Best Coconut Bread Recipe (with Coconut Milk)

Posted onFebruary 18, 2025

by Joël

Freshly baked coconut bread loaf with glaze and toasted coconut.

Craving a sweet, moist, and tropical treat? This easy coconut bread recipe delivers a taste of the Caribbean right in your kitchen! Made with rich coconut milk and a hint of sweetness, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a keto-friendly snack.

There are few flavors I adore more than coconut, so it’s no surprise that this bread is one of my all-time favorites. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also wonderfully moist, rich, and absolutely delicious.

Enjoy it with your morning coffee for a delightful start to the day, or serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a heavenly dessert. However you have it, one thing’s for sure—you’re going to love every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Customizable flavors: Easily tweak the ingredients to create new variations of this delicious bread.
Pantry-friendly ingredients: Made with simple staples you likely already have at home.
Quick & easy: With minimal effort, you’ll have a warm, flavorful loaf ready in just over an hour!

Step-by-step process of making homemade coconut bread. (1)

Are you a fan of quick bread? I didn’t even realize what it was called until a few years ago! Growing up, my grandmother would bake this recipe and others like it, filling the house with the most amazing aromas—I just thought of it as a special treat, not knowing it had a name.

I always loved when she made her quick breads. They felt like an early dessert, and you’d never hear me complain about that!

This particular recipe is one of my favorites, and it also makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Every holiday season, I bake several loaves and send the kids out to deliver them to the neighbors. It’s a simple way to spread a little joy—one delicious slice at a time!

Ready to bake your way to coconut bliss? Let’s dive in!

Why We Love This Recipe

To make this delicious coconut bread, gather the following ingredients. Exact measurements and step-by-step instructions are in the recipe card below.

Bread Ingredients

All-purpose flour – The base for a soft, well-structured loaf.
Baking powder – Ensures the bread rises perfectly.
Salt – Balances and enhances the overall flavor.
Salted butter – Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the loaf (substitute with your preferred sweetener if desired).
Eggs – Provides structure and prevents a dense texture.
Coconut extract – Intensifies the tropical taste (vanilla extract works for a milder flavor).
Full-fat coconut milk – Creates a moist, tender crumb (light coconut milk can be used instead).
Shredded coconut – Sweetened flakes add texture and flavor (unsweetened works too).

Glaze Ingredients

Powdered sugar – Forms the base of the sweet glaze.
Full-fat coconut milk – Thins the sugar into a creamy glaze (water is an alternative).
Salted butter – Enhances the glaze’s richness.
Shredded coconut flakes – Optional topping for extra flavor and presentation.

This Coconut Bread Recipe delivers a moist, fragrant loaf with authentic Caribbean-inspired taste. Whether you prefer it sweet or keto-friendly, the simple ingredients ensure a foolproof bake every time.

How to Make Coconut Bread

Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cream Wet Ingredients: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy (2-3 mins). Add eggs, coconut extract, and coconut milk.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in separate bowl.
Combine: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir in shredded coconut (don’t overmix).
Bake: Pour batter into pan. Bake 65 mins or until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool: Let rest 10 mins, then transfer to wire rack.
Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, coconut milk, and butter. Drizzle over cooled loaf and top with coconut.

Pro Tip: For extra-rich flavor, use room-temperature ingredients—they blend more even

How to Make Coconut Bread – Step-by-Step

For more on baking fundamentals, you can explore essential bread-baking tips to refine your technique.

FAQS About Coconut Bread Recipe

Coconut bread can be a nutritious option depending on its ingredients. Traditional recipes using all-purpose flour, sugar, and coconut milk provide energy but are moderate in calories and sugars. Healthier variations with whole wheat flour, coconut flour, or sugar substitutes (like erythritol or stevia) reduce carbs and increase fiber. Coconut adds healthy fats (MCTs) and minerals like manganese and iron. For a balanced diet, enjoy in moderation.

No, coco bread (popular in Caribbean cuisine) is a soft, slightly sweet roll made with coconut milk but rarely contains shredded coconut. Coconut bread, however, is a sweet loaf packed with shredded coconut or coconut flour for a distinct texture and flavor. While both may use coconut milk, their taste and preparation differ.

