What can I use instead of Coconut milk?

Heavy cream + coconut extract: 3/4 cup heavy cream + 1/4 cup milk + 1/4 tsp coconut extract. Light coconut milk: 1 cup light coconut milk + 1 tsp oil if richness matters.

What changes when you substitute Coconut milk?

Dairy; less coconut flavor. Thinner.

Substitute for Coconut milk

What it does in a recipe: Rich, creamy dairy-free base for curries, stews, and desserts.

2 substitutes, ranked by what's already in your pantry. Amounts are dataset values — US and metric where a ratio exists.

Heavy cream + coconut extract

per 1 cup coconut milk

US3/4 cup heavy cream + 1/4 cup milk + 1/4 tsp coconut extract

Metric180 ml heavy cream + 60 ml milk + 1 g coconut extract

CommonBaking-safe ✓Gluten-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-freeContains alcoholContains dairy

Cream matches the richness.

What changes: Dairy; less coconut flavor

Best for: Curries, desserts

Light coconut milk

per 1 cup regular coconut milk

US1 cup light coconut milk + 1 tsp oil if richness matters

Metric240 ml + 5 ml

CommonBaking-safe ✓VeganDairy-freeGluten-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-freeAlcohol-free

Less fat; add oil for body.

What changes: Thinner

Best for: Soups

Related swaps

Common questions

What can I use instead of Coconut milk?: Heavy cream + coconut extract: 3/4 cup heavy cream + 1/4 cup milk + 1/4 tsp coconut extract. Light coconut milk: 1 cup light coconut milk + 1 tsp oil if richness matters.
What is the exact ratio to substitute Coconut milk?: Heavy cream + coconut extract (per 1 cup coconut milk) — US: 3/4 cup heavy cream + 1/4 cup milk + 1/4 tsp coconut extract. Metric: 180 ml heavy cream + 60 ml milk + 1 g coconut extract.
What changes when you substitute Coconut milk?: Dairy; less coconut flavor. Thinner.

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