Coconut Cream Vegan Cool Whip

Follow this easy vegan whipped cream recipe for a healthy alternative to cool whip - only 3 ingredients are needed!

This whipped cream recipe is just as creamy as the store-bought cool whip but instead, it is completely dairy-free and is made from coconut cream.

This homemade vegan cool whip recipe is the perfect creamy topping for any dessert and takes just minutes to whip up.

Not only is it just as creamy, and rich as whipped cream, but it's also vegan-friendly, dairy-free, and free of any artificial ingredients.

Plus, it's the easiest vegan whipped cream recipe you'll ever find! You'll be making vegan cool whip in no time with just a few simple ingredients.

Jump to:

• Coconut Milk vs Coconut Cream
• Ingredients
• Buying Coconut Cream
• Best Brands
• Floral Whipped Cream
• Instructions
• Storage
• Serving Suggestions
• Tip
• FAQ
• Recipe

Coconut Milk vs Coconut Cream

In both coconut milk and coconut cream you will find coconut (referring to the flesh of the coconut) and water. The major difference between them is the ratio of coconut to water.

Coconut milk is going to have more water content than coconut cream, making it a thinner consistency, and depending on the brand may contain a thickening agent like guar gum. Coconut milk is thick and creamy similar to cow's milk, but the thickness can vary greatly depending on the brand.

Canned versions can come in lite or regular and this is referring to the creaminess and thickness.

Coconut cream is much thicker than coconut milk and contains more of the flesh from the coconut and less water because of this it will have a higher fat content than coconut milk. Coconut cream is similar to heavy whipping cream and can be used as a dairy-free substitute in recipes that require heavy cream.

Coconut cream is most commonly found packaged in a can.

Ingredients

Making coconut whipped cream is super easy and only takes a few ingredients, here is what you will need:

Coconut Cream - Typically homemade whipped cream is made with heavy whipping cream from cow's milk, but to make this vegan version we swap it out for coconut cream. It is important to get a good quality coconut cream, make sure to check the ingredients - see our tips below.

Sweetener - This recipe can be made without sweetener and is a good call if paring with a sweeter dessert but if opting to sweeten you can use your sweetener of choice. We prefer minimally processed sugars like date paste, date syrup, agave syrup, or maple syrup. But if you use too much liquid this can weigh down the whipped cream. If looking for some extra sweetness you can use powdered stevia or powdered sugar.

Vanilla - Adding vanilla extract or vanilla seeds enhances the flavor. For other flavor, enhancements see our floral additions below.

Equipment - To make this recipe you will need a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Buying Coconut Cream

When buying coconut cream, it is typically canned and in the baking section at the grocery store.

It is important to pick out a good quality coconut cream. The quality can affect the thickness, texture, and taste of the final output.

Check the label, the main ingredient should be simply coconut, then water.

Not always, but sometimes labels will mention the percentage of coconut, look for a high, full-fat coconut cream, ideally 70% or more.

Avoid coconut milk if possible, it is too risky and will most likely result in frustration. It is just not worth it if you can purchase a good quality coconut cream.

Many coconut cream and milk brands have guar gum in them which is a thickening agent, this is pretty normal. Avoid brands that have anything more than coconut, water, and a thickening agent, especially brands with oil.

Some brands are labeled coconut heavy whipping cream but may have additives or come already sweetened. So adjust the sweetener and vanilla to taste when buying brands like these.

All this said sometimes you find a brand you really like and can still get a "defective" can.

Best Brands

Here are some of the best coconut creams by brands that we have tried and got good results from.

• Let's Do...Organic - Heavy Coconut Cream
  • Ingredients: organic coconut, filtered water
• Thai Kitchen - Unsweetened Coconut Cream
  • Ingredients: coconut, water, guar gum
• Savoy - Coconut Cream
  • Ingredients: coconut extract 70%, water
• Sprouts - Coconut Cream
  • Ingredients: coconut, purified water, guar gum
  • Sprout's brand can also be purchased organic.
• Trader Joe's - Coconut Cream
  • Ingredients: coconut, water
  • Trader Joe's brand can also be purchased organic.

Floral Whipped Cream

Adding floral powders, like rose or lavender, can not only enhance and add a unique flavor but the addition also can add healing properties and adds a touch of beauty which is healing in its own way.

To make floral whipped cream you will want a finely ground powder. If you cannot find the powder you can grind up dried rose petals or dried lavender buds, either with a magic bullet or mortar and pestle.

Add the powder to the whipped cream starting with 1/2 teaspoon per can and add to taste. Make sure the powder is finely ground and use a sifter.

The rose whipped cream is a tasty treat on top of a mocha latte or healthy hot chocolate made with cacao powder.

Instructions

To make a homemade vegan cool whip from coconut cream, make sure to refrigerate the can of coconut cream overnight, but ideally for 24 hours.

If chilled properly, when you open the can you should see that the coconut cream hardened at the top, and the water should be sitting on the bottom of the can.

To keep everything chill, place the mixing bowl in the freezer prior to whipping up the coconut cream.

Storage

Store leftover whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. If needed whip again prior to use to re-fluff.

Serving Suggestions

Use this vegan whipped cream how you would use whipped cream made from dairy milk.

Use on all your favorite desserts recipes like pies and milkshakes, breakfast recipes like pancakes or waffles, or simply with fresh berries and chia pudding.

If using to top cupcakes or cakes make sure they are completely cooled before adding the whipped cream and keep them chilled or refrigerated until ready to eat or else the coconut whip will melt.

Tip

Do not skip this step! Refrigerate the can of coconut cream overnight (or longer) to ensure the separation of the coconut cream and water. I like to leave a couple of cans in my refrigerator for when the craving sets.

Do not try and shorten the refrigeration time by using the freezer.

Refrigeration separates the coconut cream from water - only use the cream, not the water.

Coconut cream softens at room temperature or liquefies when warmed or heated so make sure to keep whipped cream chill.

Not all brands and individual cans of coconut cream are created equally. Buy an extra can or two depending on how much you need and have it in the refrigerator as a backup.

FAQ

Recipe