Understanding the Core Difference
At first glance, the names "coconut cream" and "cream of coconut" are confusingly similar, yet they are not interchangeable ingredients. The primary and most important distinction lies in their sweetness. Coconut cream is unsweetened, whereas cream of coconut contains a large amount of added sugar. This fundamental difference dictates their uses in the kitchen, from savory curries to sweet cocktails.
What is Coconut Cream?
Coconut cream is essentially a thicker, richer, and higher-fat version of coconut milk. It is made by blending coconut meat with a smaller amount of water compared to coconut milk. When canned full-fat coconut milk sits, the high-fat cream rises and solidifies at the top, which can be skimmed off and used as coconut cream. It has a consistency similar to dairy heavy cream and is typically unsweetened, though its flavor is distinctly coconutty.
- Culinary Applications: Coconut cream is highly versatile and used for both savory and sweet dishes. It's an excellent addition to Thai curries, rich sauces, and creamy soups to add body and depth of flavor without sweetness. For desserts, chilled coconut cream can be whipped into a light and fluffy dairy-free topping, used as a base for ice cream, or added to baked goods for extra richness.
What is Cream of Coconut?
Cream of coconut is a processed and heavily sweetened product, often with added stabilizers. It is essentially coconut cream that has been mixed with sugar to create a thick, syrupy liquid. Popular brands include Coco López and Coco Reàl, and it is most famous as the key ingredient in a piña colada.
- Culinary Applications: Due to its high sugar content, cream of coconut is primarily used in sweet applications. It is not suitable for savory cooking, as the sweetness would overpower the dish.
Common uses include:
- Cocktails: The essential ingredient for tropical drinks like piña coladas and coquito.
- Desserts: Used as a sweet topping, a filling, or an ingredient in sweet baking to add a rich, tropical flavor.
A Detailed Comparison: Cream of Coconut vs. Coconut Cream
| Characteristic | Coconut Cream | Cream of Coconut |
|---|---|---|
| Sweetness | Unsweetened | Very sweet, high sugar content |
| Texture/Consistency | Thick, rich, and viscous; solidifies when chilled (like heavy cream) | Thick, syrupy, and smooth (like sweetened condensed milk) |
| Key Ingredients | Coconut meat and water | Coconut cream and added sugar |
| Primary Use | Savory cooking (curries, soups), sauces, desserts (dairy-free whipped cream, ice cream base) | Sweet cocktails (piña colada), desserts, toppings |
| Example Recipes | Thai Green Curry, Vegan Whipped Topping, Coconut Mousse | Piña Colada, Coconut Cream Pie Topping |
| Store Location | Canned goods aisle, often with coconut milk | Mixer aisle (often near drink syrups) or liquor store |
Why You Can't Substitute Them Directly
Substituting cream of coconut for coconut cream will introduce an overwhelming amount of sweetness to a savory dish, completely altering its flavor. For example, adding cream of coconut to a curry would result in a dessert-like, sugary meal instead of a balanced savory dish. Conversely, using unsweetened coconut cream in a piña colada would make the drink watery and bland, lacking its signature tropical sweetness. While you can potentially use coconut cream and add a sweetener to approximate cream of coconut, a direct swap is not recommended.
How to Make Your Own Coconut Cream
If you have a can of full-fat coconut milk but need coconut cream, you can easily create your own.
- Chill the can: Place an unopened can of full-fat coconut milk in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight without shaking it.
- Separate the cream: The cold temperature will cause the thick, solid coconut cream to rise and separate from the thinner coconut water at the bottom.
- Scoop it out: Carefully open the can and scoop out the hardened cream from the top. The remaining coconut water can be used for another purpose, like in smoothies.
How to Identify the Right Product at the Store
To ensure you pick up the correct ingredient, always read the product label carefully. While brands like Coco López are obvious indicators of cream of coconut due to their tropical cocktail focus, the ingredients list is the most reliable source of information. Look for added sugars in cream of coconut, which will be listed right after the coconut ingredients. The product's consistency can also be a clue—cream of coconut is a pourable syrup, while coconut cream is thick and viscous, sometimes even solid when cold. For example, Epicurious offers an excellent guide on reading labels for different coconut products.
Conclusion
Cream of coconut and coconut cream are two distinct, non-interchangeable products, despite their confusing names. The difference in sweetness and consistency dictates their use in the kitchen, from tropical cocktails and desserts for the sugary cream of coconut to savory curries and sauces for the unsweetened coconut cream. Always read the label to ensure you have the right product for your recipe to achieve the desired outcome.
Reference: Epicurious provides further insights into the distinctions and uses of coconut products.
