How to make paleo coconut whipped cream from a can of coconut milk. A quick and healthy vegan sweet treat to use on desserts or served with fresh fruit. Delicious dairy free whipped topping!
I have 2 modes.
I am either the busiest girl with a jam packed schedule juggling a bunch of things at once. Or I am the laziest girl you have ever met and will lay on the couch all day watching TV.
Take this weekend for example.
Saturday was my busy girl day.
I made banana muffins from scratch for breakfast, paid my bills, read and commented on my favorite blogs, did 2 loads of laundry, cleaned the house, emailed with prospective brides for our videography business. Then spent 4 hours outside working on our garden with Shawn, my dad and brother in law building retaining walls for the garden beds that are dug into the hill and building steps. THEN showered and got ready to go out to dinner and bowling with friends that night.
We weren’t home until well after midnight.
Sunday was my lazy girl day.
I woke up. Ate a donut for breakfast. Laid on the couch all day watching TV and movies. Not figuratively. I mean literally all day. From 9am until bedtime. I even made Shawn pick up Chipotle for dinner because I couldn’t possibly be bothered to get up and cook. I ended the night by crying my eyes out after watching the Girls finale.
I don’t even think I brushed my teeth all day.
This paleo coconut whipped cream recipe is the perfect reflection of my modes. There are 2 ways to make it – fancy girl way using a stand mixer, or a lazy girl way using a bowl and a fork. Depending on how ambitious I am that day, there’s a whipping method for my mood.
Have you made coconut whipped cream yet? I am absolutely obsessed! I used to have a hard time making it with full fat coconut milk. When you refrigerate full fat coconut milk for a day, the coconut cream rises to the top and separates from the coconut water…most of the time. But there are a few times when it wouldn’t separate well, and it just won’t turn out. I like to call those dud cans of coconut milk. I don’t quite understand why it happens, it just does. And when you get a dud can, it is awful.
Thank goodness for Trader Joe’s. They have coconut cream, which is already separated for you! It’s thick and hard straight out of the can. It turns out perfect every time. If you chill it before hand, it is guaranteed to make beautiful soft peaks for you if you make it the fancy girl way in a stand mixer.
But for my lazy girl days, I’ve made this just as easily using a fork and a bowl and giving it a few good whips. It may not turn out as pretty, but tastes just as good.
If you don’t have a Trader Joe’s near you, you can still make this with regular canned coconut milk. I have had the best luck with Thai Kitchen coconut milk, the full fat version, not lite. It does the best job of separating in the fridge, and whipping up nice and stiff.
I love serving this whipped coconut cream with fresh fruit for a quick and healthy paleo and vegan sweet treat. If you leave the sweetener out it’s Whole30 friendly too. Perfect way to enjoy a whipped topping that is dairy free!
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Coconut Whipped Cream (Paleo, Vegan)
Prep Time: 10 mins- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeIngredients
- 1 (14 ounce) can Trader Joe’s Coconut Cream (or full fat Thai Kitchen Coconut Milk), chilled in the fridge overnight
- 1 tablespoon (or more to taste) coconut sugar or honey, optional
Instructions
Fancy Girl Version
- Chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 10 minutes before making the coconut whipped cream.
- When bowl is chilled, remove the thick and hardened coconut cream from the can and transfer to your mixing bowl, leaving any excess moisture/coconut water in the can. If your can of coconut cream did not harden up, unfortunately you got a dud can of coconut cream and it won’t whip into soft peaks. Use this can for cooking or baking instead, and try another can.
- Using a whisk attachment, beat on medium high for 2 minutes, until light and fluffy and soft peaks form. Scrape down the bowl. If adding sweetener, add coconut sugar or honey, then continue beating for another 2 minutes. I usually don’t add sweetener, since the coconut cream has its own natural sweetness. But if you like it sweeter, feel free to add it.
Lazy Girl Version
- Scoop the cold (or even room temperature) coconut cream into a small bowl, leaving any excess moisture/coconut water in the can. Whip it up with a fork for a few seconds until fluffy. It won’t be as stiff and pretty, but this takes less than a minute and you don’t have to bust out your stand mixer!
Serving
- You can serve the whipped coconut cream immediately, or transfer to an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. It will harden up in the fridge. Just whisk for a few seconds before serving again.
