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Homemade Desiccated Coconut Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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