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You are here: Home / Recipes / How To's / How To Toast Coconut

How To Toast Coconut

Published July 27, 2020 by Lauren Vavala Harris

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Learn how to toast coconut right at home in your own oven or on the stove top. It’s so easy, and so delicious, you’ll wonder why you haven’t done it sooner! Also included is plenty of ways to enjoy homemade toasted coconut.

Overhead of a sheet pan with toasted coconut on it and a wood spatula

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The first time I ever tried toasted coconut was when I received a sample of toasted coconut chips in the mail, of all places! It was one of those experiences where all it took was one bite, and I was hooked.

By the time I tried toasted coconut, I had already gotten over my dislike for regular coconut. For years I couldn’t deal with the taste or the texture, but even if I hadn’t gotten past that, I think I’d still love it toasted.

Toasted coconut has a nutty flavor, and I love most nuts. The texture is also different. It’s a lot more crispy and crunchy which makes it absolutely addicting!

Why This Recipe Works

The biggest reason to toast your own coconut is that it costs significantly less to do it yourself, than to buy it, and literally takes less than 10 minutes to make. You can easily make a small or large quantity depending on what you need it for.

The next reason is the flavor and texture. Toasted coconut it nuttier, crispier, and crunchier, than regular coconut. It adds so much flavor and texture to food.

If you use unsweetened shredded coconut, it’s a great way to add some extra flavor and texture to low carb or keto recipes.

How To Toast Coconut in The Oven

What You Need For This Recipe

All you need for this recipe is coconut. You can use sweetened or unsweetened that is shredded or flaked.

Note: the recipe card states to use 1 cup, but you can use any amount that you need, so long as it can fit on a baking sheet (or in a skillet for the stove top method) in a single layer.

The entire recipe and instructions can also be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. You can also print the recipe from the card, if needed.

Prep!

A bowl of shredded coconut over a white background

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

See the notes section of the recipe card at the bottom of this post for how to toast a smaller amount of coconut in a skillet on the stove top, if that’s the method that you prefer.

Create!

Coconut shreds spread out on a baking sheet

Spread the coconut onto a baking sheet and place in the oven.

Toasted coconut shreds on a baking sheet

Toss the coconut every minute or two for the first few minutes, then check on it every 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it’s toasted and a medium, golden brown color.

How long it takes to toast will vary depending on the amount, but for 1 cup, I find that it’s done right between 5 and 7 minutes.

Chef’s Tip: keep a very close eye on your coconut, especially as you get to the last minute or two. It can go from toasted to burnt really quickly!

Present!

A close up of a wood spatula on a baking sheet with toasted coconut on it

Remove from the oven and let cool before using.

How To Use Toasted Coconut

Toasted coconut can be used in a variety of recipes. A few ways to use it include:

  • On top of cupcakes or cake (try it on these Mini Coconut Cupcakes with Coconut Buttercream Frosting).
  • On top of pie, especially coconut cream pie.
  • As an ice cream topping.
  • As a garnish on recipes that use coconut, such as Coconut Curry Chicken and Creamy Coconut Rice.
  • As part of a homemade granola mix.
  • Mixed into cereal.
  • On top of oatmeal.
  • As a crunchy yogurt mix in or topping.
  • Sprinkled on a salad.
  • Straight from the bowl.

How To Toast Coconut On The Stovetop

I find that toasting coconut in the oven works best to get it more evenly browned and crispy, but if you’re only making a serving or two, you might find it easier to toast your coconut on the stovetop instead.

Simply add the shredded coconut to a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the coconut turns light to medium brown and crisps up.

Transfer to a plate or bowl to cool so that it does not continue to cook in the pan.

Tips and Techniques

  • You can toast any amount of coconut that you need, so long as it can fit on a baking sheet (or in a skillet for the stove top method) in a single layer.
  • Keep a very close eye on your coconut, especially as you get to the last minute or two. It can go from toasted to burnt really quickly.
  • Store toasted coconut in an airtight container at room temperature. Use within 3-4 weeks for best quality.

FAQ’s

Why Do You Toast Coconut?

The primary reason to toast coconut is the flavor. It has a nuttier flavor than regular coconut and a nice crunchy texture. The flavor of toasted coconut is a nice addition to many recipes from breakfast to main dishes to desserts.

More Coconut Recipes To Try

Here are a few more coconut recipes that you might like:

  • Toasted Coconut Sugar Cookies
  • Chocolate Dipped Coconut Macaroons
  • Gluten Free Coconut Shrimp
  • Ginger Beef with Lime and Coconut
  • Coconut Chai Tea Latte

Love this Toasted Coconut recipe? Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for more!

If you try this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would please leave a comment and star rating. Thanks!

