17 Best Coconut Milk Desserts We Adore

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, creamy, and wonderfully light, these delicious and easy coconut milk desserts are sure to hit the spot.

From traditional Filipino and Thai recipes to good ol’ pumpkin pie, these desserts are sure to be a hit at any party or midnight trip to the kitchen.

Coconut milk is a fantastic dairy substitute. And it’s especially yummy in cakes and treats because it’s sweet without overpowering.

Plus, it’s even better if you’re after a hint of tropical goodness.

That said, only a few of these coconut milk desserts taste nutty. Instead, they’re chocolatey, fruity, and simply to die for.

15+ Easy Desserts with Coconut Milk

1. Cassava Cake

Made from grated cassava, a tropical root vegetable, this dessert originates in the Philippines.

It’s delicious and easy to make, and the custard topping is by far the best part. It’s so rich and creamy, you’ll want to eat it right from the bowl. 

Cassava cake is also really versatile. So, make it for your next book club, family dinner, or BBQ.

It’ll be gobbled up in no time!

2. Vegan Chocolate Mousse

One bite of this dreamy mousse and nobody will believe it’s vegan. It’s crazy-decadent, wonderfully creamy, and way too chocolatey to be dairy-free.

But I promise it is! 

You’ll only need a few simple ingredients and a few minutes to make this. But it tastes like you slaved away for hours.

Oh, and you can even customize it. Add peanut butter or banana for a fun flavor twist!

3. Puto (Filipino Steamed Rice Cakes)

This Filipino classic is light, airy, and perfectly sweetened. 

However, although these rice cakes are considered dessert, they’re not super sweet. That means you’ll often find them served with savory dishes too.

In truth, the subtle flavors allow for so many topping options. So make a big batch and go wild!

They’re best when served immediately while they’re at their fluffiest. 

4. Coconut Lemon Pound Cake

Coconut and lemon pound cake is the light and fluffy dessert you never knew you needed.

It’s zesty and bright with incredible texture. Plus, it’s covered in a fantastic coconut glaze that adds the perfect amount of sweetness. 

This recipe includes instructions for the reverse creaming method. The result is a lighter cake with a tender crumb that’s divine. 

5. Ginataang Mais (Filipino Coconut Rice Pudding with Corn)

Ginataang mais is a unique dessert that’s surprisingly delicious. It’s essentially a sweet Filipino rice pudding with a lovely texture.

Usually served warm, you’ll love the blend of coconut milk and corn. They create a comforting treat that’s perfect as a dessert or snack after a long day. 

6. Chia Coconut Pudding

Most people eat chia pudding as a healthy breakfast. But this coconut version is so sweet and creamy, you’ll crave it for dessert too.

It’s easy to make but needs at least 8 hours in the fridge, so plan ahead.

Keep it simple with the recipe as is, or go ahead and make it your own. I like chopped mango on top!

7. Snickerdoodle Hummus

Sweet hummus (aka dessert hummus) is trending right now, and for good reason!

Trust me, this recipe is fantastic and the only hummus you’ll ever crave again. 

The flavors of snickerdoodle cookie dough are delicious. Meanwhile, the texture is on point.

I love that you can keep this super healthy and use it as a fruit dip or go all out and dunk some cinnamon cookies into it.

Either way, you’re in for a treat! 

8. Dairy-Free Pumpkin Pie

If you’re vegan or have a dairy allergy, you’ll want to bookmark this recipe for the holidays.

This homemade, dairy-free pumpkin pie is simply spectacular. It’s creamy, sweet, and perfectly spiced. 

In fact, I think you’ll love this recipe so much, you won’t even need to make two pies. Everybody will want seconds- vegan or not!

9. Ginataang Bilo Bilo (Glutinous Rice Balls in Coconut Milk)

Ginataang bilo bilo is a unique Filipino recipe with a beautiful medley of textures and flavors. 

It’s made with glutinous rice balls – the same rice used in mochi, so they have a similar texture. 

This coconut milk recipe also has plantains, sweet potatoes, and boba! Like I said: unique!

10. Healthy Paleo Ice Cream Sandwiches

Have you ever had a healthy ice cream sandwich? You’re about to!

Between the coconut milk, almond butter, eggs, carob powder, and dates, these babies are healthy and nutritious.

You’ll love the texture and natural sweetness. Oh, and they’re vegan and paleo-friendly!

11. Coconut Ice Cream with 3 ingredients

This homemade coconut ice cream only requires three ingredients, and you don’t even need an ice cream maker. 

Just mix coconut milk with your choice of nut butter and maple syrup.

Blend it all until super creamy, then get ready to wait. The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for it to freeze.

Once it’s done, you’ll have a delicious bowl of dreamy coconut ice cream.  

12. Flan de Coco (Coconut Flan)

What could be better than a silky smooth flan topped with a decadent caramel sauce?

This tropical coconut flan, of course!

Smooth, creamy, and full of flavor, this dessert is a rich and tropical treat your family and friends will go coco-nuts for.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s beautiful too. I highly recommend this dessert for your next party or holiday. 

13. Royal Bibingka

Royal bibingka is another fantastic Filipino dessert you need to try asap.

It’s a type of rice cake that’s traditionally served around the holidays. Since it’s made with glutinous rice, it has a chewy texture that’s soft, sweet, and cheesy. 

If you like mochi, this cake is worth a try. It may just be your new holiday fave. 

14. Maja Blanca (Coconut Milk Pudding with Corn)

This quick and easy coconut milk pudding is perfect for any occasion. It’s soft and creamy with fantastic flavor. 

Apart from the taste, I adore the texture of this treat. It’s so light, and the corn gives it a sweet, delicious pop!

The toasted coconut on top isn’t traditional, but it’s a fabulous way to finish it. 

15. Thai Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango

This traditional Thai dessert is made with fresh mango and coconut milk sticky rice. 

It’s super easy to make too. Just combine sticky rice with sweet coconut milk and then top it with fruity, tropical mango. 

How easy is that?

16. Sapin-Sapin

Sapin-sapin is a colorful and flavorful dessert the kids will go wild over. Each color has a different flavor, making it fun, exciting, and vibrant.

Between the coconut, ube, and jackfruit, it’s chewy, sweet, and delectable.

17. Ube Halaya Recipe (Purple Yam Jam)

Ube halaya is as gorgeous in color as it is in taste.

Rich and creamy with plenty of purple yams, it’s a must-make this summer.

It’s also topped with a delicious coconut layer called “latik.” Every bite is bursting with flavor, and it’s definitely one for the ‘gram!