Are Coconut Cream and Coconut Butter the Same?
Despite their similar names, coconut cream and coconut butter are fundamentally different products derived from the coconut. The main distinction lies in their composition: coconut cream is a liquid, similar to thick dairy cream, while coconut butter is a solid, spreadable paste. Understanding these differences is crucial for anyone following recipes or exploring plant-based alternatives in their diet. Coconut butter is essentially the whole coconut meat, including its oil and fiber, blended into a paste. In contrast, coconut cream is made by extracting the fatty liquid from coconut flesh, resulting in a dairy-free cream substitute.
How Coconut Cream is Made and Used
Coconut cream is produced by simmering shredded coconut meat in water and then straining it to separate the liquid. This process is similar to how coconut milk is made, but with a higher ratio of coconut to water, resulting in a higher fat content and thicker consistency. When a can of full-fat coconut milk is chilled, the thick, creamy layer that separates and rises to the top is coconut cream.
Here's a breakdown of its characteristics and uses:
- Ingredients: Coconut meat and water.
- Texture: Thick, rich, and creamy, similar to heavy dairy cream.
- Culinary Applications: Commonly used in curries, soups, sauces, and desserts. It's an excellent dairy-free alternative for making whipped cream, custards, and ice cream.
- Storage: After opening, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a week.
How Coconut Butter is Made and Used
Coconut butter, also known as creamed coconut or coconut manna, is made by grinding dried, unsweetened coconut meat until the heat and friction cause the natural oils to release and blend with the pulp. This creates a smooth, spreadable paste, much like a nut butter. Because it contains the entire coconut flesh, it retains the fiber and nutrients.
Here's a list of its qualities and applications:
- Ingredients: 100% dried, unsweetened coconut meat.
- Texture: A solid, spreadable consistency that hardens when cool and softens when warm. It can have a slightly grainy texture.
- Culinary Applications: Used as a spread on toast, added to smoothies for richness, and incorporated into baked goods, raw desserts, and sauces. It is not suitable for high-heat cooking like coconut oil.
- Storage: Stored at room temperature, it will become very hard and may require warming to soften before use.
A Comparative Table: Coconut Cream vs. Coconut Butter
To further clarify the differences, here is a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Coconut Cream | Coconut Butter (Creamed Coconut) |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Extracted fatty liquid from coconut meat; no solids. | Ground whole coconut meat, including fiber. |
| Texture | Thick, smooth, liquid cream. | Solid, spreadable paste that melts when heated. |
| Key Ingredient | Coconut meat and water. | Dried, unsweetened coconut meat. |
| Best For | Soups, curries, rich sauces, ice cream, whipped topping. | Spreads, frostings, energy bars, smoothies, baking. |
| Fiber Content | Minimal to none. | High fiber content. |
| Stability | Remains creamy at room temperature; can be whipped when chilled. | Hardens at room temperature; requires warming to melt. |
| Flavor Profile | Subtly sweet coconut flavor. | Rich, full coconut flavor with nutty notes. |
Can You Substitute One for the Other?
While they are both derived from coconuts, they cannot be directly substituted for one another in most recipes. Replacing coconut cream with coconut butter will result in a grainy, oily texture instead of a creamy one, and the resulting dish will be much thicker and denser than intended. Similarly, using coconut cream in a recipe that calls for coconut butter will not provide the solid structure or fiber needed. However, coconut butter can be mixed with water to create a homemade substitute for coconut milk or coconut cream. For example, a 5:2 ratio of warm water to coconut butter creates a coconut cream substitute. This makes coconut butter a versatile ingredient for those who like to make their own coconut products from scratch.
Which One is Healthier?
Both products are rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and offer health benefits. Coconut butter, however, is a whole food that retains the fiber and a wider spectrum of nutrients from the coconut meat. This fiber aids digestion and provides a feeling of fullness, which can assist with weight management. On the other hand, coconut cream, while also beneficial, has a higher water content and less fiber. The choice depends on your dietary goals and how you plan to use it.
How to Avoid Confusion at the Store
The easiest way to distinguish between these products is to check the ingredient list and the product's consistency. Coconut butter will list only one ingredient: coconut meat or dried coconut. Coconut cream will often be labeled as such, or you can get it by chilling a can of full-fat coconut milk and scooping the solid portion from the top. Always read the label to ensure you have the right product for your recipe, as the terms can sometimes be used interchangeably by different brands, particularly "creamed coconut" and "coconut butter".
Conclusion
In summary, the key difference between coconut cream and coconut butter comes down to their composition and texture. Coconut cream is a smooth, liquid fat extraction ideal for creating creamy, dairy-free sauces, soups, and desserts. Coconut butter is a solid, fibrous paste made from whole coconut meat, perfect for spreads, baking, and thickening dishes. Knowing this distinction is essential for achieving the desired outcome in your cooking and for correctly managing dietary requirements. While they are not direct substitutes, a single jar of coconut butter can be transformed into coconut milk or cream, offering a versatile pantry solution for those in the know. Understanding the unique properties of each will empower you to make more informed culinary choices. For more in-depth information on different coconut products, check out this guide from Delicious Obsessions on Cutting Through the Coconutty Confusion.