A close up of a wood spatula on a baking sheet with toasted coconut on it
Print

How To Toast Coconut

Learn how to toast coconut right at home in your own oven or on the stove top. It's so easy, and so delicious, you'll wonder why you haven't done it sooner!
Course Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Prep Time 3 minutes minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes minutes
Total Time 10 minutes minutes
Servings 16
Calories 28kcal
Author Lauren Harris

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded coconut * or however much you desire, sweetened or unsweetened

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  • Spread the coconut onto a baking sheet and place in the oven.
  • Bake, tossing the coconut every minute or two for the first few minutes, then check every 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it’s toasted and a medium, golden brown color, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool before using.

Notes

How To Toast Coconut On The Stovetop

Add the shredded coconut to a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the coconut turns light to medium brown and crisps up.
Transfer to a plate or bowl to cool so that it does not continue to cook in the pan.

Tips and Techniques

  • You can toast any amount of coconut that you need, so long as it can fit on a baking sheet (or in a skillet for the stove top method) in a single layer.
  • Keep a very close eye on your coconut, especially as you get to the last minute or two. It can go from toasted to burnt really quickly.
  • Store toasted coconut in an airtight container at room temperature. Use within 3-4 weeks for best quality.
 
** Nutritional information is for sweetened shredded coconut. It's only an estimate and may vary.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 28kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 15mg | Potassium: 19mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

This recipe was originally published on May 22, 2016. It was updated with new images, more thorough instructions, uses, tips, techniques, and FAQ’s in July 2020.

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Filed Under: Gluten Free, How To's, Low Carb, Recipes

Comments

  1. Brenda says

    June 8, 2023 at 12:19 pm

    Do you spray the cooking sheet with Pam first ?

    Reply
    • Lauren Vavala says

      June 8, 2023 at 5:04 pm

      Hi Brenda. I do not. You’re going to be stirring it often so it shouldn’t have time to stick. I haven’t had any issues 🙂

      – Lauren

      Reply
  2. Beth Neels says

    October 30, 2018 at 4:04 pm

    Toasting coconut gives it almost a nutty flavor! It is so delicious! I have to go toast some now!

    Reply
  3. Pam Greer says

    October 30, 2018 at 3:47 pm

    Toasting just brings out the flavor of coconut so well, doesn’t it!! Your oven method is perfect!

    Reply
  4. Tayler Ross says

    October 30, 2018 at 2:39 pm

    This will so useful for all of my holiday baking coming up!

    Reply
  5. Jen says

    October 30, 2018 at 2:19 pm

    Toasted coconut is perfect for my morning oatmeal!

    Reply
  6. Jacqueline Debono says

    October 30, 2018 at 2:01 pm

    I love the taste of toasted coconut. Great to know it’s so easy to do at home!

    Reply
  7. Ashleigh says

    June 2, 2016 at 11:33 pm

    I have always wanted to know how to toast coconut and now I can! Thank you for sharing this great recipe! I can make my mom’s coconut cake now!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      June 3, 2016 at 7:35 am

      Yay! It’s so good, you will think of all kinds of things to put it on, I’m sure!

      Reply
  8. Willow says

    May 31, 2016 at 6:47 pm

    I heard about the Silpat mat recently on the Food Network. I need to look into getting one. (I am a little late to the party.)

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 31, 2016 at 8:39 pm

      It may be a little ridiculous how much I love mine, but I really do use it all the time! I need to order more sizes! You’ll love it!

      Reply
  9. Maggie Unzueta says

    May 31, 2016 at 5:52 pm

    So easy. I can’t believe I haven’t done this before. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 31, 2016 at 8:40 pm

      That’s exactly how I felt!

      Reply
  10. Jessica Bradshaw says

    May 31, 2016 at 2:47 pm

    I love toasted coconut, but I have never done it on my own. I will have to dry this. Maybe a toasted coconut chicken or on top of a dessert. YUM!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 31, 2016 at 8:41 pm

      There are so many ways you can use it!

      Reply
  11. Chrissa - Physical Kitchness says

    May 31, 2016 at 12:24 pm

    Super good tutorial!! I love toasted coconut and it’s SO easy to do at home. Adds so much awesome flavor to salads, granola, etc!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 31, 2016 at 2:43 pm

      Thanks! I love it too!

      Reply
  12. Carlee says

    May 31, 2016 at 9:02 am

    I love using toasted coconut to decorate cakes too. I used to think I didn’t like coconut, but like you seem to be reaching for it all of the time lately!

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 31, 2016 at 11:07 am

      Ohhhh I bet it’s so good on icing! I’m going to have to do that someday!

      Reply
  13. candy says

    May 31, 2016 at 8:43 am

    Watch it close so it doesn’t burn, been there done that.

    Reply
    • ourlittleeverything says

      May 31, 2016 at 11:07 am

      Haha! It def doesn’t take long!

      Reply

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Welcome, I'm Lauren!

Delicious Little Bites is where I share all types of recipes from appetizers to desserts. You will also find plenty of keto, gluten free, and vegetarian recipes here to help you put a delicious meal on the table every night that the whole family will love! Read More...

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