Dairy alternatives have become the new staple of my weekly shop. After I opted out of the traditional carb and meat diet of my early years, and introduced plant-based recipes, I found so much joy experimenting in the kitchen. Making homemade plant-based milks was one of the first experiments I tried, and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy this was.
Creamy, fragrant, and naturally dairy-free, homemade coconut milk is one of those simple recipes that I thank myself for making every time. Who knew a simple recipe of coconut and water could create a fresh, velvety milk that tastes brighter and more complex than most store-bought versions—no preservatives, thickeners, or mystery ingredients required. Once you try it, it’s hard to go back.
Making coconut milk at home is surprisingly easy and requires minimal equipment. Whether you’re using it for curries, smoothies, soups, or baking, homemade coconut milk gives you full control over the flavor and thickness, allowing you to tailor the taste to your recipes. It’s also a great way to reduce packaging waste and make the most out of a coconut.
In this guide, I will walk you through the simple process of making coconut milk from scratch, share tips for getting the creamiest results, and show you how to store and use it so nothing goes to waste.
Ingredients:
Two large coconuts (make sure they ae heavy in weight when picking)
Hot water
Additional:
Vanilla Pods
Honey
The Method
Step 1: Open both coconuts, drain the coconut water into a glass and remove the meat from inside the shell
Step 2: Put the coconut meat into a blender with hot water and blend! Feel free to add additional ingredients here such as vanilla or dates to sweeten
Step 3: After two minutes of blending, get your bowl, pop your cheesecloth inside and drain the creamy contents into a cheesecloth
Step 4: Wrap the cheesecloth tightly and squeeze the coconut milk through the cloth
With the dry pulp, you can create delicious coconut bars, toppings for cakes or even healthy sweet bites once mixed with honey and baked in the oven.
