Crema de Coco

cinnamoncoconut

Crema de Coco

Crema de Coco

Recipe Yield

8 to 10 servings

Cooking time

25 minutes

Rate this recipe

4.60 from 10 votes

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes or angel flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon fleur de sal or sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground canela or true cinnamon
  • 2 14-ounce cans coconut milk
  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup milk

To Prepare

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Spread the sweetened coconut flakes on a small baking sheet, sprinkle with the salt and cinnamon, and mix and spread again. Bake 7 to 8 minutes, or until the coconut flakes barely begin to toast (don't let them brown entirely). They should be slightly crisp and still chewy. Remove from the oven and immediately transfer to a small bowl.
  • Pour the coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk into a medium saucepan.
  • In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the regular milk and stir until completely dissolved. Pour it into the pan with the coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk.
  • Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture begins to simmer and thicken, about 8 to 10 minutes, until it coats the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from heat.
  • Immediately ladle into custard bowls or ramekins, sprinkle with the toasted coconut. Serve warm right away. Or serve cold later on by letting cool completely, then covering with plastic wrap and chilling in the refrigerator for a couple of hours.

Comments

127comments inCrema de Coco

  1. Barbara Hetzel

    Sep 13

    I love this recipe, it is SO good!! Saw this on one of your programs. Thank you for all the great recipes.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Sep 20

      My pleasure Barbara 🙂

  2. Maria

    Jul 22

    Ayyyy gracias Pati!!
    This looks delicioso 😋
    I love your recipes and your show!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Nov 06

      Thanks so very much Maria, un abrazo grande!

  3. Renee Blanchette

    Jul 21

    Just started watching your show and I am now an avid fan. Just signed up for your news letter. Being Portuguese and French I adore Mexican cuisine. Thank you.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 27

      Thanks so much Renee, welcome!

  4. Nelsa

    Nov 21

    DELICIOSO!! So easy to make such a great dessert. My family LOVED IT!! Gracias

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 01

      Yay, happy to hear!

  5. Sylvia

    Oct 09

    I saw the segment today while you prepared this dish. I can’t wait to try it.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Oct 24

      Yay, enjoy!

  6. Amber Cruz

    Oct 04

    This was my first time making this desert, my baby boy who 10 months loved it and my daughter catalina too it was delicious and i love anything with coconut also it dosent take long to make, i will be trying more of your recipes😊

    1. Pati Jinich

      Oct 24

      Thanks Amber, hugs to your babies!

  7. Jenny

    Jul 29

    Hello! I want to make this ahead of time for a potluck. If I make it the night before do I add the coconut flakes immediately after ladling the crema into the container like you have in the recipe, OR do I add the coconut flakes the next day after the crema has been refrigerated?? Please help! Thanks, you’re the best!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 05

      You can do either Jenny, but I’d rather add them when you are ready to serve 😉

  8. Gina

    Jun 07

    Beautiful recipe Pati it reminds me of a similar dessert my mom used to make “Tembleque” also coconut based

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jun 13

      Que rico, I love everything coconut 🙂

  9. Teresita Dizon

    Jan 31

    This is my first time to watch your video. I’m glad I found your video after watching you through your TV programs. Crema de Coco, I’m sure it’s yummy. It’s similar with Maja Blanca. I enjoyed watching your video and became interested when I found your complete ingredients and procedure in the description box. Thank you so much for sharing this yummy Crema de Coco recipe.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Feb 07

      My pleasure Teresita, so glad you enjoyed this recipe!

  10. Myriam Takamatsu

    Nov 27

    Love watching your cooking programs. This recipe of Crema de coco can’t wait to make it.
    I reside on Maui, Hawaii and sometimes we can’t get the ingredients here due to availability. Platanos are so hard to get and when you find them are so expensive. They don’t grow here.
    Thank you for your other recipes.
    PS: I made the drunken rice (or chicken) with zafran and it turned out delicious!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Dec 28

      So glad you are cooking and enjoying my recipes Myriam! Un abrazo 🙂

  11. Mike D

    Nov 22

    Ok. So I made this for the family during the summer 2021 and it came out absolutely delicious. The best part was I decided to make some jasmine rice and mixed it together!!! OMG I’m making this for 14 on thanksgiving at the firehouse

    1. Pati Jinich

      Dec 28

      I hope everyone enjoyed it and had a great Thanksgiving Mike 🙂

  12. Anita

    Aug 14

    Loved this! Easy to make and just right for coconut lovers in my house 🏡

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 14

      So glad to read you guys enjoyed this recipe Anita, hugs to all!

