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Home » Recipes » Condiments

Toasted Coconut Syrup

Published: Jun 12, 2024 by Kate Hackworthy · 5 Comments

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Glass bottle of syrup, and ingredients on a table, with text: Toasted Coconut Syrup.
Bottle of syrup on a wooden table, with text: Toasted Coconut Syrup.

This simple homemade Toasted Coconut Syrup recipe packs a big tropical flavor. It's easy to make and you only need shredded coconut, sugar and water. Perfect in drinks, on desserts or pancakes!

Toasted coconut on a table, with a bottle of coconut syrup.

If you love the rich, nutty flavor of coconut, you're in for a treat.

This toasted coconut syrup is simple to make and full of flavor.

Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast, a coffee lover, or a dessert aficionado, this syrup will add a tropical twist to your favorite recipes.

It's easy to make and incredibly versatile, turning simple ingredients into a delicious syrup that can be used in countless ways. Plus, there's something magical about the aroma of toasted coconut that fills your kitchen as you prepare it.

This recipe has a beautiful strong coconut flavor, so you don't need to add coconut extract like some other recipes have. The secret lies in toasting the coconut to really bring out the flavor.

Whether you’re swirling it over desserts, stirring it into drinks, or drizzling it over pancakes, this syrup adds a special something to everything it touches.

Sure, you could buy toasted coconut syrup from Monin or Toriani, but it is so simple to make right at home!

Plus, this homemade toasted coconut simple syrup is easy, budget friendly and full of fresh flavor with no additives, colourings or unusual ingredients.

I love making flavored syrups to elevate our drinks, desserts and breakfast. Try fruity simple syrups like Raspberry Syrup, Blueberry Syrup, or Strawberry Syrup.

Or try herb and spice simple syrups like Chai Syrup, Lavender Syrup, or Mint Syrup!

Check out these Homemade Pancake Syrup Recipes!

Jump to:
  • Why You'll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • What is the difference between shaved coconut, shredded coconut and desiccated coconut?
  • Instructions
  • Variations
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Storage
  • Top tips
  • FAQs
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Versatility: This toasted coconut simple syrup can be used in drinks, desserts, and breakfast dishes.

Easy to Make: With just three ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and perfect for beginners.

Flavorful: The toasty, nutty flavor of the coconut combined with the sweetness of the syrup is simply irresistible.

Natural Ingredients: You control what goes into your syrup, ensuring it's free from preservatives and artificial flavors.

Great for Gifting: A bottle of homemade toasted coconut syrup makes a thoughtful and delicious gift.

Ingredients

  • Shredded Coconut: This is the star of the show. Toasting the coconut brings out its natural oils and intensifies its flavor. If you can't find shredded coconut, desiccated coconut will work, but you might need to adjust the toasting time.
  • White Sugar: This provides the sweetness and body to the syrup. Brown sugar or honey will also work but will affect the flavor - not necessarily a bad thing if you prefer those flavors!
  • Water: The base for dissolving the sugar and infusing the coconut.

See the recipe card for quantities.

What is the difference between shaved coconut, shredded coconut and desiccated coconut?

  • Shaved Coconut: Large, thin pieces; retains more moisture; used as a topping or garnish.
  • Shredded Coconut: Grated into thin strips; slightly chewy; used in baking and as a topping.
  • Desiccated Coconut: Finely ground; very dry; used in baking and cooking where a finer texture is desired.

Each type of coconut adds a unique texture and flavor to dishes, so choosing the right one depends on the specific needs of your recipe.

All of the varieties will work for this syrup, but you'll need to adjust the toasting times. I prefer to use shredded for the syrup.

Instructions

Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.

Toasting shredded coconut in a frying pan on the stove.

Add the coconut to a dry pan over a low heat and toast, stirring often, for 3 minutes or until it begins to turn golden brown and fragrant.

Pot with water, sugar and toasted shredded coconut.

Add the toasted coconut to a saucepan along with the sugar and water.

Simmering toasted coconut syrup.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.

Simmered toasted coconut syrup.

Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool and infuse for 30 minutes.

Pressing the syrup through a sieve to extract the toasted coconut.

Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl, then pour in the coconut syrup to remove the coconut. (Don’t throw away the coconut - it’s delicious served over vanilla ice cream!)

Coconut oil formed on the syrup.

Allow the syrup to cool, then place the bowl into the refrigerator for a few hours. The natural coconut oil may solidify on top, so scrape it off and discard. 

Pour into a bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

TIP: You can use the toasted coconut syrup before the oil solidifies, but don’t pour it into a thin-necked bottle until after that stage or it will be difficult to remove it.

Bottle of toasted coconut syrup on a wooden table.

Variations

Vanilla Coconut Syrup: Add a splash of vanilla extract after straining the coconut for a rich, aromatic twist.

Coconut-Lime Syrup: Add a few strips of lime zest to the saucepan for a zesty, tropical flavor.

Spiced Coconut Syrup: Add a cinnamon stick and a few cloves during the simmering process for a warm, spiced version.

