{"id":785520,"date":"2018-10-31T11:43:54","date_gmt":"2018-10-31T15:43:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=785520"},"modified":"2024-10-03T20:59:30","modified_gmt":"2024-10-04T01:59:30","slug":"is-flaked-or-shredded-coconut-best-for-your-recipe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/is-flaked-or-shredded-coconut-best-for-your-recipe\/","title":{"rendered":"Flaked Coconut vs. Shredded Coconut: What’s the Difference?"},"content":{"rendered":"You've been dying to try out one of our coconut recipes<\/a>, so you're off to the store to stock up. But in the baking aisle, you're faced with some decisions: flaked vs. shredded coconut, sweetened vs. unsweetened.\r\n\r\nWhat type of coconut are you supposed to choose?\r\n

Flaked Coconut vs. Shredded Coconut<\/h2>\r\nFor starters, flaked coconut comes in a larger shape and size, while shredded coconut is small and thin. Knowing which form of coconut to use for your recipe is important, because it will provide the right texture and flavor to your dish.\r\n

Flaked Coconut<\/h3>\r\n\"Coconut\r\n\r\nThis type of coconut is shaved into long, wide flakes. Flaked coconut is best used when you want a noticeable crunch in your dish, such as adding them to a salad for texture.\r\n\r\nToast these flakes or use them as-is in all sorts of recipes\u2014like this Favorite Coconut Cake<\/a>\u2014for added flavor and texture.\r\n\r\nTo toast coconut<\/a> at home, pop the flakes in a dry skillet on the stove for about 5 minutes. You can also spread the coconut across a sheet pan and toast in the oven at 350\u00b0F for 6 to 8 minutes.\r\n\r\n[embed_shop_button shop_btn_text=\"Shop Now\" shop_btn_url=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/Bob-s-Red-Mill-Unsweetened-Coconut-Flakes-10-oz\/232682564\" shop_btn_tab=\"true\" \/]\r\n

Shredded Coconut<\/h3>\r\n\"Shredded\r\n\r\nThis form of coconut is mostly dry, though it does retain a bit of moisture. It's shredded into small, thin strips and gives coconut desserts such a gorgeous finish.\r\n\r\nShredded coconut is best used when you want just a hint of coconut to be tasted in your dish, like in these coconut cookies<\/a>. Use them for decoration, too, like sprinkling them on top of this pina colada cake<\/a>.\r\n\r\n[embed_shop_button shop_btn_text=\"Shop Now\" shop_btn_url=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=131817X1598243&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FBob-s-Red-Mill-Shredded-Coconut-Unsweetened-12-ounce%2F338814308\" shop_btn_tab=\"true\" \/]\r\n

What Is Desiccated Coconut?<\/h2>\r\n\"Toh\r\n\r\nDesiccated coconut is ground, rather than shredded. The fine texture looks almost like a fresh snowfall. The main difference between desiccated coconut and flaked or shredded coconut is that the moisture has been removed.\r\n\r\nLike shredded coconut, use desiccated coconut for decoration. Use it to dust atop ice cream or brownies for a snowy look or as a garnish for more elaborate meals.\r\n\r\n[embed_shop_button shop_btn_text=\"Shop Now\" shop_btn_url=\"https:\/\/www.walmart.com\/ip\/Larissa-Veronica-Coconut-Desiccated-8-oz-1-Pack-Zin-526384\/495310131\" shop_btn_tab=\"true\" \/]\r\n

Sweetened vs. Unsweetened Coconut<\/h2>\r\nThe difference between sweetened and unsweetened coconut is pretty obvious. Unsweetened is plain coconut\u2014no added sugar\u2014and sweetened coconut has added sugar.\r\n\r\nBecause of the added sugar, the sweetened coconut will be moister and sweeter. It works best when baking sweet coconut treats<\/a>.\r\n\r\nUnsweetened coconut tends to be a bit drier and chewier. It can be a great substitute for baking recipes that already include plenty of sweet ingredients. Unsweetened coconut also works well in savory applications, like this Thai curry<\/a>.\r\n

How Do I Choose the Right Type of Coconut?<\/h2>\r\nIf your recipe doesn't specify which kind of coconut you need, use your best judgment. Savory dish? Use unsweetened. Sweet bake? Use whatever coconut you have on hand.\r\n\r\nAs for desiccated, flaked or shredded, you can use your best judgment there, too. The larger the coconut pieces, the more texture you'll have in your dishes. Whatever the case, you'll end up with a tasty result!\r\n\r\n\t\t\t
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