Coconut Frosting

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This homemade coconut frosting recipe is easy to make in 5 minutes with 5 ingredients. Coconut buttercream is delicious served on coconut cake, cupcakes, etc.

Coconut Frosting on top of a cupcake

This coconut frosting recipe is lick-the-bowl delicious.

It’s easy to make with 5 ingredients in a few minutes and is absolutely irresistible served on your favorite cakes (like coconut cake, of course) and cupcakes.

Coconut buttercream frosting is buttery and sweet with a rich vanilla flavor and coconut in every bite! A truly delicious homemade frosting perfect for any occasion.

Coconut Frosting in a bowl with a spatula
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Coconut Frosting: Ingredients & Substitutions

Let’s discuss some possible substitutions in this recipe.

overhead photo of the labeled ingredients in this Coconut Frosting recipe
  • Salted butter. unsalted butter works well too.
  • Powdered sugar. there really isn’t any substitutes here.
  • Coconut milk. full fat and lite coconut milk both work well.
  • Shredded coconut. use unsweetened coconut for best results.
  • Vanilla extract.you can add ¼ teaspoon coconut extract in addition to the vanilla extract for a stronger coconut taste.
Coconut Frosting on a coconut cake

How to Make Coconut Frosting

Let’s discuss how to make coconut buttercream frosting together, and don’t forget to watch the video.

This recipe can be made either in the bowl of a standing mixer, or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer.

The first step is to use a mixer to beat the butter until smooth. I always suggest beating the butter alone first when you are making frosting. It ensures there are no lumps in the final product.

two sticks of butter in a bowl before beating
butter beaten in a bowl

Then add vanilla, salt and 2 cups powdered sugar and beat until smooth. Adding a little less than half of the powdered sugar at first will keep the ingredients from spilling out of the bowl when mixed.

making Coconut Frosting - adding powdered sugar and vanilla before mixing
making Coconut Frosting - after mixing in vanilla and powdered sugar

Next, add coconut milk and the rest of the powdered sugar (3 cups) and beat until combined.

making Coconut Frosting - adding more powdered sugar and coconut milk before mixing
making Coconut Frosting - after beating in coconut milk and additional powdered sugar

Lastly, beat in the coconut until evenly distributed throughout the frosting.

making Coconut Frosting - adding shredded coconut before mixing
Coconut Frosting in a bowl after being beaten

Serve

Use this delicious coconut frosting to frost your favorite cakes, cupcakes, brownies and bars. Some suggestions include:

Coconut Frosting spread onto a cake

Store/Freeze

Store coconut frosting in an airtight container or piping bag in the refrigerator for up 1 one week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Thaw slowly in the refrigerator then let soften at room temperature enough to spread.

Coconut Frosting in a bowl

Coconut Frosting Recipe FAQS

Can I halve or double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe is easy to scale up or down depending on your needs.

Do I need coconut extract?

In my opinion, this recipe does not need coconut extract. The shredded coconut in the frosting imparts a rich coconut flavor. However, you can add some with the vanilla extract if you prefer.

Can I make it vegan?

This recipe is easily made vegan by using a vegan butter substitute.

Coconut Frosting in a piping bag and piped on top of 2 cupcakes

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Coconut Frosting Recipe

Laura
This homemade coconut frosting recipe is easy to make in 5 minutes with 5 ingredients. It's delicious served on coconut cake, cupcakes, etc.
No ratings yet
Course cake, Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings
Calories 285
Prep Time3 minutes
Total Time5 minutes

Ingredients 
 

Instructions 

  • In the bowl of a standing mixer, or in a large bowl with a handheld mixer, beat butter until smooth.
  • Then add vanilla, sea salt and 2 cups powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
  • Next, add coconut milk and the rest of the powdered sugar (3 cups) and beat until combined.
  • Beat in coconut.
  • Spread onto your favorite cakes (coconut cake)

Video

Notes

Ingredient Substitution Notes
  • Salted butter. unsalted butter works well too.
  • Powdered sugar. there really isn’t any substitutes here.
  • Coconut milk. full fat and lite coconut milk both work well.
  • Shredded coconut. use unsweetened coconut for best results.
  • Vanilla extract.you can add ¼ teaspoon coconut extract in addition to the vanilla extract for a stronger coconut taste.
Serving Suggestions
Use this coconut frosting to frost your favorite cakes, cupcakes, brownies and bars. Some suggestions include:
Store/Freeze
Store coconut frosting in an airtight container or piping bag in the refrigerator for up 1 one week, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Thaw slowly in the refrigerator then let soften at room temperature enough to spread.

Nutrition

Serving: 2Tablespoons | Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 125mg | Potassium: 32mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 355IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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