Creamy Coconut Cake Filling
Desserts

Creamy Coconut Cake Filling

ML
By Marie Lefebvre · Updated October 4, 2026

A velvety, fragrant coconut cream filling perfect for layered cakes, tarts, and dessert cups. Made with shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk, this quick stovetop recipe brings a tropical touch to any homemade dessert.

Prep⏱️ 20 min
Servings👥 12 servings
Difficulty📊 Easy
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🛒 Ingredients

12 servings

12
  • 1 litre (4 cups) whole milk
  • 150 g (1½ cups) shredded coconut
  • 1 can (395 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar
  • 4 level tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions

  1. 1

    In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold milk until fully dissolved, then lightly beat in the egg. Set aside.

  2. 2

    In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the remaining milk, condensed milk, sugar, and shredded coconut. Stir well to mix.

  3. 3

    Add the cornstarch-egg mixture and the butter to the pan and stir to incorporate everything evenly.

  4. 4

    Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a spatula, until the cream thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

  5. 5

    Remove from heat and pour into a bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Cool completely before filling your cake.

💡 Chef's Tip

For a deeper coconut flavour, lightly toast the shredded coconut in a dry pan until golden before adding it to the mix. Keeps refrigerated for up to 3 days tightly covered.