut dessert lover, these sweet recipes—where coconut is the main ingredient—will satisfy those cravings.
We’ve covered the extent of coconut desserts here. Expect two types of coconut pies, a contest-winning recipe for coconut macaroons, coconut confections (because chocolate and coconut are perfect together), a few types of coconut cookies, cupcakes and coconut cakes, a gorgeous coconut cheesecake and coconut-flavored dessert bars. Coconut is a main ingredient, and here you’ll see it paired with pineapple, ube, chocolate, limes, lemons, mango and raspberry.
Because coconut milks and creams exist, many of these coconut desserts are naturally dairy-free—even the coconut ice cream! Decorate the coconut desserts with shredded or toasted coconut, and serve with coconut whipped cream or a scoop of coconut ice cream. These desserts prove that there’s no such thing as too much coconut.
First-Place Coconut Macaroons
Coconut Pecan Pie
Coconut Ice Cream Recipe
Coconut Custard
Coconut Rice Pudding
Pineapple Coconut Upside-Down Cake
Pina Colada Cupcakes
Chocolate Alfajores
Coconut Meringue Pie
Mounds Balls
Coconut Cloud Cookies
Hawaiian Sunset Cake
Lemon Coconut Cupcakes
Coconut Pound Cake
Mango Getaway Bars
Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies
Coconut Cheesecake
White Chocolate Coconut Bark
Coconut Nutella Brownies
Coconut Key Lime Thumbprints
Slow-Cooker Pina Colada Bananas Foster
Coconut Rum Cake
Almond-Coconut Lemon Bars
Ube Cake
Chocolate Macadamia Macaroons
Homemade Mango Marshmallows
Coconut Creme Chocolates
Favorite Coconut Cake
Raspberry Bars with Coconut
Coconut Desserts FAQ
What are some traditional coconut desserts?
Traditional coconut desserts in the United States include coconut cake (Ina Garten’s coconut cake is famous!), coconut macaroons and coconut cream pie. There are also traditional desserts that include coconut, although it’s not the main component or it’s one of many main components. Some of those are magic bars, Samoa cookies, pina colada desserts and Almond Joys. There are also a ton of traditional coconut desserts in Filipino, Thai, Puerto Rican, Dominican and Danish cuisines.
Are coconut desserts healthy?
Coconut desserts are not inherently healthy. Most coconut desserts involve shredded coconut, which is baked in cookies, cakes, cupcakes and other desserts that are best eaten in moderation. If you are looking for a healthier coconut dessert, try chia seed pudding made with coconut milk and add unsweetened shredded coconut on top for a little extra oomph. Also, this healthier almond joy chia seed pudding is a nod to the candy bar without the super-processed ingredients.
Can coconut desserts be made ahead?
Yes, most coconut desserts can be made ahead. Coconut cookies, macaroons, cakes, puddings, pies, cheesecakes, confections and ice cream are all great make-ahead coconut desserts. Make sure to read each recipe for proper make-ahead and storage instructions. Some coconut desserts, like cookies and certain cakes, can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature, while others need to be covered and stored in the fridge before and after serving.
