Get ready to whip up a sauce that totally steals the show no matter how you use it! Creamy, buttery, and kissed with coconut, this easy Coconut Syrup is the ultimate upgrade for everything from pancakes to ice cream.
What to Grab at the Store
These simple ingredients are all you need to make this coconut syrup that adds tropical flair to any dish! A full list of ingredients with measurements is available in the printable recipe card below.
- Heavy Cream – Using cream creates the rich, velvety texture that makes this sauce so luscious.
- Light Coconut Milk – Coconut milk gives this sauce its signature flavor. Be sure to shake the can before opening!
- Cornstarch (Optional) – If you want a slightly thicker sauce, this is your go-to thickening agent.
- Sugar – Granulated sugar sweetens everything up!
- Butter – Butter adds richness and makes the syrup super smooth..
- Vanilla Extract – Vanilla brings out all the flavors and gives the sauce its warm aroma. Have a few extra minutes? Make your own extract to keep around for all
- Baking Soda – The baking soda reacts with the other ingredients to create the perfect silky-smooth texture.
- Shredded Sweetened Coconut – Round out the flavor with an extra pop of coconut goodness.
Time to Make the Magic Happen
This coconut syrup recipe is as easy as it gets! No fancy techniques — just a little stirring and a whole lot of flavor payoff.
- Whisk the Base. Add the heavy cream and coconut milk to a large saucepan and stir them together. If you’re using cornstarch, add it in and whisk until smooth.
- Sweeten It Up. Lower the heat and add the sugar, butter, and vanilla extract. Stir frequently.
- Finish Strong. Once the sugar dissolves, take the pan off of the stove. Add the baking soda and shredded coconut and stir well. Serve the syrup immediately, or let it cool slightly before serving.
5S Philosophy 👩🏻🍳
- Salt – Even though there’s no added salt here, the butter does a great job balancing out the sweetness. If you’re using unsalted butter, you can toss in a pinch of salt to enhance the overall flavor if you like.
- Sauces – This sauce is thick enough to coat a spoon but still drizzles beautifully. Want it thinner? Skip the cornstarch. Need it thicker? Let it simmer a bit longer.
- Swaps – No heavy cream? Half-and-half works in a pinch. You can also swap the light coconut milk for full-fat coconut milk.
- Senses – The second this sauce hits the pan, it fills the kitchen with the warm, buttery scent of coconut and vanilla. It’s rich, velvety, and has just the right amount of sweetness!
What Completes the Meal
This coconut syrup deserves a starring role, so let’s talk pairings! Drizzle it over pbuttermilk pancakes, coconut pancakes, waffles, or a French toast casserole for an instant upgrade. It also works wonders on ice cream, cake, and bread pudding.
You can also upgrade your beverages! Swirl it into dalgona coffee or hot chocolate for a creamy, coconutty twist.
Storage and Freezing
This sauce keeps well, so make a batch and enjoy it throughout the week! Whip up a batch in advance and store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to use it.
How to Store
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm it up before serving to bring back that silky texture.
Can I Freeze Coconut Syrup?
This sauce isn’t the best candidate for freezing, but if you do, store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Commonly Asked Questions
Absolutely! If you prefer less sweetness, unsweetened shredded coconut works just fine. You might want to add a little extra sugar to balance it out.
A quick zap in the microwave or a few minutes on the stovetop over low heat will bring it right back to life. Stir well before serving.
Yes! Drizzle it over cakes or mix it into frosting for an extra coconut boost. It also makes a great filling for pastries.
More Sweet Sauces
Searching for more ways to add flavor to all sorts of dishes? Check out these ways to sweeten up your day!
Coconut Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup light coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch , optional
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ cup shredded sweetened coconut
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup light coconut milk with the 1 tablespoon cornstarch, if using.
- When smooth, reduce the heat to low and whisk in the 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue to heat until sugar dissolves, approximately 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ¼ cup shredded sweetened coconut. Use immediately.
- If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.
Notes
Nutrition
