6 Recipes To Use Up Canned Coconut Milk

Never let leftover coconut milk go to waste. Use it up in recipes like grab-and-go chia cups or coconut cupcakes.

By
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht
Rachel Knecht turned her home baking into a career in 2016 when she began working as the head baker at The Greenbean Coffeehouse in Seattle, WA. Afterwards, she started Baking with Rachel (her blog), began teaching kids' cooking classes, and recipe tested for the cookbook "Let's Stay In" by Ashley Rodriguez.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
and
Robin Shreeves
Robin Shreeves
Robin Shreeves
Robin Shreeves is a food and beverage writer.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated February 17, 2025
Vegan Chocolate Fudge Frosting

Simply Recipes / Megan Gordon

I’m one of those people that saves every scrap of food. Look in my fridge and you’ll find mini containers strewn throughout containing leftover beans or tomato sauce that I don’t want to toss down the drain.

More often than not, I’ll find a use for these leftover ingredients. When it comes to coconut milk, I might stir it in my morning oatmeal or swirl in a warming soup. Even if you only have a little coconut milk leftover from last night’s curry it’s easy to find a way to use it up.

For the recipes below, look for brands of canned, unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk (not coconut extract). It might also have water, guar gum in the ingredient list. Cream of coconut, coconut water, and coconut cream are different products that have different uses.

What about lite coconut milk? Well, it will work most of the time but because it has less fat, it does not have the same amount of coconut flavor. Be sure to check the recipe before making substitutions as it can impact the final dish.

When storing leftover coconut milk, make sure you date the container and keep it refrigerated. It’s best to use coconut milk within seven days. You can also freeze it by pouring it into ice cube trays. It will keep in the freezer for up to one month.

  • Grab-and-Go Oatmeal Chia Cups

    Grab-and-Go Oatmeal Chia Cups
    Sally Vargas

    I’m all about finding easy, breezy breakfast options, especially on school days. Sub the milk for coconut milk and layer in mason jars on the weekend for breakfast all week long. —RK

    Uses 1/3 cup coconut milk.

  • Pressure Cooker Saag Tofu

    Pressure Cooker Saag Tofu
    Coco Morante

    Simply Recipes Contributor Coco Morante says, "When shopping for frozen spinach, look for the chopped loosely-packed variety that comes in a bag. If all you can find is spinach frozen in a solid block, make sure to defrost it before adding it to the pot."

    Uses 1/4 cup coconut milk.

  • Vegan Chocolate Frosting

    Vegan Chocolate Fudge Frosting
    Megan Gordon

    Coconut milk is a great dairy alternative for anyone following a vegan diet or with a dairy intolerance. An added bonus is that chocolate and coconut is a classic flavor combination, meaning this frosting tastes spectacular even if dairy is still on the menu. —RK

    Uses 3/4 cup coconut milk.

  • Paleo Hot Cocoa

    Paleo Hot Cocoa
    Sabrina Modelle

    You’re gonna want to keep this recipe in your back pocket for when the temperature drops. Make the chocolate syrup and then mix it with warm coconut milk for a deliciously cozy drink. —RK

    Uses 1 cup coconut milk.

    Continue to 5 of 6 below

  • Iced Chai Latte

    Milk being poured into a glass of iced chai

    Emma Christensen

    Save money by making your own iced chai latte that's better than what you'll get at the café. You can use whatever kind of milk you want in the drink so it's a perfect way to use up leftover coconut milk. —RS

    Uses coconut milk to taste.

  • Strawberry Almond Oat Smoothie

    strawberry smoothie
    Sally Vargas | Art Banner Credit: Elena Resko

    Substitute coconut milk for the almond milk in this smoothie. It still some almond flavor from almond extract. —RS

    Uses 1 cup coconut milk.

Explore More: