Coconut flakes are a fantastic way to add the goodness and delicious flavour of coconuts to your dishes - especially during the colder months. Here, we will share some ways to use coconut flakes this winter.
Why coconut flakes?
Coconut flakes might not be the first ingredient you think of when it comes to cooking and baking, but they are the perfect accompaniment to your winter recipes. Our 100% natural coconut flakes do not contain any preservatives or GMOs, and are ethically sourced and suitable for vegan diets.
What are the types of coconut flakes?
At Coconut Merchant, we supply two different tasty types of coconut flakes. You can choose plain coconut flakes or toasted coconut flakes. Both can be used for a range of different dishes, but toasted coconut flakes taste slightly nuttier and have a slightly different texture when compared to the plain variety.
Both types of coconut flakes can be utilised in several ways in your kitchen - your imagination is the only limit! In fact, if you want some extra inspiration for how you can use coconut flakes, keep reading. We have collected some of our favourite ideas to inspire you!
Smoothies
Do you love to start your day with a deliciously fruity smoothie? You can add a sprinkle of coconut flakes to your smoothie for a little taste of coconut, or think about incorporating even more coconut flavour into your glass. One of our favourite smoothies is a blueberry coconut recipe - you can simply combine frozen blueberries with vanilla yoghurt and coconut milk, as well as some coconut flakes and a little sweetener, such as honey. Blend this together and sprinkle some coconut flakes over the top of the smoothie for a surprisingly decadent yet healthy breakfast.
Chewy cookies
Cookies are a classic snack that can also be artfully wrapped and given as a gift in the winter months. Baking up a tray of delicious chewy coconut cookies is a must-try this year - you can simply bake up a fairly easy cookie using flour, baking powder, butter, brown and white sugar, an egg and some vanilla extract. Add a sprinkle of salt and a cup of coconut flakes to create that tasty kick of coconut. These cookies are warm, chewy, and oh so comforting at any time of year - but especially during those chilly afternoons. Best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee!
Healthy granola
Another great breakfast option is making your own granola. This might sound like a lot of work, but it really isn’t! Create a filling coconut based granola by combining oats, coconut flakes, almonds and pecans. Combine these dry ingredients, along with a little coconut sugar, and then heat maple syrup and coconut oil and drizzle over. Bake the granola and then add dried fruit and extra coconut flakes for an easy go-to breakfast that even stores well.
Sprinkling and snacking
A simple way to use coconut flakes is as a sprinkle or snack. Toasted coconut flakes are delicious on their own as an on-the-go snacking option, but you can also sprinkle them liberally over your cereal, muesli or porridge to add a little something extra.
Cake decorations
As well as creating coconut cakes, you can use coconut flakes as an incredible decoration for your winter cakes - they add that rustic, festive yet minimalist look. Simply bake your favourite cake and add frosting, then apply coconut flakes as liberally as you like. This creates a beautiful crackle effect for your cake that would look at home on any winter table.
As you can see, there are so many different ways you can use coconut flakes in your winter cooking and baking. No matter what your cooking level, there is a recipe for you. Some of our favourite ways to use them are for baking, or in your daily smoothies. You can also use them for muesli or eat them as a snack on their own.
Coconut flakes make a fantastic cake decoration, or as a tasty topping for your yoghurt, or sprinkled over your oatmeal or cereal. You can also use them to make your own granola, or bring coconut flakes into your baking.
With Coconut Merchant, you can choose to get your coconut flakes either plain or toasted to suit your palate and your recipe. Pick some up to bring the taste of coconuts into your winter meals - and browse our full range to see how else you can enjoy the wonderful coconut!