How to make dairy-free coconut whipped cream

Vegan and non-dairy eaters have a wonderful [not-so-secret] secret: They know how to make luscious whipped cream using coconut milk that tastes just as delicious as the original. You can use the creamy and flavorful topping any way that you would the regular stuff, including on pies, cakes, fruit, waffles, coffee — you name it. With a few pro tips and the dairy-free whipped cream recipe that I share below, making it is foolproof.

And you don’t have to be vegan or dairy-free to love this creamy topping; my family is neither and they all asked for seconds!

Top: Vegan Strawberry Shortcake with Coconut Cream | Gimme Some Oven

Dairy-free coconut whipped cream: What you’ll need

Here’s what you’ll need to make dairy-free coconut whipped cream like the one by Minimalist Baker.

– Full-fat coconut milk, without guar gum or fillers
– Sweetener; I recommend granulated or confectioners’ sugar
– Vanilla, optional though I love the subtle flavor it adds

– Metal bowl, ideally stainless steel
– Stand mixer or electric beater

Dairy-free coconut whipped cream: How to make it

Many of the web’s culinary experts share step-by-step instructions for how to whip up this coconut delight, but I’ve had success using this guide on How to Make Coconut Cream at Minimalist Baker. Head over to Dana’s site for recipe details and her always-appreciated notes.

As I said, it’s super easy to make, but there are a couple of tricks you should know. First, don’t shake or mix that full-fat can of coconut milk. You want to make sure the hardened bit of coconut cream stays intact; this is the base of your whipped cream. It’s also why chilling the coconut milk is so important. In fact, before you get started, read the first step of Dana’s recipe: It’s key and impacts your timing.

I personally feel an electric beater is best. Some tough gals use a regular whisk, but I find you get a loftier result using electric.

Use the coconut whipped cream right away; it will melt if left sitting out too long.

Dairy-free coconut whipped cream: How to serve it

If you’re looking for an easy, sunny-weather dessert to pair with your coconut whipped cream, you have to try the Vegan Strawberry Shortcake with Coconut Cream (above & very top) at Gimme Some Oven. Folks, these coconut biscuits are made with four ingredients and are a dream when paired with strawberries and coconut whipped cream.

In fact, BRB…