  13. Scott

    Jul 19

    That’s a GOTTA make recipe. I love coconut everything. I often add a can of coconut cream to soups off heat when ready to eat. So good!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 21

      Yum, I love coconut as well 🙂

  14. Stephanie

    Jul 11

    This was simple, easy & tasty! Thank you, Pati!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 21

      My pleasure Stephanie, so glad you liked it 🙂

  15. Elsa C Aguayo

    Jul 10

    Deliciosa!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 21

      Yay, gracias!

  16. Brenda Heyward

    Jul 09

    oh yummy-ness! I love Coconut anything! We lived In Hawaii as kids and got to eat fresh green coconuts right off the trees. Fresh milk was hard to get then (in the 70s) so Coconut milk was a staple as well!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 25

      How lucky Brenda, I love coconuts as well, yay!

  17. Berna

    Jul 09

    Love yours receipts

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 21

      Thank you so much Berna 🙂

  18. Pamela

    Jun 30

    I made it for my family. My sister can’t eat gluten so this was a perfect choice! I served it with cut mango & strawberries. Everyone scraped the bowls clean!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 04

      Super! Love that everyone loved it Pamela, yay!

  19. Angela navarro

    May 03

    Patti la crema de coco te quedo riquisima

    1. Pati Jinich

      May 07

      Que alegria que te gusto Angela!

  20. Victor Santos

    Apr 07

    Yumo! This was fun to make and exciting to eat!

    Sabroso!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Apr 11

      Yay! Glad you liked it Victor 🙂

  21. Karen Riverwood

    Apr 04

    Very good! My daughters & cat loved it 🙂 Thank you

    1. Pati Jinich

      Apr 04

      🙂 🙂 🙂 Happy to know the cat approved 🙂

  22. Jay Rios

    Jan 21

    I grew up on this in Puerto Rico where we call it Tembleque. We often add orange blossom water. Its one of my favorite desserts.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jan 21

      Yummy Jay, thanks so much for sharing 😉

  23. Rosemarie

    Sep 16

    I’m so hooked on this desert. I like mine chilled. I modify by adding freshly grated nutmeg to mixture and essence. I also add the salt after I sprinkle the toasted coconut. Thanks !

    1. Pati Jinich

      Sep 17

      Awesome Rosemarie, great additions, enjoy!

  24. Reyna R

    Jul 16

    Hola Pati,
    This recipe sounds delicious, I LOVE coconut. DO you have any substitute for the sweetened condensed milk? No me gusta la leche sweetened condensed milk. I really want to make this recipe.
    Stay safe & well, and thank you for the recipes.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Jul 19

      You can try coconut cream instead Reyna, and if is the sweetness what you don’t like about condensed milk, just use unsweetened cream instead! Enjoy 😉

  25. Pat

    May 21

    Hi Pati!
    I am obsessed with watching you on Prime Video. I will be making the creme de coco this weekend for my family. I enjoy the way you explain your recipes and your expression after you taste it 😋. Thank you

    1. Pati Jinich

      May 23

      Thank you Pat, enjoy it!

  26. Judy V

    May 17

    Hi Pati,
    I am planning on making this today. Can l use almond milk instead of regular milk?

    1. Pati Jinich

      May 20

      Of course Judy, almond milk will be great. Enjoy!

      1. Judy V

        Jun 17

        It was delicious.
        Thank you

  27. Anonymous

    May 16

    Gracias Paty!!! La crema de coco es sabrosa. Mucha Gracias!. Viva Mexico!🇲🇽
    Ps we love your recipes and show.

    1. Pati Jinich

      May 16

      Muchisimas gracias 😉

  28. Robin Z

    May 09

    Love it! So easy to make and delicious and creamy! Love you Pati!

    1. Pati Jinich

      May 11

      Thank you Robin, enjoy!

  29. Rosalina Balderas

    May 03

    Very easy recipe. Delicious
    flavor!

    1. Pati Jinich

      May 03

      Glad you like it Rosalina 😉

  30. Ana Rios Avila

    Feb 29

    Hola Pati,
    Loved the recipe. Thanks for doing a great show on our wonderful country.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Mar 01

      Gracias Ana! Super orgullosa de la gastronomia de nuestro Mexico 😉

  31. Sheila Miramontes

    Sep 28

    I can’t wait to try this recipe! I just watched you make it on your PBS show. Yummmm!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Sep 29

      Thanks for tuning in, Sheila!