Use your coconut whip cream on these tasty desserts:
Healthy Chocolate Tart (Paleo, GF, Vegan)
Buttermilk Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits
Strawberry Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Yup. Two modes. I get it! Wow you packed so much in on Saturday! Can’t wait to see what all you’ve got growing in your garden. We need more days like you had on Sunday. Our modern lifestyles are so fast, really, and if we just take some time to slow down I think we’d be a much less stressed out and healthier society. Love this coconut whip, Natalie! I hear you on the coconut milk. I don’t have a TJs around, but I can say that Native Forest is a good one for this and, when I don’t get a dud, Thai Kitchen. I stand at the co-op shaking cans, hoping I bypass all the duds! Hehe!
I think I packed a little too much in on Saturday! So I was probably the laziest girl in the whole wide world on Sunday. Haha! And I’m getting so excited for my garden Traci! Next on the list is I need to source some really good compost or fertilizer from somewhere. Then testing the soil to see what it needs. It is so much fun! Thanks for the tip on Native Forest coconut milk. I’m going to keep my eye out for that one!
Oh dear, Hi, Natalie – just came across your page – so fascinated – & just totally love it …yet I just can’t help but comment on your “lazy” day – as “lazy” has negative sound – I more accurately refer to it as being wise & giving our body, mind & soul a health boost or enhancement . . . :) I have always absolutely “hated” that word as it is unfair to insult ourselves for giving our health a badly needed & usually, way overdue, replenishment . . . without these badly needed breaks, we are, not only cheating ourselves, but, also, our loved ones, of the best we have to give . . . just love you . . . God Bless . . .
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I love that Gloria! What a great way to put it! And with a brand new baby, I would absolutely LOVE a replenishing day. I’ll get another one someday, right? Hahaha! Biggest of hugs to you!
I definitely have days like that, too…although I’m not one that can just sit still for too long. if I’m watching TV, I have to be multi-tasking! This coconut whipped cream sounds delicious! I think I would eat it with just my spoon, it looks that good. Pinned!
Then you’re just like Shawn! I call him “wiggly” because I could seriously watch TV for an entire day. But after about an hour he gets really squirmy and needs to get up and do something. Fine by me! Means I get the remote to myself. Haha! And I have definitely just eaten this with a spoon before. So good!
I have two modes too. . but wow, when you say “busy” you mean busy!!!! :) I just saw a coconut whipped cream on a dessert. . I cannot wait to try this!!!! I love this, Natalie!!!
I think Saturday was a little too nuts. But you know those days when you wake up and want to cross a ton of things off your list? That was Saturday for me! Sunday on the other hand was verrrry lazy. Haha! Thanks Alice!
You know me. I’m all about coconut. Looks divine for all things dessert like and of course berries. Who could resist?
I love lazy days and busy days. That sounds like the perfect weekend. One of each. :-) Although I never get to do it quite that well with 3 kids around.
Have a great day!
I’m all about the coconut too Melanie! You and me both. Aren’t lazy days just the best. And it’s funny because on Sunday after about, oh, hour 4 of watching TV I thought, I bet you can’t do this with kids.
Wow, sounds like you had such a busy Saturday. That’s about how my day goes and I have to work saturdays as well. Not enough hours in the day. This coconut whipped cream seems perfect. I am on a coconut craze, especially since we came back from vacation. I’d love to make this for Briana. Need to make a trip to Trader Joes soon.
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Working Saturday? Oh no, that’s the worst! Do you have Sunday Monday off? Thanks Kathy! And Briana would love this!
Nat, I think after doing all those things on Saturday you totally deserved a lazy day on Sunday ;-)
I can’t wait to see what you’ve got growing in your garden!! Please, share pictures when you can!!
This coconut whipped cream sounds delicious!
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I think I deserved a lazy day too. So I took full advantage and had one! I’m getting so excited for my garden too! It’s still a little to early to start planting, so for now it’s a lot of prep work getting everything ready. Don’t worry, I’ll be sharing lots of pictures when it’s ready! You’re the best Olivia : )
Oh my God, Natalie, this post is so funny! I totally get the same way — some days I’m such a worker bee and some days I don’t want to lift a finger. haha I just made whipped coconut cream last week for the first time and loved it! It’s the best, and I have a can of TJ’s coconut cream in my pantry. It will be happening again soon!
