coconut cream: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1culinary, informal, commercial
Quick answer
What does “coconut cream” mean?
The thick, fatty liquid extracted from the grated flesh of a coconut, often used as a rich ingredient in cooking and baking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The thick, fatty liquid extracted from the grated flesh of a coconut, often used as a rich ingredient in cooking and baking.
A non-dairy, creamy product made from coconut, commonly used as a substitute for dairy cream in vegan cuisine, cocktails (e.g., Piña Colada), desserts, and tropical dishes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. In US culinary contexts, 'cream of coconut' (sweetened) is a more common specified term for cocktails, whereas in the UK, 'coconut cream' may be used more generically for both sweetened and unsweetened forms.
Connotations
Connotes tropical cuisine, vegan/plant-based alternatives, and richness in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in UK English in general cooking contexts; in US English, the specific term 'cream of coconut' is highly frequent in beverage contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “coconut cream” in a Sentence
[verb] + coconut cream (e.g., stir, whip, simmer)coconut cream + [noun] (e.g., pie, curry, soup)[adjective] + coconut cream (e.g., thick, chilled, sweetened)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coconut cream” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The recipe needs a coconut-cream base for the sauce.
American English
- She baked a delicious coconut-cream pie for the party.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in food manufacturing, product labelling, and vegan/health food marketing.
Academic
Appears in food science, nutrition studies, and culinary anthropology texts discussing tropical ingredients.
Everyday
Common in recipes, cooking instructions, and grocery shopping lists.
Technical
Specified in culinary recipes and food chemistry for its fat content and emulsifying properties.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coconut cream”
- Confusing 'coconut cream' with 'cream of coconut' (the latter is pre-sweetened).
- Using 'coconut cream' to refer to the watery liquid inside a fresh coconut (that is 'coconut water').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Coconut cream is much thicker and has a higher fat content because it contains less water. It is the layer that rises to the top of a can of coconut milk when it sits.
Yes, coconut cream is naturally dairy-free and lactose-free, making it a popular substitute in vegan and lactose-intolerant diets.
Transfer any unused cream to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. It will solidify when cold.
It is versatile: use it in curries, soups, smoothies, whipped toppings, desserts like pies and panna cotta, and creamy cocktails.
The thick, fatty liquid extracted from the grated flesh of a coconut, often used as a rich ingredient in cooking and baking.
Coconut cream is usually culinary, informal, commercial in register.
Coconut cream: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkəʊ.kə.nʌt kriːm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkoʊ.kə.nʌt kriːm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly featuring 'coconut cream']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COConut CREAM' – the COConut's CREAMy, thick dream for cooking.
Conceptual Metaphor
RICHNESS IS THICKNESS / TROPICAL ABUNDANCE IS CREAMINESS
Practice
Quiz
What is a key difference between 'coconut cream' and 'cream of coconut'?