Canned Coconut Milk Recipes from Savory Dinners to Decadent Desserts

I cook with canned coconut milk all the time—it’s rich, creamy, shelf-stable, and super versatile in both sweet and savory dishes.

It adds a velvety texture to soups and stews like Thai red curry or lentil dal, and it’s amazing in rice pudding too.

I like that it’s dairy-free and works well for anyone avoiding milk, but still brings that silky mouthfeel people want.

You’ll find it thickens sauces beautifully while adding a mild sweetness that balances spices or acidic ingredients like lime.

I’ve tested it in everything from braises to pancakes, and it always brings depth without needing much fuss or extra prep!

1. Creamy Coconut Curry Chicken

This one’s all about that velvety coconut milk sauce, coating every bite of chicken with comfort and warmth.

You get tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and just the right mix of curry spices for a balanced meal.

Canned coconut milk really brings extra creaminess and a hint of sweetness—so good over fluffy rice or naan, honestly, any night you want something cozy.

2. Vegan Coconut Tofu Saag

This is a creamy spinach curry without any dairy, thanks to canned coconut milk.

The coconut milk’s rich texture and subtle sweetness pair so well with savory spices.

If you’re into tofu, it soaks up all the flavors from the sauce, making every bite pop.

Inspired by classic Indian recipes but with tofu and coconut milk for a healthy, plant-based spin.

3. Thai Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

Canned coconut milk is perfect for this classic dish!

You get rich creaminess, tangy lime, and a touch of heat.

I usually start by simmering lemongrass and galangal—it makes the kitchen smell amazing.

Mushrooms add a hearty, satisfying bite.

4. Coconut Rice Cooker Recipe

Canned coconut milk turns ordinary rice into something creamy, fluffy, and just a bit special.

Just add rice, canned coconut milk, water, and a pinch of salt to your rice cooker—then let it do its thing.

I like jasmine rice for extra fragrance, but long-grain white rice is great too.

This rice is perfect alongside Thai curries or spicy stir fries and these tasty sides!

5. Slow Cooker Coconut Lentil Stew

This stew is a real set-it-and-forget-it meal—just let it simmer away in your slow cooker.

Coconut milk gives the lentils a creamy, rich texture that’s always satisfying.

Turmeric and ginger add cozy warmth and depth you don’t get with many everyday dishes.

Toss in diced tomatoes or extra veggies for a twist—this recipe’s super forgiving.

Canned coconut milk makes it so hands-off, and your kitchen will smell incredible as it cooks. If you work from home, that’s a bonus.

6. Malai Prawn Curry

This dish is all about prawns simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with gentle spices.

If you’re looking for a great use for canned coconut milk, this recipe is fantastic—it brings extra richness with minimal effort.

Canned coconut milk really makes it easy to whip up something traditional like Malai Curry at home.

7. Dairy-Free Chocolate Coconut Pudding

This dessert is rich and creamy, thanks to the natural fats in canned coconut milk.

You only need a few ingredients and it takes just minutes to mix together.

I like using good cocoa powder for a bold chocolate flavor that blends perfectly with the coconut’s gentle sweetness.

8. Iced Chai Latte with Coconut Milk

This drink is just right for cooling off on a warm afternoon.

Canned coconut milk creates a creamy texture that tastes rich without any dairy.

Coconut milk lets the chai spices shine through, giving every sip an inviting aroma.

Try it with classic black tea, or blend in a bit of cold brew if you’re feeling adventurous.

Pour it over ice for a refreshing, slightly indulgent treat!

9. Pressure Cooker Coconut Dal

Coconut milk makes this dal extra creamy and comforting.

A pressure cooker brings out the flavors and speeds up the cooking.

Yellow or green lentils work well, but my favorite part is how the coconut milk blends with the spices.

Canned coconut milk is a perfect shortcut and turns it into a quick weeknight meal.

10. Coconut Mango Smoothie

Canned coconut milk makes your smoothie extra creamy and rich.

Frozen mango gives this drink a chill, tropical twist!

Adding a ripe banana makes it even smoother, and a bit of honey brings natural sweetness.

