Coconut Custard Recipe (from scratch) | Sugar Geek Show (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Elizabeth Marek · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

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Coconut custard makes a great filling for coconut cake or pairing with fresh berries

This is a rich and creamy coconut custard that is made from scratch using real coconut milk! A delicious filling for my coconut cake, cupcakes, a filling for pies or for serving with fresh fruits and berries on top of your breakfast pancakes.

Coconut Custard Recipe (from scratch) | Sugar Geek Show (1)

The base of coconut custard is pastry cream which is just cream thickened with egg yolks like you would a lemon curd. I don't love the taste of pastry cream all on its own so I usually cut it with some whipped cream. This gives you Chantilly Cream or Diplomat which is what I use for my cream tart recipe.

How to make coconut custard

Making coconut custard is pretty easy if you follow these simple steps

  1. Heat your coconut milk in a sauce pan until simmering. Whisk constantly to prevent burning
  2. Whisk together your eggs, sugar, milk and cornstarch in a large heat proof bowl and set aside.
  3. Pour ⅓ of your hot milk into the egg mixture and whisk to combine.
  4. Slowly pour in the rest of your hot milk and whisk to combine. Add in your extracts.
  5. Return mixture to the saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking constantly until mixture thickens.
  6. Pour into a heat-proof container and cover with plastic wrap (make sure plastic is touching the surface of the custard) and place in the fridge to cool overnight before using.

Coconut Custard Recipe (from scratch) | Sugar Geek Show (2)

Easy coconut custard recipe

If you aren't interested in making your custard from scratch, I have an easy recipe for you. You can buy a box of coconut instant pudding mix and it's basically the same thing. Whip up ¼ cup of heavy whipping cream with a few tablespoons of powdered sugar (to your taste) and throw in a teaspoon of vanilla. Fold the heavy whipping cream into the completely cooled vanilla pudding and you have yourself an easy version of this recipe.

Recipe

Coconut Custard Recipe (from scratch) | Sugar Geek Show (3)

Coconut Custard Recipe

Coconut custard is a great filling to use in your cakes, cupcakes, pie fillings or simply paired with some fresh fruits and berries

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 16 oz

Calories: 597kcal

Author: Elizabeth Marek

Ingredients

  • 13.5 oz unsweetened coconut milk Ours comes in a can
  • 2 oz Whole milk or water for dairy free option
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 5 large egg yolks room temperature
  • 3 oz sugar
  • 3 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  • Pour coconut milk into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat, whisking constantly so it doesn't burn.

  • Whisk together the yolks, sugar, milk and cornstarch in a large bowl and set aside.

  • Add ⅓ of your hot milk to the egg mixture and whisk to combine. Don't add all the milk or you could curdle the eggs.

    Slowly whisk the rest of the warm milk into the egg mixture then return the mixture to the pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, until thickened.

  • Scrape the mixture into a bowl and whisk in coconut and vanilla extract. Whisk to combine.

  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cold, at least 2 hours.

  • Optional: Fold in ¼ cup stabilized whipped cream for a lighter texture once mixture is cooled.

Nutrition

Serving: 4oz | Calories: 597kcal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 377mg | Sodium: 67mg | Potassium: 373mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 630IU | Vitamin C: 2.4mg | Calcium: 154mg | Iron: 2.3mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Coconut Custard Recipe (from scratch) | Sugar Geek Show (4)

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Maria says

    Looks yummy! I’ll have to give this a try, for sure! Question: can I substitute coconut emulsion for the extract? That’s what I have on hand.
    Thanks!

    Reply

  2. Vivika H. says

    Coconut Custard Recipe (from scratch) | Sugar Geek Show (9)
    amazing if you enjoy coconut, a little bit bland, but you could easily put ginger or blackberry in it <3

    Reply

  3. Spicyshadycakes says

    Would love to try this out

    Reply

  4. Hélène says

    Tapioca starch works the same works the same as cornstarch, right? Sometimes known as arrowroot. (Corn allergy)

    Reply

    • The Sugar Geek Show says

      Yes! You can totally use tapioca starch too

      Reply

  5. Sharon says

    Can this be frozen? I am looking to use it as part of a trifle and if it can be frozen I can make this element well in advance.

