How To Make Toasted Coconut Flakes Sweet (Crispy)

Name: How To Make Toasted Coconut Flakes Sweet (Crispy)
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: Australian
Ingredients: 4 cups of coconut flakes (untoasted); 2 tbsp of coconut oil melted; 1,5 tbsp of maple syrup

↓ Jump to Recipe

↓ Jump to Video

Learn how to make toasted coconut flakes sweet with this super easy and quick recipe. Ready in less than 15 minutes from start to finish, plus super crispy and delicious. Vegan.

Toasted sweetened coconut flakes coming out of a jar

If you are a coconut fan, you have to add this easy coconut flakes recipe to your coconut recipes repertoire! These versatile coconut flakes are a simple DIY recipe that is perfect for a snack or to top up yogurt and smoothie bowls.

For more sweet coconut dessert recipes, check out this coconut chocolate slice, this lemon coconut slice, or this healthy carrot coconut cake.

Why you will love these toasted coconut flakes

Close up of Toasted sweetened coconut flakes on parchment paper

They are ready in no time and are the easiest thing to prepare! Less than 5 minutes to prepare, and only 10 minutes to bake.

Super crispy and delicious coconut flavor. If coconut is your love language, you are in for a treat.

Great snack for that time when you feel like a little something sweet without overindulging.

Healthy and light, they make a great topping for yogurt, smoothies, or even ice cream bowls!

Ideal for making larger batches for your pantry's long-term storage!

Ingredients

You only need three simple ingredients that you can find at all grocery stores:

Unsweetened coconut flakes - I like to use large coconut flakes
Coconut oil melted
Maple syrup

I like to make a large batch of this recipe because it lasts forever in the pantry (although I usually go through them quite quickly ha-ha), so I use 4 cups of coconut flakes. Feel free to half the amount of ingredients though, if you are after a smaller batch.

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to make these toasted sweetened coconut flakes

I like to sweeten coconut flakes with the oven method because they come out toasted and SO CRISPY! Plus, they are incredibly quick and easy to make.

Preheat the oven to 180C / 350F.

Step 1 - Combine all the ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the coconut oil and maple syrup. Stir with a spoon until you get a homogeneous mixture.

Add the untoasted coconut flakes to a large bowl, and pour the coconut maple mixture on top. Mix well to combine with your hands.

Step 2 - Bake the coconut flakes

Transfer to a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spread along the baking sheet aiming to make a thin layer of coconut flakes. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes until golden brown. Let them cool completely at room temperature or inside the oven with the door open.

Please note that until they are fully cold, they might have a chewy texture. They will become crispy once cold.

Important! Check out how they are going after 7 minutes to avoid burning them!

Toasted sweetened coconut flakes on parchment paper

Substitutions and variations

Use other sweetener, like coconut sugar or brown sugar
Add a hint of sea salt, for a slightly saltier flavor
A dash of vanilla and cinnamon can also be great additions

What to eat with these crispy coconut flakes

Top up your yogurt bowl, papaya boat or tropical smoothie with these delicious coconut flakes and some fresh berries.

Add to a raw granola recipe for extra crunch!

Add to your smoothie bowls along with some delicious granola, like this turmeric granola, or this chocolate granola.

Sprinkle over ice cream for a crunchy texture.

You could even add it to savory dishes, like as a topping to this chilled creamy cucumber soup or salads.

Crispy toasted sweetened coconut flakes in a bowl

Storage

Store in an airtight container at room temperature. They last weeks with a crispy texture if stored properly in a dry place.

Cooking tips to make the best toasted sweetened coconut flakes!

Be mindful of the oven temperature and check the flakes after 7 minutes to make sure they're going golden brown but not burning.

For best results, let the coconut flakes cool completely before transferring to a jar.

Sweetened Toasted Coconut Flakes FAQ's

What kind of coconut is best for this recipe?

Unsweetened coconut flakes are my favorite for this recipe. I find large coconut flakes toast nicely and end up with a super crunchy texture. However, you can also use desiccated coconut or shredded coconut. Bear in mind the baking time will be less as they are a lot smaller.

How can I sweeten unsweetened coconut flakes?

You can sweeten unsweetened coconut flakes combining them with a mixture of coconut oil and maple syrup, and then baking them in the oven. I love this oven method because it is very quick and easy. There are also other methods, like cooking them on the stove top with coconut milk and sugar.

Are unsweetened coconut flakes still sweet?

Yes! Unsweetened coconut flakes are still sweet because coconut is naturally sweet. Unsweetened coconut flakes are drier and chewier, sweetened coconut is sweeter, and in this recipe, also crunchier!

How much sugar to add to unsweetened coconut flakes?

I like to sweeten coconut flakes with maple syrup rather than sugar, but coconut sugar or brown sugar also works. Note that you will have to dissolve the sugar with the coconut oil before combining it with the coconut flakes. I recommend starting with 1,5 tablespoon for 4 cups of coconut flakes.

More coconut desserts