11. Vegan Chocolate Frosting Using Coconut Milk

You can make a vegan chocolate frosting that’s both rich and silky using canned coconut milk.

The coconut milk’s fat gives the frosting a luscious texture that spreads easily over cakes or cupcakes.

I like how coconut milk brings out the chocolate flavor without taking over.

12. Grab-and-Go Oatmeal Chia Cups

If you need breakfast in a hurry, oatmeal chia cups with canned coconut milk keep things super creamy and convenient.

Prep them the night before and just grab one from the fridge as you head out.

Coconut milk adds a subtle richness that works so well with oats and chia seeds.

I usually top them with fresh fruit and nuts for extra flavor and crunch.

13. Coconut Milk Banana Bread

When you use canned coconut milk, banana bread gets a rich texture that’s hard to beat.

Coconut milk gives the loaf a mellow flavor and keeps it moist from the first slice to the last.

I like to mash extra-ripe bananas for more sweetness—the coconut milk and bananas just work together.

14. Creamy Coconut Mashed Potatoes

If you want mashed potatoes extra creamy and dairy-free, try canned coconut milk.

Swap out your usual milk for coconut milk—your potatoes stay fluffy but get a fuller texture.

Coconut milk helps mashed potatoes hold together but still taste light.

It’s a simple way to make the classic side feel a bit more special and perfect for vegan or dairy-free meals.

The hint of coconut is mild and balances well with buttery potatoes.

15. Coconut Milk Pancakes

Canned coconut milk makes pancakes extra fluffy and moist.

The coconut flavor works perfectly with breakfast toppings like fruit or syrup.

For a tropical twist, mix in some shredded coconut or sprinkle toasted coconut on top.

These pancakes stay soft the whole morning—can’t complain about that.

16. Dirty Chai Latte with Coconut Milk

This drink blends bold chai spices with espresso for a warm pick-me-up.

Canned coconut milk makes the latte super creamy and adds a subtle sweetness.

If you like it iced, just pour it over ice for a refreshing twist.

Coconut milk stands up well to the spices and espresso—I honestly think it works better than regular milk here.

A dirty chai latte with coconut milk is a cozy, aromatic way to mix up your coffee routine.

17. Chinese Raspberry Snowflake Cake

This dessert is known for its soft, chewy texture and colorful look.

Canned coconut milk adds a creamy flavor that pairs so well with tangy raspberries!

Coconut milk helps the cake hold its shape and gives it a lovely fragrance.

The slightly translucent, snowflake-like look always gets attention at the table.

18. Paleo Hot Cocoa with Coconut Milk

This hot cocoa turns rich and creamy with canned coconut milk.

No dairy or grains—perfect for paleo or anyone skipping those ingredients.

A spoonful of cocoa powder blends in smoothly, and a touch of vanilla deepens the chocolate flavor.

For a healthier take, try sweetening with coconut palm sugar or maple syrup.

Coconut milk gives the drink a luxurious texture that regular milk just can’t match!

19. Coconut Milk Overnight Oats

If you use canned coconut milk, your overnight oats come out extra creamy and rich. Just stir everything together the night before and let the oats soak up all that coconut flavor while you sleep.

I usually toss on some fresh fruit or maybe a drizzle of honey for a bit of natural sweetness—honestly, it makes a difference.

20. Freeze Coconut Milk Cubes

Pour canned coconut milk into an ice cube tray—seriously, it’s one of my go-to tricks for smoothies or curries. The cubes melt fast and blend in so easily.

I love how they add creamy texture to sauces, soups, or drinks, and you don’t end up with leftovers sitting in the fridge.

When you only need a little coconut milk, this is just super convenient, especially on those rushed days.

21. Fresh Coconut Layer Cake

Fresh coconut flavor really pops here, mostly because canned coconut milk keeps the cake layers super moist.

Coconut comes through in both the cake and the frosting—honestly, canned coconut milk just makes everything richer and softer.

When I want to dress it up, I’ll toss extra shredded coconut on top. It’s easy, looks gorgeous, and, well, you can never have too much coconut, right?