4-Ingredient Coconut Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This 4-ingredient coconut sauce is a simple and versatile topping that adds a creamy, sweet touch to desserts, pancakes, or tropical dishes. It’s quick to whip up and requires just basic pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 can coconut milk or coconut cream (13.5 oz / 400 ml)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar or brown sugar (66 g)
- A pinch of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk the cornstarch with about ¼ cup of room temperature coconut milk until completely dissolved. Set this mixture aside.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine the remaining coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Step 3: Slowly drizzle the cornstarch slurry into the simmering coconut milk while stirring constantly. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 4: Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool. The sauce will thicken further as it cools, reaching the perfect consistency.
Tips & Variations
- Use coconut cream instead of coconut milk for a richer, thicker sauce.
- Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar to add a deeper caramel flavor.
- For a smoother texture, strain the sauce before cooling to remove any lumps.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Storage
Store the cooled coconut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore the creamy texture. If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, stir in a little warm coconut milk to loosen it.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of coconut milk?
This sauce relies on the richness and flavor of coconut milk, so regular milk will not provide the same taste or texture. For a dairy alternative, try a canned full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream.
What can I do if the sauce is too thin?
Return the sauce to low heat and cook a little longer while stirring until it thickens. If it remains thin, you can mix and add a little more cornstarch slurry, then cook again briefly.
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4-Ingredient Coconut Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup (240 ml) of coconut sauce 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This simple and luscious 4-Ingredient Coconut Sauce is a creamy, sweet topping made from coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch. Perfect for drizzling over desserts like ice cream, pancakes, or fresh fruit, this sauce is easy to prepare and ready in just minutes. The natural sweetness of coconut milk combined with a silky, thick texture makes it a versatile addition to many dishes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 can coconut milk or coconut cream (13.5 oz / 400 ml)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar or brown sugar (66 g)
- A pinch of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: Whisk the cornstarch with about ¼ cup of room temperature coconut milk until completely dissolved to form a smooth slurry. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Heat Coconut Milk Mixture: Pour the remaining coconut milk into a small saucepan, then add the granulated sugar and a pinch of kosher salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture begins to simmer gently.
- Thicken the Sauce: Gradually drizzle the cornstarch slurry into the simmering coconut milk while stirring constantly. Continue cooking the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the coconut sauce to cool. It will thicken further as it cools, achieving a perfect pourable texture ready to be used as a topping or dip.
Notes
- You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Use coconut cream instead of coconut milk for an even richer sauce.
- If the sauce becomes too thick after cooling, gently reheat and stir in a splash of coconut milk to loosen it up.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This sauce pairs beautifully with tropical fruits, desserts, and breakfast dishes such as pancakes or waffles.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion / Tropical
Keywords: Coconut sauce, coconut milk sauce, easy dessert sauce, tropical sauce, coconut cream sauce, sweet sauce, dairy-free sauce, 4 ingredient sauce
