This delightful coconut loaf is a perfect blend of tropical flavors and a moist, tender crumb. It's an easy-to-make recipe that brings a taste of the tropics to your kitchen, ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack. The combination of coconut milk and shredded coconut gives it a rich, coconutty flavor that's sure to please any coconut lover.
If you're not familiar with coconut milk, it's a creamy liquid made from the grated meat of mature coconuts. You can find it in the international or baking aisle of most supermarkets. Unsweetened shredded coconut is another key ingredient; make sure to get the unsweetened variety to control the sweetness of your loaf.
Ingredients For Coconut Loaf Recipe
Flour: The base of the loaf, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to the loaf.
Unsweetened shredded coconut: Gives the loaf its distinct coconut flavor and texture.
Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise and become fluffy.
Baking soda: Works with the baking powder to leaven the loaf.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Coconut milk: Adds moisture and a rich coconut flavor.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf moist and tender.
Vanilla extract: Adds a hint of vanilla flavor.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When mixing the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough loaf. Instead, stir until the ingredients are just combined. This ensures a tender and moist coconut loaf.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may make the loaf denser.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey provides a natural sweetness and moisture, but reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
unsweetened shredded coconut - Substitute with sweetened shredded coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut can be used, but reduce the sugar in the recipe to balance the sweetness.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 times the amount of baking powder, but it may affect the taste slightly.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a similar consistency and a mild flavor, though it lacks the coconut taste.
vegetable oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil enhances the coconut flavor and provides a similar fat content.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor to the loaf.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg for a vegan alternative.
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How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- To keep your coconut loaf fresh and moist, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will prevent it from drying out and keep it tasting as delicious as the day you baked it.
- For an extra layer of protection, place the wrapped loaf in an airtight container. This will help maintain its flavor and texture.
- If you plan to enjoy the loaf within a few days, store it at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, you can refrigerate the loaf. Make sure it is well-wrapped and placed in an airtight container. It will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.
- To freeze your coconut loaf, first ensure it is completely cooled. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer wrapping will protect it from freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped loaf in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of its freshness.
- The coconut loaf can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
- For a quick thaw, you can slice the loaf before freezing. This way, you can take out individual slices and thaw them as needed. Simply wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- To refresh the loaf after thawing, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will bring back its delightful texture and aroma.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Wrap the coconut loaf in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place it on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Slice the coconut loaf into individual pieces. Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check for warmth and repeat if necessary.
For a crispier texture, use a toaster oven. Set it to 300°F (150°C) and place a slice of the coconut loaf directly on the rack or on a piece of parchment paper. Toast for 5-7 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crispy and the center is warm.
If you have a steamer, you can reheat the coconut loaf by placing slices in the steamer basket. Steam for about 5 minutes, or until the loaf is warmed through. This method helps retain moisture.
For a quick stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Place slices of the coconut loaf in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method can give a slightly toasted exterior while keeping the inside moist.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the coconut loaf at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C).
Loaf pan: The container in which the batter is poured and baked to give the loaf its shape.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the dry ingredients together.
Mixing bowl: Used to mix the wet ingredients together.
Whisk: Utilized to blend the dry ingredients evenly.
Whisk: Used to mix the wet ingredients until well combined.
Measuring cups: Essential for accurately measuring the flour, sugar, coconut milk, and vegetable oil.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure smaller quantities like baking powder, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract.
Spatula: Handy for stirring the wet and dry ingredients together without overmixing.
Toothpick: Used to check if the loaf is fully baked by inserting it into the center.
Wire rack: Allows the loaf to cool completely after baking.
Cooling rack: Another term for the wire rack, ensuring proper air circulation around the loaf as it cools.
Non-stick spray: Used to grease the loaf pan to prevent the batter from sticking.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Measure ingredients ahead: Pre-measure all ingredients and have them ready to go. This will streamline the baking process.
Use parchment paper: Line your loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.
Combine dry ingredients first: Mix all dry ingredients in one bowl and wet ingredients in another to save time when combining.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven before you begin mixing to ensure it's ready when you are.
Use a stand mixer: If you have one, a stand mixer can speed up the mixing process and ensure even blending.
Coconut Loaf Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, shredded coconut, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the coconut milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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