  32. Erin

    Sep 22

    ¡Hola, Pati! Muchas gracias para esta receta. Mi esposo es de Nicaragua entonces me gustaría aprender recetas que él le gusta. Una pregunta- can you freeze these left overs? We have more than we can eat.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Oct 19

      Yo no he congelado este postre…. pero puedes probar y me cuentas como te queda!

  33. Lupita

    Aug 02

    I am allergic to dairy products, what can i use instead of condensed milk?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Aug 19

      You can use coconut cream or coconut milk as a replacement, Lupita.

    2. Jenny

      Nov 01

      There is sweetened condensed coconut milk! I made this using coconut milk and almond milk too. I did add nutmeg to help with the flavor

  34. Lydia Marks

    Mar 15

    Hi Pati!
    Just made the cream De Coco and it came out extremely thick after 4 minutes. I didn’t have corn starch so I used potato starch (which we use in Germany). Could that be the reason?

    1. Pati Jinich

      Mar 29

      Yes, for sure, it was probably the potato starch – as it is a different ingredient. You may want to use less and cook for less time as well, Lydia.

  35. Hortence Hidalgo

    Mar 11

    Hi Pati my granddaughter and I tired your recipe and it was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!

    1. Pati Jinich

      Mar 18

      I’m so glad you guys liked it, Hortence! Say hi to your granddaughter for me.

  36. TJ

    Mar 10

    I made this and it was delicious. Even the picky kids who “don’t like coconut” really liked it! Can’t do better than that.

    1. Pati Jinich

      Mar 18

      So glad all the kids love it, TJ!

  37. Darleen

    Mar 06

    The Crema de coco was so easy to make. What brand of coconut milk did you use? I may have used one that’s not up to par in taste. There’s an after taste that’s left. I’m sure I bought the wrong one.

    1. Pati

      Mar 08

      Oh I’m sorry to hear this. I recommend you experiment with the different brands you have at your local store to see which you like best.

  38. Elizabeth Carrillo

    Mar 04

    Can’t wait to try this recipe I think this will be one of our favorite recipes to do in the summer
    Thanks Pati we love your sjow!

    1. Pati

      Mar 05

      It’s a great summer recipe… have a yum summer, Elizabeth!

  39. Eileen G.

    Dec 23

    Amazing recipe!!!!! Tastes so divine! My family went crazy for it! Cant wait to make it again. 🙂

    1. Pati

      Dec 23

      Super! So happy to hear this, Eileen.

  40. Veranna B.

    Nov 15

    Hi Pati! I’m trying to find a recipe you did a couple years ago. Coconut eggnog. I made it and my family loved it, but now I can’t find the recipe. Can you help me?

  41. Carmen

    Aug 17

    I can’t wait till I try it! It sounds like a recipe we have in Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.
    Love your show

    1. Pati

      Aug 17

      Thank you Carmen….enjoy the Crema de Coco!

  42. MelissaDodd

    May 18

    I can’t wait to make this just saw the episode a few minutes ago and had to find it! I’m so excited Thank You Pati!!

    1. Pati

      May 18

      Awesome! I hope you enjoy it Melissa.

  43. Susan Sabella

    May 17

    Hi patty loved your creama decoco recipe,and Dannys flourless chocolate pecan cake,was so good,I love all your shows,and how you love your family and Mexico!

    1. Pati

      May 18

      Thank you so much Susan!

  44. Dawhiteman

    May 05

    Love your show. Making this next weekend

    1. Pati

      May 06

      Awesome! I hope you enjoy the recipe.

  45. Vicky

    Apr 06

    Super rico! We have made it twice now and it is a total hit…the coconut flavor is intense and very satisfying. Gracias por compartir!

    1. Pati

      Apr 06

      Thank you so much Vicky!

  46. Georgette

    Apr 01

    Riquísimo!!!! Fácil de hacer. Gracias, Pati por compartir 😀

    1. Pati

      Apr 02

      Gracias, Georgette!

  47. Rita

    Jan 04

    Hi Pati, I want to make this but I am not sure what kind of coconut milk to use. There are unsweetened, sweetened, and they are quite different.
    I have both your books and have made several recipes from your show. My friends loved your grilled pineapple drink. As did I.
    Thank you for sharing your excitement for cooking.

    1. Pati

      Jan 05

      I’m so glad the pineapple drink was a hit, and I hope you like this recipe! I use regular coconut milk.

