“How do I use coconut butter?” This is a question I’m asked all too often! So, let’s dig into more than a few ways you can use coconut butter to make various delicious recipes. Below, I offer up 11 ways to do just that!
Coconut butter is one of the most unique foods I’ve used in my kitchen. It’s not an oil (some think it’s the same as coconut oil, which it isn’t) and it’s a little grittier than nut butter.
Over the years, I’ve received several emails from readers asking me how I use up my coconut butter in my kitchen. In our house, we use it as a replacement for nut butter for toast or sandwiches, and I like to use it to create delicious treats for my family.
Making coconut butter (and buying tips)
Coconut butter is made from raw, dried shredded coconut. When you puree the shredded coconut, the oil and meat mix together and become a butter-like spread. You must use shredded coconut that has not been defatted. Pure, dried shredded coconut will make perfect coconut butter. Literally, that’s the only ingredient. (And that’s why it’s so important to buy good-quality shredded coconut.)
It’s a simple recipe – if you want to make your own, you can find my coconut butter recipe here.
If you’d rather purchase coconut butter, you can find it online or at your local health food store. You’ll find it under other names like coconut spread, coconut manna, and coconut cream concentrate. Make sure you get good quality coconut butter – organic, single origin, one ingredient, no preservatives, or extra chemicals. To start (or end!) your research process, I’ve spent some time figuring out the best coconut butter you can buy.
How to use coconut butter
As I mentioned above, many people like to use coconut butter as a spread for toast or on sandwiches. Personally, I love to eat it right off the spoon. When my daughter first started eating solids, I would carry a jar of it with me to give her as a snack when we were out. Naomi loved coconut butter as a baby. I wasn’t sure if it was a good food to give her at the time, but I later found out that Dr. Thomas Cowan recommended it for babies (Note: the original article is no longer available on his website. I have linked the article via waybackmachine for those who are interested in reading it.).
Another food worth mentioning is coconut butter, which should be started in the first month that the child is eating food. Coconut oil is nature’s richest source of Lauric acid, one of the predominant fats in human breast milk. This valuable fat helps protect the child against fungal and viral infections, thereby giving them a chance to build up their natural immunities.
11 ways to use coconut butter
When first discovering coconut butter, you’ll be amazed by the countless number of recipes and snacks you can make. There are literally endless options. But, for the sake of this article, let’s stick to my favorite 11 ways! Check out the recipes below.
1. GAPS strawberry cupcakes
These strawberry cupcakes offer the perfect go-to for birthdays or springtime and for anyone who wants to steer clear of refined grains and sugars. These are gluten-free and don’t take any more time to make than regular ol’ cupcakes. Our family loves this treat on occasion, and I know you will too!
2. Coconut bark candy
Candy bark isn’t just great for the holiday season! We actually enjoy this recipe a few times a year.
Made with coconut oil, coconut butter, honey, and lots of yummy dried fruit and chocolate, this is one snack that will wake up your tastebuds! There are also tons of ways to customize it. Don’t feel you need to stick to the recipe entirely. For example, the type of extract and toppings you use is completely up to you! I have some suggestions, but you aren’t tied to them by any means.
3. Coconut cheesecake
I don’t know about you, but cheesecake is always a favorite at gatherings or get-togethers. This no-bake cheesecake is gluten-free and full of so much coconut-y goodness! In other good news, this one only takes about 20 minutes to throw together, meaning if you’re running tight on time, this recipe might do the trick!
4. Coconut-covered strawberries
For these coconut-covered strawberries, you have a few options. You can make it ultra-simple by using store-bought ingredients. Or, alternatively, you can make them all yourself. This is a great one to make with the kids, especially if you recently went strawberry picking and have tons of strawberries to eat!
5. Chocolate coconut butter bars
Want a treat minus the junk? These chocolate coconut butter bars fit the bill. This recipe includes coconut butter, raw honey, vanilla bean, and soy-free chocolate chips. These are also paleo, vegan, and keto-friendly, meaning you can feel good about bringing these to any gathering and having them be okay for most diets. So, go ahead… Have a treat without any guilt, and make these delicious chocolate coconut butter bars!
6. Unicorn poop fat bombs
Yes, this recipe has a rather funny name! These unicorn poop fat bombs are similar to my coconut butter buttons recipe (which is further down on this list!). You’ll need a processor or a good food mixer for this one. And I’m not going to lie; The result is absolutely delicious! Be careful not to eat every single fat bomb in one go.
7. Coconut almond candy cups
Confession: I love Almond Joy’s but I don’t love all the sugar they contain. So, I created this recipe for the same great taste, minus the junk and sugar. This one is made with all-natural ingredients, meaning it’s another one you’ll feel fairly good about eating. Plus, it’s much more nutritious than store-bought Almond Joy’s.
8. Coconut berry bars
Looking to sneak some veggies and fruit into your family’s diet? These coconut berry bars will help you do just that! The recipe isn’t super rigid, meaning you can get creative and add different fruits or veggies into the mix. Plus, they taste amazing!
9. Coconut butter buttons
This simple four-ingredient recipe requires coconut butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup or raw honey. These also take no time to make. You only need around 15 minutes to throw it all together then pop them in the fridge or freezer. These also make for a quick and healthy snack, especially when you’re in a rush. Make heaps ahead of time to have on hand!
10. Pumpkin butter cups
When fall hits (even before fall!), I’m always ready for pumpkin spice season! If you feel the same, this is one recipe you have to try. I would argue that these pumpkin butter cups taste better than peanut butter cups (I’m not kidding!). It also doesn’t take much work to make, offering another quick treat for you and the fam to enjoy.
11. Dairy-free pumpkin fudge
I’ve been making pumpkin fudge every year for about a decade. This is an annual staple in our house that I recommend to anyone who listens. Most ingredients you’ll probably have in your pantry, except for pumpkin puree (which you’ll want to grab early in the fall before the shelves run dry!). This is another easy and simple recipe that doesn’t demand too much when it comes to skills in the kitchen.