    Reply

    • The Sugar Geek Show says

      Corn starch becomes a bit grainy after it is frozen so it's best to refrigerate if you make it ahead

      Reply

  6. Thomas says

    Potato starch is a good option too 🙂

    Reply

  7. Ariel says

    Coconut Custard Recipe (from scratch) | Sugar Geek Show (10)
    It's delicious- I was looking for a dairy free substitute for custard filled moon cakes and this is perfect. I omitted the 2 oz water/milk so it would get extra thick as a filling.

    Reply

  8. Roya A. says

    Coconut Custard Recipe (from scratch) | Sugar Geek Show (11)
    This was fantastic; Thank you

    Reply

  9. Thearla Kozy says

    How to store leftovers...and how long will it keep?

    Reply

    • Elizabeth Marek says

      Store the leftovers in the fridge, it will keep for a few days

      Reply

  10. Robin Schick says

    Why wouldn't you just use Coconut Milk instead of Whole Milk?

    Reply

    • Sugar Geek Show says

      you can if you want, I just like the flavor with whole milk better.

      Reply

  11. Donmonique Slaughter says

    This looks good! can I use homemade coconut milk instead of can? Will it still come out creamy?

    Reply

    • Elizabeth Marek says

      I don't see why it wouldn't work just as well

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Coconut Custard Recipe (from scratch) | Sugar Geek Show (2024)

FAQs

Coconut Custard Recipe (from scratch) | Sugar Geek Show? ›

Custard is a decadent dessert made with eggs, milk, and sugar. Eggs are responsible for custard's thick and velvety texture, but some recipes (such as this one) call for thickeners such as cornstarch or arrowroot for extra richess.

What ingredient makes the custard thicker? ›

Custard is a decadent dessert made with eggs, milk, and sugar. Eggs are responsible for custard's thick and velvety texture, but some recipes (such as this one) call for thickeners such as cornstarch or arrowroot for extra richess.

How to tell when custard is done? ›

Stir constantly with a wooden spoon, until the custard thickens and coats the back of the spoon. Stirring distributes the heat so the custard doesn't become too hot, which can curdle it. Draw a finger across the back of the spoon and if it leaves a trail, your custard is ready.

Why is my custard gummy? ›

When custards such as crème anglaise are heated, they turn thick and creamy as milk and egg proteins unfurl and bond with each other. However, if they are overheated, too many bonds form and the proteins clump.

How is custard made from scratch? ›

🔪 How to make Custard

In a jug, mix the egg yolks, cornflour, sugar and vanilla extract. Pour the hot cream/ milk over the egg mixture, slowly, whilst stirring constantly, then pour back into the pan and heat gently while stirring with the whist, until thick and creamy.

How long does homemade custard take to thicken? ›

Return the pan to a low heat and cook slowly, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon. This will take about 8 minutes. Test it by running a finger through the custard on the spoon: if it leaves a straight, clear line, it's ready.

Can you overcook custard? ›

Here's how to avoid one of the worst kitchen mishaps: overcooking. Egg-based puddings and custards can curdle if cooked beyond 185 degrees. We take crème anglaise off the heat when the mixture registers 175 to 180, but when making the base for ice cream we push the temperature to 180 to 185 for maximum thickness.

Why is my coconut custard pie watery? ›

Troubleshooting: Why Won't My Coconut Cream Pie Set? To ensure that you don't end up with a watery, weepy pie filling, after adding the egg yolks, keep the filling at a low boil for long enough. Slowly heat the filling, and keep it at a low boil for at least a full minute (60-90 seconds).

How thick should custard be before baking? ›

The custard is ready when you can draw a clean line through it on the back of a spoon, using your finger.

Why isn't my custard thickening up? ›

Keep an eye on the heat when cooking the custard - too low and it won't thicken, too high and you'll have scrambled eggs.

How do you thicken custard quickly? ›

The first option is to mix two tablespoons of flour with four tablespoons of cold water for every cup of custard you've made. Mix the flour into the water well, then whisk it into your custard mixture as it cooks on the stove. You can follow the same steps with cornstarch instead of flour if you prefer as well.

How does custard get its dense creamy texture? ›

Because it is not held in the chamber, there is very little air beaten into the custard, referred to as “overrun.” This low overrun (20-25%) is what gives frozen custard its wonderfully dense and creamy texture, or “mouthfeel.”

How do you get custard to set? ›

You don't want the custard so cold that it sets and breaks up as you spread it. The easiest way to cool the custard is to put it into a large bowl in a sink of cold water. It will take about 15 minutes. If you want it to set, put it in the fridge for an hour.

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