How to Bake With Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is made from soaking shredded coconut in water and straining through a cheesecloth to separate. Coconut milk is commonly used in Asian and tropical recipes and drinks. For recipes that call for milk or cream, you can substitute coconut milk. Using coconut milk is an option when cooking for someone lactose intolerant. It is also an option for those seeking to impart a coconut flavor to baked goods and cream sauces. Because of the coconut flavor, substituting coconut milk in all recipes is not feasible.

A small cup of coconut milk. (Image: nata_vkusidey/iStock/Getty Images)

Step 1

Read the baking recipe to see what type of milk is required: light cream, heavy cream or milk.

Step 2

Choose light coconut milk to substitute for light cream or milk. For heavy cream -- or just a bolder flavor when milk is required -- choose full-fat coconut milk.

Step 3

Substitute coconut milk in equal parts in the baking recipe. If the recipe calls for 1 cup of milk or cream, use 1 cup of coconut milk.