  48. Rachelle

    Dec 28

    Just received your Mexican Table cookbook for a Christmas gift from my son.Cant wait to start cooking from it,all though I think I will start with Crema de coco and the achiote chicken tamales which isn’t in the book.You are an inspiration in the Mexican kitchen.thank you

    1. Pati

      Dec 28

      Thank you so much Rachelle! I hope you love your cookbook!

  49. Gloria

    Dec 16

    Love your show and love this recipe.
    😋First recipe I tried was pico de guacamole! Love them all!
    Hope you do your show forever! 😍

    1. Pati

      Dec 19

      Thank you so much Gloria!!!

  50. Armando Vega

    Aug 29

    Hola Pati como se llama el platillo que hizo con Este postre de coco era un tamal de pollo con Achiote y hoja de platano

  51. Vianey F

    Aug 05

    What if I don’t have small bowls just casserole dishes? What do you recommend? Gracias!

    1. Pati

      Aug 07

      You can use a casserole and spoon it in small servings as needed. Enjoy!

  52. Vero

    Jul 01

    Se ve riquisima! Definitivamente la tengo que hacer. Gracias por compartir tanto de nuestro bello México. Saludos y muchisimo mas suerte y bendiciones.

    1. Pati

      Jul 06

      Muchas gracias Vero!

  53. Rukhsana Uddin

    May 31

    I am your fan since day one. Love this easiest recipe will try soon.

    Continue sharing easy desert recipes

    Love You and All the Best for your TV shows.

    1. Pati

      Jun 01

      I will!

  54. Karina L. Garcia

    May 11

    I Did This Recipe Yesterday For Mothers Day , It Was Spectacular , Everyone Absolutely Loved It, It Was Just So Perfectly Creamy. Thank You Soo Much Pati For Sharing With Us. I Loooove Your Show And All Your Recipes!!!!

    1. Pati

      May 12

      Thank you so much Karina! I hope you and your family had a lovely Mother’s Day.

  55. Mike Holly

    May 02

    I have been looking for this recipe since I was 6 years old.. yep… my first introduction was in a Swanson Enchilada TV dinner! My favorite dessert ever! I let someone else eat the meal! This recipe took me back! And was obviously much better!!

    1. Pati

      May 05

      Yay!

  56. Liz Schuh

    May 02

    Este postre es delicioso y facil de hacer…Gracias Pati por compartir esta receta..

    1. Pati

      May 05

      Gracias Liz!

  57. Liz Schuh

    May 02

    I made this Crema de Coco today, it was delicious!!

    1. Pati

      May 04

      So happy you liked it Liz!

  58. Janice

    Apr 30

    I was so excited to make this and I followed the recipe exactly and found it to be to bland. It was sweet….maybe even too sweet and not enough “umph”. Even my grand children did not care for it. I don’t know what I did wrong. It was beautiful to look at, but no one wanted to eat it.

    1. Pati

      May 05

      I’m so sorry to hear this Janice!

    2. Victoria

      Mar 17

      It may be the brand of coconut milk you used in the recipe. I find that some of the coconut milks available in the grocery store are bland and lack coconut flavor. I would recommend using Aroy-D, Chaokoh, or Trader Joe’s brand coconut milk. It may be worth another try if you used a different brand.

  59. Lydia

    Apr 21

    This dessert is delicious, thank you Pati for sharing this recipe ! Gracias

    1. Pati

      Apr 21

      Thank YOU Lydia!

  60. Raja

    Mar 19

    What kind of milk do you use for this recipe? 2%? Whole? or does it matter?

    1. Pati

      Mar 20

      I recommend using whole milk…but if all you have is 2% it will still turn our delicious!

  61. Madeline

    Feb 08

    Soooooo good

    1. Pati

      Feb 09

      Thanks!

  62. Concerned Citizen

    Jan 16

    Pati, thanks for sharing your recipes! And congratulations on such a lovely Season 5 that shows so much of the beauty of Mexico! I have watched your program since the beginning and have seen your boys grow up, just like a neighbor or friend. You are so real and warm in your presentations.

    I love coconut and this is the first recipe from Season 5 that I am going to try. I can almost taste the flavors of this sweet custard dessert.
    Your eternal fan and friend, Sylvieann

    1. Pati

      Jan 22

      Hey Sylvieann, thank you, thank you. So happy you like Season 5, we are now planning where to go for Season 6! So many places to explore… Thank you for sticking with me since the early seasons… that means a lot.!

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