15 Coconut Desserts to Help Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Classic Coconut Cake
Photo: Kritsada Panichgul

Whether it's the middle of a hot summer or cold winter, coconut desserts are always a good choice. Get your Pinterest board ready, we've got seriously delicious coconut dessert recipes to pin including a Southern-inspired coconut cake, classic coconut cream pie, and even coconut candies. Looking for something new to try? Coconut milk desserts (hello, dairy-free ice cream!), coconut cheesecake, and more complete the list featuring the tropical ingredient.

01 of 15

Triple Coconut Cream Pie

Triple Coconut Cream Pie
Jason Donnelly

When mentioning coconut desserts, it doesn't get more classic than a coconut cream pie. Delightfully fluffy meringue tops a triple-threat combo of coconut (sweetened flakes, cream of coconut, and coconut extract). For even more tropical flair, perk up the crust with a hint of lime zest.

02 of 15

Caramel Coconut Cookie Bars

Caramel Coconut Cookie Bars
Carson Downing

When you're craving the chewy coconut treats that only come during your favorite cookie season, make this copycat version instead. The buttery crust and gooey coconut are strikingly similar to the original. The only difference here is that we've turned them into an easy bar cookie recipe.

03 of 15

Classic Coconut Cake with Frosting

Classic Coconut Cake
Kritsada Panichgul

This tried-and-true coconut dessert is hard to beat. Not only is the outside smothered in flaky coconut, but the cake itself is also unforgettable with its light, fluffy texture. Serve this at your next holiday gathering and it's bound to be the showstopping dessert everyone raves about.

04 of 15

Coconut Gumdrops

Coconut Gumdrops
Andy Lyons

Candy makes a comeback with these chewy (and adorable) coconut gumdrops. Made with coconut milk and rolled in coconut sugar, they're a bold new way to enjoy coconut desserts. Follow our variation for grapefruit if you want a citrus twist.

Buy It: Taylor Candy and Deep Fry Thermometer ($13, Walmart)

05 of 15

Coconut Cream Banana-Topped Pie

Coconut Cream Banana-Topped Pie
Blaine Moats

Can't decide between banana or coconut cream pie for dessert? Make both! An overflow of sliced bananas is what you see, but what's underneath is even better: chilled layers of coconut filling and fluffy homemade whipped cream.

Buy It: Pyrex Easy Grab Glass Pie Pan ($5, Target)

06 of 15

Coconut Cream Pie Bars

Coconut Cream Pie Bars
Jason Donnelly

Win hearts at your next potluck with a pan of these dreamy coconut dessert bars. The rich coconut custard is already packing the tropical flavor, but we add some flaked coconut to the buttery crust as well. If you can't find cream of coconut (the key ingredient), check the mixers aisle in the liquor section of the store.

07 of 15

Coconut, Cherry, and Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Coconut Cherry Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Blaine Moats

Years of making traditional oatmeal cookies led our Test Kitchen to create this brilliant take on the classic cookie. A hefty dose of tropical flavor was just what these cookies needed. Make and store in the freezer for up to 3 months for when coconut dessert cravings strike.

08 of 15

Coconut Ice Cream

Coconut Ice Cream
Buff Strickland

Get your ice cream maker ready, this frosty treat is about to become a go-to recipe. This nondairy, Paleo-friendly dessert starts with canned coconut milk and honey. A drizzle of blackberry preserves and a sprinkle of coconut make a stunning, tasty finish.

09 of 15

Lemon-Coconut Macaroons

Coconut Macaroons
Blaine Moats

Chewy and easy to make, we love this holiday favorite year-round. To up the traditional plain coconut flavor, we add a hint of lemon to the mix. These coconut cookies also happen to be gluten-free so they're a treat everyone can enjoy.

10 of 15

Coconut-Blueberry Cheesecake Bars

Coconut-Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Blaine Moats

With lots of five-star reviews, this is one of our best coconut dessert recipes. Blueberries add the perfect amount of sweetness to this coconut dessert. For elevated flavor, add a tablespoon of brandy to the creamy cheesecake mixture.

11 of 15

Chocolate-Coconut Pudding

Chocolate-Coconut Pudding
Kritsada Panichgul

End your meal with rich, cocoa-laced coconut pudding. Made with coconut and almond milk, this healthy coconut dessert is perfect for dairy-free eaters. If you don't want to wait for the pudding to chill, it's equally delicious served warm.

12 of 15

Gluten-Free Coconut Cream and Pineapple Cream Puffs

Gluten-Free Coconut Cream and Pineapple Cream Puffs
Karla Conrad

Even if you don't have a gluten intolerance, this coconut dessert recipe is a winner. Grilled pineapple adds a sweet contrast to the creamy filling. First time making cream puffs? Don't be scared—the pastry comes together easier than you'd think. Plus, you (along with anyone that gets a taste) will be proud of the impressive results.

13 of 15

Vanilla Bean-Coconut Cupcakes

Vanilla Bean-Coconut Cupcakes
Scott Little

These delicate coconut desserts made the list of our best cupcake recipes, so you know it's going to be delicious. Canned coconut milk gives the batter tropical flavor while making the cakes super moist. The vanilla-coconut frosting completes this amazing recipe.

14 of 15

Toasty Coconut Wedges

Toasty Coconut Wedges
Andy Lyons

These wedge cookies are made with almost 2 cups of coconut, so you know every bite is going to burst with tropical flavor. The butter, oats, and brown sugar in these chewy cookie wedges round out the recipe for a sweet, nutty finish.

15 of 15

Coconut Joy Candy Bars

Coconut Joy Candy Bars
Andy Lyons

Candy bar lovers will jump for joy after one bite of these chewy treats. Chocolate cookies are sandwiched with a rich sweetened coconut mixture. The coconut desserts make a perfect food gift for Christmas, but we'll take these any day of the year.

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