What is Coconut Butter
Coconut butter is made from the whole raw flesh of coconuts before being dehydrated at minimal heat and ground into a delicious and creamy paste. Coconut butter has a smooth texture and a rich coconut flavour, providing all the essential nutrients of the coconut. It is rich in healthy fats, fibre and minerals.
How to Prepare the Coconut Butter
When at room temperature, coconut butter is usually in a solid form and may have a layer of coconut oil on the top, as the flesh and the oil tend to separate. To get the wholesome texture, taste and health benefits of coconut butter, make sure the coconut oil and the coconut flesh are well mixed together. Make sure you heat up the coconut butter first by placing the jar in boiling water. Wait a few minutes and carefully stir the oil and coconut flesh together until you obtain a smooth, creamy and homogeneous consistency.
10 Ways to Use Coconut Butter
There are so many ways to consume coconut butter and enjoy its delicious taste and amazing health benefits. Coconut butter is an excellent replacement for dairy butter, nut butters and any other vegetable oils when baking. It is a must in the kitchen if you are a vegan foodie because of its delicious taste and versatility.
Once you have a scoop of it, you won’t be able to stop!
1. Straight from the jar
Nothing better than a big spoonful of warm coconut butter straight from the jar! It will melt in your mouth and satisfy any mid day or evening craving.
2. Use in baking or raw treats
Coconut butter is a great substitute to any nut butter such as almond or peanut when making baked goodies or raw treats. Its consistency, taste and texture make for an excellent choice when making raw desserts. Here is one of our favourites: Raw Lemon & Coconut slice
3. Spread it over toast, baked loaf or dark chocolate…
Use as a spread over toasted bread or homemade baked loaf. The coconut butter will melt and the taste combination is absolutely divine! Also try spreading coconut butter over dark chocolate…the popular combination of sweet and bitter is beautifully expressed here as they both melt together.
4. Stuff in dates
This is a delicious and original tapas idea to serve with nuts, vegan dips and cheeses. Cut a bunch of fresh dates in half, remove the pip and fill with lightly warm coconut butter. It taste absolutely AMAZING!
5. Put it over your curry
One for the savoury lovers! Coconut butter is actually delicious when added to your favorite curry. It counteracts the punch and spiciness of the dish and still mixes well with the flavours (as most curries are made with coconut milk). Scoop a dollop over your curry and let it melt before devouring it!
6. Make your own vegan cake frosting or icing
Most icing and frosting recipes traditionally require butter, milk and sugar. One of the most delicious and simple frostings you can make is by simply hand mixing coconut butter with coconut nectar. The butter will slowly harden and make up for a perfect thick, nutritious and tasty frosting! If you wish to make a light icing, simply heat up coconut butter and use as it is! Spread over your vegan cinnamon rolls and donuts.
7. Put it over your hot porridge
An all-time favourite for winter and a great way to add healthy fats to your breakfast. Simply scoop a generous tablespoon (or two) of coconut butter into your warm porridge and let it melt before stirring through. Finish up with a drizzle of coconut nectar and you are in heaven. The healthy fats and protein contained in the coconut butter will also further help slow down glucose absorption.
8. Add to your smoothie
Like any other nut butters, you can use coconut butter in your smoothies. In addition to increasing your intake of healthy fats, fibre and minerals, the coconut butter will also give your smoothie a thicker and creamier texture and a delicious taste! Simply add 1 or 2 tbs to your favourite smoothie. Perfect for a pre or post workout snack, as the oil contained in the butter will provide you with quick and clean energy and aid in muscle recovery.
9. Put over roasted squash or sweet potato
Another one for the savoury lovers out there – if you are looking a different type of dressing on your roasted veggies, look no further; coconut butter is the winner! Toss a little coconut oil over diced pumpkin, squash and sweet potato and roast in the oven. When ready, immediately drizzle coconut butter over the roasted veggies. The butter will melt and the combination of texture and taste is divine!
10. Make homemade vegan ice cream or fruit dip
Who doesn’t like ice cream? And lately there seems to be a crazy about "nice-cream". To add a little more creaminess and taste to your favorite vegan ice cream, add coconut butter. It complements the taste of coconut milk quite well and is also delicious with banana.
