Have you ever opened a can of coconut cream but only used a fraction of it? In either case, you might wonder if it’s possible to freeze coconut cream. The answer is yes! Keep reading to learn how.
Coconut cream has a lot of health benefits and tastes great in smoothies.
Also, it is a popular ingredient in many cooking recipes and desserts.
So, if you have some leftovers and want to save them, maybe you are wondering if you can freeze coconut cream.
You’re in luck. It is possible to freeze coconut cream without ruining the consistency or flavor.
In this article, we’ll teach you how to do it.
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What is Coconut Cream?
Coconut cream is a thick, rich, and creamy dairy-free alternative to regular cream.
It’s made by simmering coconut meat until the water evaporates, leaving behind a concentrated mixture of coconut fats and solids.
This makes it ideal for use in curries, soups, and desserts that call for cream.
Unlike coconut milk, mostly water, coconut cream contains very little liquid.
As a result, it has a much higher fat content and provides a richer mouthfeel.
In addition, coconut cream is an excellent source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
Read our post Coconut Milk Substitutes.
What are the benefits of Coconut Cream?
Coconut cream is rich in vitamins, including B, C, E, and iron, selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, and other essential minerals.
Also, it is a good source of antioxidants and proteins.
Coconut cream is also popular for people looking for a dairy-free alternative to milk or cream.
It is a versatile ingredient that you can use in sweet and savory dishes and as a topping or an ingredient in baking recipes.
Read our post Is Coconut Milk Keto?
Here you can read about coconut and health.
How to store Coconut Cream
Canned coconut cream can be stored for up to five days in the refrigerator after being opened.
The best way to store it is in an airtight container with a lid.
You can also freeze coconut cream if you want to keep it longer than five days.
Can you Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze it; it is a way to extend shelf life.
Whether you’re trying to save some coconut cream for later or want to ensure you always have some on hand, freezing coconut cream is a great option.
How to freeze Coconut Cream
There are a few different ways to freeze coconut cream, and your method will depend on what you plan to use it for.
If you want to keep a block of cream on hand for future use, the best way to freeze it is in an airtight container.
Simply scoop the cream into the container and seal it tightly before placing it in the freezer.
Be sure to label the container with the date, so you know how long it has been frozen.
If you need to freeze individual portions of cream, such as for smoothies or baking, then freezing it in plastic ice cube trays is a good option.
You can transfer those cubes into plastic freezer bags or a container once they are frozen.
Again, label the tray with the date so you can track how long the cubes have been frozen.
So whatever your needs, there’s a way to freeze coconut cream that will work for you.
Thawing Coconut Cream
The quickest method is simply placing the container in a tray or bowl of warm water.
Leave it for 10-15 minutes or until the cream reaches its desired consistency.
Another option is to remove the lid of the airtight container and microwave the content on high for 30-60 seconds, stirring occasionally.
If you’re looking for a more hands-off approach, you can also thaw coconut cream overnight in the fridge.
Transfer the container to the fridge several hours before you need to use it, and it should be ready when you are.
Once thawed, give it a good stir before using.
Blending Coconut Cream
Coconut cream has a high-fat content and is delicate in the same way that dairy cream is.
When frozen, cream and milk may separate.
However, there is a way to restore the original consistency of coconut cream.
Pour the defrosted coconut cream into a blender and blend for 30 seconds.
The result should be a smooth and creamy coconut cream that can be used in your favorite recipes.
Ideas to use Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream and can be used in many ways.
It’s a great addition to smoothies, desserts, and savory dishes like curries and sauces.
Here are some ideas for using it:
Desserts: Add coconut cream to puddings, ice creams, and other desserts.
The flavor is milder than coconut milk, so that it won’t overwhelm other ingredients.
Savory dishes: Use 1/2 cup of coconut cream per pound of meat in stews, curries, and other Asian-style dishes.
Thai-Style Soups: You can use your frozen coconut cream in any recipe for canned coconut milk.
Its rich texture adds body to soups and sauces without making them too heavy.
Baking: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream in any recipe that calls for it, such as frostings for cakes or cupcakes or whipped cream topping for pies and tarts.
Drinks: Add it to smoothies or milkshakes instead of whole milk or heavy cream.
The flavor will blend well with fruits such as strawberries or bananas.
You can also add cocoa powder or vanilla extract for added flavor if desired.
Puddings: Coconut cream makes a delicious addition to pudding recipes.
Pies: Coconut cream pie is one of my all-time favorite desserts.
The combination of creamy custard filling and fluffy meringue topping is irresistible. And the best part is that it’s pretty easy to make.
Read our post Is Coconut Water Keto?
FAQs
Coconut cream is thicker and richer than coconut milk and has a higher fat content.
You can use coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
It can be used in all the same ways, such as in soups, sauces, curries, and baking recipes.
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, coconut cream lasts up to 5 days.
In the freezer, it will keep for up to 2-3 months.
If you’re wondering what to do with leftover coconut cream, there are many delicious options!
The possibilities are endless — here are just a few and remember you can always freeze coconut cream and use it later:
Use it as an ice cream base. Coconut cream can be used as an alternative to heavy cream or whole milk when making homemade ice cream.
It creates a thicker, richer base than milk would, which makes for an especially decadent treat.
Make homemade whipped cream. Add a splash of coconut cream to your whipping cream before whipping it, and voila — you have homemade whipped cream!
This is especially tasty on berries or other sweet fruit toppings for breakfast or brunch.
Stir into hot drinks. If you’re enjoying a hot cup of coffee or tea (or some kind of hot cocoa!), try adding a spoonful of coconut cream instead of regular milk or half-and-half.
You can freeze coconut milk for up to 3 months. Freezing it for a longer period of time may reduce the quality of the product.
Conclusion
Coconut cream is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in sweet or savory recipes.
Whether you need to freeze coconut cream for later use or thaw it for a recipe, there’s a method that will work for you.
With some planning, you can always have coconut cream on hand when you need it.
Read our posts: How to Keep Coconut Oil Liquid and Coconut Flour.