Glad I’m not the only one Marcie! Nothing like a jam packed day followed by a super lazy day. Isn’t coconut whipped cream the best. And I have about 8 cans of TJ’s coconut cream in my pantry. Haha! I never want to run low!
haha I think we all have these 2 modes! some days I work like crazy and on other days I’ll just keep lying on my bed the entire day! lol… This coconut whipped cream looks delicious, I need to give it a try!
Glad I’m not the only one! It’s probably a good thing we don’t have a TV in our room. Otherwise I would be able to lay in bed and watch TV. Too dangerous!
EXTREMISTS UNITE! I’m either conquering the world or haven’t left my bed in two days, it’s freakin’ unreal lol. sooo glad I’m not the only one with these tendencies :)
and umm, are you on a paleo/vegan kick? bc I am LOVING these recipes! plus coconut is my favorite and TJ’s coconut cream is THE best, so I pretty much love everything and anything about this post.
the end! xx
Yea, you do it too! The worst was in college after finals week. I swear I would spend 2 whole days laying around doing absolutely nothing. And I’m on a bit of a paleo kick. Trying to eat lots of whole foods and loving it! Going a little crazy planning out my garden this year. I’m going to have SOOO many vegetables!
I have to laugh at “two modes” because I’m the same way! I’m either running around like a crazy person or doing nothing. Sunday was a lazy day for me too. This coconut whipped cream looks so delicious – it looks like the real thing! I can’t wait to give a try!
Yea, you do it too Keri! Sunday usually a really lazy day. Especially when we film a wedding the day before. I am a couch potato for sure.
Welp, we pretty much had the same weekend. I was busy & productive all day Saturday and on Sunday, I never left the house, may not have brushed my teeth, and watched Netflix all day long. I’m so excited to hear there is a lazy girl version of this coconut whipped cream! I had a hell of a time with the separated milk thing and I finally bought the cream but haven’t tried it yet. But I have strawberries that need some dipping so it’s happening soon!
Haha, weekend twins! Yes, coconut cream is essential for the lazy girl version. Glad you’re able to get coconut cream in Switzerland!
I am dyinggggg over your videos, Natalie! I love each and every single one of them! Loving this DIY for coconut whipped cream. Pinned!
Thanks Justine! You’re so nice! I’m spoiled and have Shawn film them and edit them for me. I could not do these on my own. Well, I probably could, but don’t tell Shawn that! Haha! You’re the best!
Lazy Sundays are the best and you totally deserved one after how busy your Saturday was. Can’t wait to see what you grow in your garden :) I love coconut anything and those dud cans are seriously the worst ( Your coconut whipped cream looks absolutely perfect! So creamy and delicious!
Don’t you just love lazy Sundays? Favorite day of the week! And I’m getting so excited for my garden Kelly! I want to grow EVERYTHING! I think I’m going to have more vegetables than I know what to do with. But that’s a good problem to have, right?
That whipped cream looks so creamy and delicious! And I can’t believe it’s made using coconut milk, that’s so awesome!! :)
Thanks Christina! Is there anything coconut milk can’t do?!
Ahh yesss I have a can of this goodness sitting in my cupboard right now! It’s seriously good, and I love Trader Joe’s for giving us all the creaminess on it’s own. I need to break mine open and grab some berries!
Thank goodness for Trader Joe’s. They have the best products : )
I recently discovered coconut whipped cream and I am hooked!! As of lazy days, I have been travelling but I can totally do a sunday like this!! Sounds so dreamy :D
I’m hooked too! I love a little scoop of it with fresh berries. A yummy and healthy sweet treat. And sounds like you need a lazy day ASAP!
Lazy Sundays are kind of totally where it’s at. I LOVE that TJ’s has the coconut cream separated. It really makes whipping up a vegan topping so easy :)
I am all about lazy Sundays Medha! The best! And don’t you just love TJ’s coconut cream? Fail proof coconut whip cream!
Me too! Depending on the day, I’m either the most productive person you’ve ever met or easily the laziest person you’ve ever met. A Netflix account does not help matters either. And I love that this whipped cream–apart from looking like it tastes amazing–can be made even on my least productive days! Now that is a winning recipe!
