If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth while sticking to a vegan lifestyle, coconut milk desserts are a fantastic choice. Coconut milk lends a rich, creamy texture and subtle tropical flavor that enhances a wide range of vegan sweets without the need for dairy.
Whether you crave a silky pudding, a refreshing mousse, or a luscious ice cream, coconut milk-based desserts offer indulgence that’s both nourishing and kind to animals.
In this post, I’ll share some of my favorite vegan coconut milk dessert recipes that are easy to make, wonderfully delicious, and sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. From simple treats to more elaborate delights, these recipes showcase the versatility of coconut milk and how it can transform your dessert game.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Coconut milk is a game changer in vegan desserts for many reasons. First, it naturally provides a creamy texture that mimics traditional dairy, making desserts feel indulgent and satisfying.
It’s also packed with healthy fats that help keep you full and provide energy.
Moreover, coconut milk pairs beautifully with flavors like vanilla, chocolate, mango, and spices such as cinnamon and cardamom. This allows you to create a variety of desserts from puddings to custards to frozen treats without compromising on taste or texture.
Best of all, these recipes require simple ingredients and minimal prep time—perfect for anyone looking to whip up a quick vegan dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- Full-fat coconut milk (canned, not carton) – 2 cups
- Maple syrup or agave nectar – 1/4 cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Chia seeds – 3 tablespoons (for pudding)
- Cocoa powder – 2 tablespoons (for chocolate mousse)
- Arrowroot powder or cornstarch – 1 tablespoon (for thickening)
- Fresh fruit such as mango, berries, or banana (optional)
- Salt – a pinch
- Lime juice – 1 tablespoon (optional for freshness)
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Serving glasses or bowls
- Refrigerator
Instructions
Coconut Chia Pudding
- Combine 2 cups of full-fat coconut milk, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a mixing bowl.
- Whisk the mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of chia seeds and a pinch of salt.
- Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes, then whisk again to prevent clumping.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
- Serve chilled with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes.
Vegan Coconut Chocolate Mousse
- Place 1 can (about 14 oz) of chilled full-fat coconut milk in the fridge overnight to separate the cream from the liquid.
- Carefully scoop out the thick coconut cream into a mixing bowl, leaving the coconut water behind.
- Add 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Whip the mixture with a hand mixer or whisk until fluffy and smooth.
- Transfer to serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with fresh berries or shaved dark chocolate.
Coconut Milk Mango Sorbet
- In a blender, combine 2 cups full-fat coconut milk, 1 1/2 cups frozen mango chunks, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon lime juice.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze for 2 hours.
- Stir every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals for a smooth sorbet texture.
- Serve once frozen and scoopable.
Tips & Variations
For the best texture in your coconut milk desserts, always use full-fat canned coconut milk, not the watered-down carton types.
- Place 1 can (about 14 oz) of chilled full-fat coconut milk in the fridge overnight to separate the cream from the liquid.
- Carefully scoop out the thick coconut cream into a mixing bowl, leaving the coconut water behind.
- Add 1/4 cup maple syrup, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Whip the mixture with a hand mixer or whisk until fluffy and smooth.
- Transfer to serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with fresh berries or shaved dark chocolate.
Coconut Milk Mango Sorbet
- In a blender, combine 2 cups full-fat coconut milk, 1 1/2 cups frozen mango chunks, 1/4 cup maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon lime juice.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze for 2 hours.
- Stir every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals for a smooth sorbet texture.
- Serve once frozen and scoopable.
Tips & Variations
For the best texture in your coconut milk desserts, always use full-fat canned coconut milk, not the watered-down carton types.
For the best texture in your coconut milk desserts, always use full-fat canned coconut milk, not the watered-down carton types.
Want to switch up flavors? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to your coconut chia pudding for a warm, aromatic twist.
You can also blend in a handful of spinach or kale for a green smoothie-style dessert, or swap the maple syrup for coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle chopped nuts, toasted coconut flakes, or cacao nibs over your desserts. And if you love layered desserts, try alternating coconut pudding with fruit compote for a colorful presentation.
If you’re interested in other vegan-friendly recipes that complement these desserts, check out my Personalized Recipe Book Stand for organizing your collection, or explore hearty options like the Pcos Chicken Recipes for non-vegans in your family.
For a sweet treat that’s not vegan but loved by many, the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe is a must-try.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (Chia Pudding) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 kcal |
Fat | 15g (mostly saturated fat from coconut) |
Carbohydrates | 18g |
Fiber | 7g |
Sugar | 9g (from maple syrup and natural coconut sugars) |
Protein | 4g |
These desserts offer a balanced source of energy with healthy fats, fiber, and natural sweetness. Keep in mind that portion control helps enjoy these treats as part of a wholesome diet.
Serving Suggestions
Coconut milk desserts are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. For a quick weekday dessert, spoon your coconut chia pudding into small jars for grab-and-go sweetness.
For dinner parties, serve coconut chocolate mousse in elegant glasses topped with fresh raspberries and mint leaves. Mango sorbet works wonderfully as a palate cleanser between courses or as a refreshing summer dessert.
You can also pair these desserts with tropical fruits like pineapple or passion fruit for a vibrant flavor boost. If you want a crunchy contrast, serve alongside homemade vegan pecan crackers—check out the Pecan Crackers Recipe for a perfect match.
Conclusion
Embracing vegan desserts doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or indulgence. Coconut milk is a perfect base to create luscious, creamy, and naturally sweet desserts that everyone will enjoy.
Whether you prefer the simplicity of chia pudding, the richness of chocolate mousse, or the refreshing bite of mango sorbet, these recipes provide a tasty and nourishing way to end any meal.
With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these vegan coconut milk desserts anytime you crave a guilt-free treat. I encourage you to experiment with different fruits, sweeteners, and toppings to make each dessert uniquely yours.
Happy cooking, and enjoy the tropical delight of coconut milk in your vegan dessert journey!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Coconut Milk Chia Pudding
Description: A creamy and delicious vegan dessert made with coconut milk and chia seeds. Perfectly sweetened and easy to prepare for a healthy treat.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT4H10M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup fresh mango chunks
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp toasted almonds (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Stir in chia seeds until well combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Stir pudding before serving to break up clumps.
- Top with mango chunks, shredded coconut, and toasted almonds.
- Serve chilled and enjoy.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 22 g
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