Description
Creamy Coconut Cream Pie Dip with cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, coconut extract, and toasted coconut. Perfect with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or fruit.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup shredded coconut, toasted
- Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or fruit, for serving
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Ensure cream cheese is softened. Take it out of the refrigerator at least an hour before starting. If short on time, microwave in 15-second intervals until softened, being careful not to melt.
- Combine Cream Cheese and Sweetened Condensed Milk: In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk. Beat with an electric mixer until completely smooth and well combined (2-3 minutes on medium speed). Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally.
- Add Extracts: Add vanilla extract and coconut extract to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well until evenly distributed. Adjust to your personal preference.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping. Don’t overmix! Use a spatula and gently fold until just combined.
- Incorporate Toasted Coconut: Add the toasted shredded coconut to the mixture. Gently fold it in until evenly distributed. Make sure the coconut is cooled completely before adding it.
- Chill the Dip: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
- Preheat Oven (Optional): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread Coconut on Baking Sheet: Spread the shredded coconut in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet.
- Toast in Oven (Optional): Bake for 5-10 minutes, or until the coconut is golden brown, stirring occasionally to ensure even toasting. Watch it carefully, as it can burn quickly.
- Toast on Stovetop (Alternative Method): Alternatively, you can toast the coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning. This method is faster but requires more attention.
- Cool Completely: Remove the toasted coconut from the oven or skillet and let it cool completely before adding it to the dip.
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: Reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk for a less sweet dip.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: A pinch of salt can enhance the flavors of the dip and balance the sweetness.
- Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dip.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in some mini chocolate chips for a chocolate coconut cream pie dip.
- Pineapple Chunks: Add small chunks of crushed pineapple (well drained) for a tropical twist.
- Rum Extract: Substitute a teaspoon of rum extract for the vanilla extract for a more adult flavor.
- Make it Vegan: Use vegan cream cheese, sweetened condensed coconut milk, and vegan whipped topping to make this dip vegan-friendly.
- Layered Dessert: Create a layered dessert by alternating layers of graham cracker crumbs, coconut cream dip, and toasted coconut in a trifle dish or individual cups.
- Freezing: While not ideal, you can freeze this dip. Be aware that the texture may change upon thawing, becoming slightly grainy. If freezing, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: For an even more decadent dip, use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping.
- Toasting Coconut Variations: Experiment with different levels of toasting for the coconut. A lightly toasted coconut will have a subtle flavor, while a deeply toasted coconut will have a more intense, nutty flavor.
- Serving Temperature: While chilling is recommended, you can also serve the dip at room temperature if you prefer a softer consistency. However, it will be more prone to melting if left out for extended periods.
- Presentation: Get creative with your presentation! Serve the dip in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut for a tropical-themed party.
- Dietary Considerations: Be mindful of any dietary restrictions or allergies when serving this dip. Ensure that all ingredients are gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-free as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes