Coconut Milk Icing with Just 3 Ingredients
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclosure policies for details.
This coconut milk icing is a smooth white topping perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or pastries. It’s quick and easy to make with just three ingredients!
This drizzle is subtly sweet with the creamy richness of coconut milk. It’s a luxurious icing to drip down the sides of your cake.
The white coconut adds a beautiful contrast to dark cakes like my black glutinous rice flour bundt cake, or any chocolate cake. But of course, you can also use it on butter cakes or any other kind of cake you’re baking.
How It’s Prepared
The coconut milk icing is made by mixing coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch, then heating it until it thickens into a drizzleable consistency. The cornstarch helps the mixture set without becoming too thick, keeping it pourable.
Continue below for the full recipe with ingredients and step-by-step instructions.
Customization Options
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar depending on your taste, or enhance it with a touch of vanilla or almond extract.
For a thicker frosting-like texture, increase the cornstarch to 1 tablespoon or use a full cup of powdered sugar. You can also add a few tablespoons of butter or use thick coconut cream instead of coconut milk for extra richness. After cooking and cooling, whip the mixture to achieve a fluffy, spreadable consistency.
Tips on How to Pour Icing over a Cake
- Prepare Your Icing: Ensure your icing is at the right consistency. It should be pourable but not too thin. If it’s too thick, add a bit more coconut milk until you reach the desired consistency.
- Chill the Cake: Allow the cake to cool completely and, if possible, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the icing from melting and makes it easier to apply.
- Use a Wire Rack: Place the cake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or parchment paper to catch any excess icing if the drips go all the way to the bottom of the cake.
- Pouring Technique:
- Start pouring the icing in the center of the cake.
- Allow it to naturally flow towards the edges and gently encourage it to drip over the sides by tilting the cake slightly, if necessary.
- Let It Set: Allow the icing to set for a few minutes before serving so that it holds its shape.
Coconut Milk Icing
Make this easy coconut milk icing with only 3 ingredients! A perfect topping for cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.
This drizzle fits vegan, vegetarian, dairy- and gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar)
- 2 tsp cornstarch
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, mix the coconut milk, powdered sugar, and cornstarch together until smooth.
- Place the pan over medium heat and stir constantly to avoid clumps.
- Continue to heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon but remains pourable.
- Once it reaches the desired consistency, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Drizzle the icing over your cake to create a drip (See tips how to pour over cake above). Sprinkle with desiccated coconut (optional).
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to bring back its smooth consistency.