Serving Suggestions

  • Cocktails: Perfect for tiki drinks, daiquiris, or adding a tropical twist to your favorite cocktail.
  • Coffee: Stir into your morning coffee for a sweet, nutty flavor. I love it in an iced latte! It's also great in a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino.
  • Pancakes and Waffles: Drizzle over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a decadent breakfast. Make a few syrups for a pancake bar or breakfast buffet! Try Honey Syrup, Blackberry Syrup, and Coffee Syrup.
  • Desserts: Use as a topping for ice cream, cakes, or puddings. It's incredible on Coconut Bread!
  • Smoothies: Add a spoonful to your smoothie for an extra layer of flavor. Try it in a Mango Pineapple Smoothie.

Storage

Store: Store the toasted coconut syrup in an airtight bottle or jar in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to one month.

Top tips

  • Toasting the Coconut: Keep an eye on the coconut while toasting. It can go from golden brown to burnt quickly. Stir frequently to ensure even toasting.
  • Straining the Syrup: Use a fine mesh sieve to remove the coconut pieces. If you want an even clearer syrup, you can strain it a second time through a cheesecloth.
  • Cooling Time: Allow the syrup to cool completely before transferring it to a bottle. This helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  • Bottle of cherry simple syrup on a wooden table.
    Cherry Syrup
  • Close up of a bottle of lemon simple syrup on a wooden table, next to cut lemons.
    Lemon Syrup
  • A wooden table with a bottle of lavender simple syrup.
    Easy Lavender Syrup
  • Bottle of fresh peach syrup next to peaches and waffles.
    Easy Peach Syrup

FAQs

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut?

Yes, but it will make the syrup sweeter. You might want to reduce the amount of sugar if you prefer a less sweet syrup.

What should I do with the leftover toasted coconut after straining it out of the syrup?

Don’t throw it away! Use it as a topping for ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal. It’s delicious.

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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ If you love this recipe, please leave a five-star rating and review in the comments below! And if you make any modifications, let us know how it went so that we can all benefit from your experience. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe

Bottle of toasted coconut syrup on a wooden table.

Toasted Coconut Syrup

Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
Homemade Toasted Coconut Syrup is simple to make and you only need shredded coconut, sugar and water. For drinks, desserts or pancakes!
5 from 5 votes
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Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Condiments
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 122 kcal

Equipment

  • Frying pan
  • Saucepan
  • Fine mesh sieve

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup shredded coconut 100g
  • 1 cup white sugar 200g
  • 1 cup water 235ml

Instructions
 

  • Add the coconut to a dry pan over a low heat and toast, stirring often, for 3 minutes or until it begins to turn golden brown and fragrant.
  • Add the toasted coconut to a saucepan along with the sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool and infuse for 30 minutes.
  • Place a fine mesh sieve over a bowl, then pour in the coconut syrup to remove the coconut. (Don’t throw away the coconut - it’s delicious served over vanilla ice cream!)
  • Place the bowl into the refrigerator for a few hours. The natural coconut oil may solidify on top, so scrape it off and discard.
  • Pour into a bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
  • TIP: You can use the toasted coconut syrup before the oil solidifies, but don’t pour it into a thin-necked bottle until after that stage or it will be difficult to remove it.

Notes

The nutritional facts include the shredded coconut that gets strained out.

Nutrition

Calories: 122kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 0.3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.03gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 25mgPotassium: 31mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 24gVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.2mg

The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

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Comments

    5 from 5 votes

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Beth

    August 01, 2024 at 6:08 pm

    5 stars
    Ooh. I am so glad I spotted this on Pinterest!! I've already had it with oatmeal and French toast! Going to make iced lattes to try it in for the weekend!

    Reply
  2. Savanahh

    July 02, 2024 at 6:44 pm

    5 stars
    Wow - I want to put this on everything! I love coconut and the only thing better is toasted coconut - this tasted heavenly to me! I made it to add to my morning latte (because I was spending too much on store boutght coconut syrup) and I'm so glad I did. The coconut taste is stronger and more 'real'. I've also had it on vanilla ice cream (OMG Good!). I made a batch of overnight oats so I can use some on that in the morning! Love this stuff!

    Reply
  3. Charmana

    June 27, 2024 at 5:07 pm

    5 stars
    I've had a jar of desiccated coconut in the pantry for a while and needed to use it up. I toasted it (didn't take long) and it sort of 'came back to life'! I was worried that it was too old and dried to add much flavor to the syrup, but thought I'd give it a try. It was amazing!! The taste was nice and powerful. I'll try it again with fresher shredded coconut to see if there's much difference.
    I made your pineapple compote so we had tropical pancakes with the compote and coconut syrup. AMAZING!!

    Reply
  4. Ashley

    June 12, 2024 at 6:17 pm

    5 stars
    I can't tell you how excited I am to try this recipe! I'm a coco- "nut" (pun intended), and this syrup is going to be so great to soak the layers of the coconut cake I always make. I know it'll take it to a whole new level.

    Reply
  5. Justine

    June 12, 2024 at 5:47 pm

    5 stars
    I've been obsessed with coconut syrup lately, but TOASTED coconut syrup - oh my, this is even BETTER!

    Reply

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Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. Here you'll find vegetarian recipes and vegan recipes celebrating vegetables, from dinner to dessert! If you love vegetables, you've come to the right place. About Me

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