Homemade Desiccated Coconut Recipe

Introduction

Making your own desiccated coconut at home is simple and rewarding. Freshly grated coconut dries quickly in the oven, giving you a fragrant and natural ingredient perfect for baking or cooking.

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh coconut, grated

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 100°C (200°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: Place the grated coconut in a blender and pulse a few times until the texture is fine and even.
3. Step 3: Spread the blended coconut evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking tray.
4. Step 4: Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Every 5 minutes, remove the tray, stir the coconut to mix well, and return it to bake. This low heat helps evaporate moisture and dry the coconut.
5. Step 5: Check if the coconut is completely dry. If there is still moisture, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the desiccated coconut cool completely before storing.

Tips & Variations

• Pulse the coconut in short bursts to avoid turning it into coconut butter.
• For a toastier flavor, you can increase the oven temperature slightly in the last few minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• If you prefer a coarser texture, blend the coconut less finely before drying.

Storage

Store the cooled desiccated coconut in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it and thaw as needed. Use it directly from chilled or at room temperature in recipes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I dry coconut without an oven?

Yes, you can dry grated coconut by spreading it thinly on a clean tray and leaving it in a warm, dry place for a couple of days, stirring occasionally. However, this method takes longer and depends on your climate.

Why is my homemade desiccated coconut clumping?

Clumping usually happens if there is residual moisture. Make sure to stir the coconut during drying and ensure it is completely dry before cooling and storing.

Homemade Desiccated Coconut Recipe

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4.4 from 87 reviews

This Homemade Desiccated Coconut recipe guides you to create perfectly dry and finely grated coconut using fresh coconut and a low-temperature baking method. Ideal for baking, cooking, or garnish, this homemade version is fresher and free of additives compared to store-bought options.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 1 to 1.25 cups desiccated coconut 1x
• Category: Ingredient Preparation
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: International
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 3 cups fresh coconut, grated

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 100°C (200°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside to ensure the coconut doesn’t stick during drying.
2. Blend Coconut: Place the grated fresh coconut into a blender and pulse several times until the coconut is fine and evenly ground. Avoid over-blending to prevent turning it into coconut milk.
3. Spread and Bake: Spread the blended coconut evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Place the tray inside the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes at low heat.
4. Mix Regularly: Every 5 minutes, carefully remove the tray from the oven and stir the coconut to ensure even drying, then return it to bake. This process allows moisture to evaporate gradually, preventing burning.
5. Check Dryness: After 20 to 25 minutes, check the coconut’s texture. If it still retains moisture, continue baking for additional increments of 5 minutes until the coconut is completely dry.
6. Cool and Store: Once dry, remove the tray from the oven and allow the desiccated coconut to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Ensure the oven temperature is low to prevent browning or burning the coconut.
• Stirring the coconut every 5 minutes helps achieve even drying.
• The desiccated coconut can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks refrigerated.
• If you want a finer texture, pulse the grated coconut more in the blender but avoid crushing it into a paste.
• This method preserves the natural flavor and sweetness of fresh coconut without added preservatives.

Keywords: desiccated coconut, homemade desiccated coconut, fresh coconut, drying coconut, baking coconut, coconut recipe