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Toasted Coconut

Learn how to toast coconut with these simple instructions! Easily made in the oven or on the stove in less than 15 minutes. Perfect to add to your favorite desserts or snacks!

Toasting coconut in a skillet.
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Homemade Toasted Coconut

Toasted coconut is so yummy! I sometimes just snack on it plain, but it also tastes amazing served over your favorite desserts. I love it on top of coconut cream pie, carrot cake, lemon coconut dessert lasagna, key lime pie and 7-layer bars.

Toasted coconut is SO easy and only takes a few minutes to make. When you toast the coconut, it really brings out the flavor and leaves you with a delicious and nutty, caramelized taste. I often snack on it plain, but it also tastes great served over your favorite desserts, snacks or side dishes like coconut rice.

Baking the coconut is my favorite way to toast it, but you can also easily toast it on the stove as well. Both turn out perfectly crispy and golden brown. Sweetened coconut (my favorite) takes an extra minute or two more to toast than unsweetened, but adds the perfect sweet flavor. So easy and yummy!

Toasting coconut flakes on pan.

How do you Sweeten Raw Coconut?

I like to use sweetened shredded coconut when toasting it. That way it’s already sweet prior to toasting and tastes delicious! If you’d like to try sweetening it yourself, simply add about 4 teaspoons of sugar into 1/4 cup hot water and stir until dissolved. Then add in your unsweetened coconut and let the mixture absorb. Then spread out on a baking sheet to dry for about 30 minutes.

How to toast coconut flakes on a pan.

How to Store

To store, place in an airtight container at room temperature for about 1 month. I like to store mine in a mason jar. I personally wouldn’t recommend refrigerating or freezing it, as it could become soggy and chewy.

How to toast coconut on a pan.

Ways to Use It

What to Use Coconut on

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how to toast coconut on a pan

Toasted Coconut

5 from 6 votes
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Author: Jamielyn Nye
Learn how to toast coconut with these simple instructions! Easily made in the oven or on the stove in less than 15 minutes. Perfect to add to your favorite desserts or snacks!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup shredded coconut

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F. 
  • Spread coconut evenly over the pan. Bake for 3 minutes and then stir. Bake an additional 2-3 minutes, or until it has turned golden brown. Watch carefully, as it can brown quickly. 
  • Alternatively, place the coconut in a skillet and cook over medium-low heat until golden, stirring frequently (about 3-5 minutes). 
  • Serve on top of your favorite desserts or snacks. 

Notes

If using sweetened shredded coconut (my favorite), it will take an extra minute or two more to toast than unsweetened coconut. 

Nutrition

Calories: 56kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 29mg | Potassium: 37mg | Sugar: 4g | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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