Glad I’m not the only one Michelle! And Netflix is so dangerous! I recently started watching the show Parenthood. Obsessed! But I’ve made a new rule, I can only watch a new episode if I’m at the gym. So I’ve been going to the gym a lot more, haha! Thanks friend : )
Okay, that is SO going to me this weekend! After all my vacation whirlwind, I am definitely ready for a low-key, super-lazy weekend! Bring it on. :)
Oh my gosh, and this coconut cream?! SO freaking gorgeous, girl! Would you believe that I only recently fell in love with coconut whipped cream? I’m, uh, making up for lost time now by eating it pretty much 24/7. :)
Do it Sarah! You deserve it! Once I’m back from a vacation, and I’ve unpacked and done all the laundry, I have a major lazy day.
I love making coconut whipped cream. I do it all the time for my mom, who can’t have dairy anymore. But yeah, when a can doesn’t work it’s such a bummer. I never understand it!
This is perfect for non dairy eaters! And dud cans are the worst. Which is why I love Trader Joe’s coconut cream. Works like a charm every time!
The best brand of coconut milk for making coconut whipped cream is the 365 brand from Whole Foods. I’ve never had a dud can from that brand. I’ve never tried it with the coconut cream though, that sounds like it would be easier!
Oooh, I’m going to have to pick up some of the Whole Foods brand coconut milk right away and give it a try!
I just LOVE whipped coconut cream! I always stash a couple cans in the fridge just in case I get a dud. This is such an awesome tutorial!
Thanks Ashley! You’re just like me, I have 1 can in the fridge at all times, and about 6 cans in my pantry. Just in case I get the craving for some coconut whipped cream and berries, which I do a lot : )
I think I need to make time for a lazy day! My to do list is never-ending, but it’s always going to be that way so I might as well put it off for another day, right?
This coconut cream looks so light and creamy! What a perfect, lighter option for when a sweets craving hits.
Love how super easy this is! I will be at TJ’s tonight and I am definitely keeping an eye out for that coconut cream. How great that you are in the garden in March! My yard is still covered with snow- but my garden is under there somewhere :)
i want to say this looks sexy. its such a gorgeous whipping!
I am the exact same way, Natalie! I’ve been wanting to try coconut whipped cream, but haven’t yet. I really don’t have an excuse not to because this looks so easy! Love this!
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Natalie, you have me cracking up over here! I totally relate to the two modes thing. Why is it that I really always give in to the lazy one though?! This coconut whip cream is gorgeous!! Pinned!
I’m getting married and looking for a paleo icing I can decorate the cake with and leave out…how does this work at room temperature???
Hi Julia. Congratulations on your wedding! This coconut whipped cream does great at room temperature. I’ve used it to top cupcakes and it stays put wonderfully. I haven’t tried this in really hot temperatures though. But if it’s room temperature it will work great!
Just curious, am I the only one (besides my partner) who think the whipped cream looks a little bit like a vagina?
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Hi Natalie,
I read that you should chill the can of coconut milk in the refrigerator over night. I have tried this twice & neither can would whip, can this be why? Thank you
Hi,
Thank you for this Amazing recipe it is utterly Delish!!
Just wondering if there is anything I can do with the remaining coconut milk?
You mean the leftover coconut water? Yes! Add it to smoothies, or just drink it straight. Coconut water is extra hydrating.
Whipped up perfect! Thanks!
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Hurray! So glad Jamie! Thanks for letting me know you liked my recipe : )
Hi there! Would you mind giving me some help? I can’t get my coconut cream to form peaks. I have followed this to a T with different brands and it still will not get fluffy. Any suggestions? Thanks for the help!
Hi Jenna,
Oh no! So sorry you’re having issues with it!
I’m so bummed Trader Joe’s stopped making their coconut cream in the brown can that I show photographed in this recipe. That was the easiest one to whip up. But they took out the guar gum, so it is healthier. I’ve started using the new Organic Trader Joe’s Coconut Milk (not the coconut cream). I refrigerate it overnight, drain out the water, and whip up the solids.
Other tips that really help:
-Have your bowl and whisk super cold, helps the peaks get firmer.
-Make sure you refrigerate the coconut milk/cream. This makes it much easier to separate the solids from the coconut water liquids.
-Get a really good separation of the coconut milk/cream from the liquid. Too much liquid and it won’t firm up
Hope one of these help! Even if it’s not super stiff peaks, it still tastes delicious with medium or soft peaks. Just not the best for decorating cupcakes or something.