Standard coconut bread (made with white flour and sugar) may spike blood sugar levels. However, diabetic-friendly versions with these swaps can be suitable:
Almond flour or coconut flour (lower glycemic index)
Sugar alternatives (monk fruit, stevia)
Added fiber (chia seeds, flaxseed)
Always check portion sizes and consult a nutritionist if managing diabetes.

Yes, traditional coconut bread is carb-heavy due to flour and sugar. A typical slice (1/12th of a loaf) contains 20–30g net carbs. Low-carb alternatives using nut flours or sugar substitutes can reduce this to 5–10g per slice.

Yes, coconut milk serves as an excellent dairy-free alternative in bread recipes, especially in Coconut Bread Recipes where its rich, tropical flavor enhances the final product. When substituting, use full-fat canned coconut milk in a 1:1 ratio for regular milk. Since coconut milk contains natural oils, you may want to slightly reduce any additional fats in the recipe. This substitution works particularly well in sweet and tropical-flavored breads, adding moisture and a subtle coconut essence that complements other ingredients.

Coconut milk significantly influences both texture and flavor in baking. Its high fat content creates a softer, more tender crumb in breads and promotes even browning for a beautifully golden crust. The natural sugars in coconut milk also enhance caramelization, while its distinct tropical flavor pairs perfectly with coconut-based recipes. However, because coconut milk can thin out batters slightly, you may need to adjust flour quantities or mixing times to achieve the ideal consistency.

For baking, canned coconut milk is the superior choice. Its high fat content and creamy consistency provide richness and structure to baked goods like Coconut Bread Recipes. Unlike carton versions—which are diluted and often contain stabilizers—canned coconut milk offers a pure, unadulterated flavor and texture. Always shake the can well before use to ensure the cream and liquid are fully incorporated.

Unopened canned coconut milk typically remains fresh 1-2 years past its printed expiration date when stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, transfer any unused portion to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze coconut milk in ice cube trays for easy portioning; it will last 2-3 months. Discard if you notice sour odors, mold, or separation that doesn’t blend when stirred.

A plated slice of coconut bread with fresh fruit and glaze.

Expert Tips for Perfect Coconut Bread Recipe

Mixing Matters
Handle the batter gently—overmixing leads to a dense loaf. Mix just until ingredients combine for optimal texture.

Pan Prep Solutions
Grease your loaf pan thoroughly using either:

Nonstick spray
Melted coconut oil
Butter
For foolproof removal, line the pan with parchment paper before pouring the batter.

How to Serve Coconut Bread

While technically bread, this coconut loaf shouldn’t go in the toaster—the glaze will melt. Instead:

Microwave slices for 15 seconds to warm
Serve plain or with butter
Pair with fresh fruit (mango, berries, or pineapple)
Elevate with whipped cream for dessert-style presentation

Pro Serving Tips:

For brunch, serve alongside yogurt and tropical fruit
Gift individual slices wrapped in parchment
Enjoy room temperature or slightly warmed

Best Coconut Bread Recipe (with Coconut Milk)

Print Recipe

This Easy Coconut Bread is soft, moist, and packed with coconut flavor. Topped with a sweet coconut glaze and toasted coconut flakes, it’s a tropical treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.

Total Time: 1 hour 5 mins
Yield: 10 servings 1x

Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Cream Wet Ingredients: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy (2-3 mins). Add eggs, coconut extract, and coconut milk.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in separate bowl.
Combine: Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir in shredded coconut (don’t overmix).
Bake: Pour batter into pan. Bake 65 mins or until toothpick comes out clean.
Cool: Let rest 10 mins, then transfer to wire rack.
Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, coconut milk, and butter. Drizzle over cooled loaf and top with coconut.

Notes

To keep your coconut bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This method preserves its moisture and soft texture without drying it out. For slightly longer storage, refrigeration can extend its freshness by 1-2 additional days, though the bread may become a bit denser—simply warm slices briefly to restore softness.
For long-term storage, freezing is ideal. Wrap the entire loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container—it will keep for up to 3 months. Alternatively, slice the bread before freezing, wrapping each piece individually for easy portioning. Thaw slices at room temperature or microwave them for 30 seconds when you’re ready to enjoy.

Author: Joël
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American