14 Coconut Desserts That Taste Like a Tropical Vacation
With just one bite, you’ll feel like you’re on island time.
There’s no easy way to transport yourself to the tropics without purchasing a plane ticket, but adding a touch of coconut to your plate is a darn good alternative! From savory dishes like crispy coconut shrimp to sweet treats like fluffy coconut cake, the sweet, nutty ingredient can add a burst of sunny tropical flavor to your cooking—and you won’t have to leave the comfort of your kitchen.
If you want to enjoy a taste of island time at home, these coconut desserts will definitely deliver. Here, you'll find pies, cakes, cookies, and other decadent sweets that put coconut at the front and center. Some of these recipes pair coconut with fresh fruit like pineapple and mango for a true tropical explosion, while others feature chocolate for an ultra-decadent bite. Although many of these coconut dessert recipes spotlight shredded coconut for maximum chewiness, there are a few that incorporate coconut milk for a rich, creamy consistency.
In this collection of coconut desserts, there are tried-and-true classics like coconut cream pie, along with other fun iterations like a golden galette crowned with fresh fruit and fluffy cinnamon rolls spiced with a gingerbread flair. Whatever you choose, these dessert recipes will have you going nuts for coconuts!
Coconut Cream Pie
For tropical bliss in every bite, this coconut dessert features a flaky crust piled high with a smooth custard filling, fluffy whipped cream, and toasted coconut shavings.
Get the Coconut Cream Pie recipe.
Coconut Layer Cake
The moist cake and silky icing in this coconut dessert recipe are packed with coconut flavor from the extract and shavings. Plus, the all-white confection will look so elegant on display.
Get Ree's Coconut Layer Cake recipe.
Macaroons
Chewy coconut and velvety chocolate are a match made in…tropical paradise! You can whip up a batch of these coconut drop cookies in under an hour for any occasion.
Get the Macaroons recipe.
Coconut Pound Cake
Both the buttery pound cake and sticky-sweet glaze get their rich flavor from coconut extract, but it’s the thick coating of shredded coconut that steals the show. This rich, chewy treat is a coconut lover’s dream!
Get Ree’s Coconut Pound Cake recipe.
Million Dollar Pie
A combination of shredded coconut, juicy pineapple, sweet-tart cherries, and crunchy candied pecans give this retro, no-bake dessert its signature creamy consistency and tropical taste. If you’re in a pinch, you can even make it a day ahead!
Get Ree’s Million Dollar Pie recipe.
Tropical Fruit Galette
Tucked inside a golden pie crust, fresh mango, pineapple, and kiwi get a bright, nutty upgrade, thanks to a drizzle of coconut-lime glaze and a sprinkle of chopped coconut flakes and macadamia nuts.
Get the Tropical Fruit Galette recipe.
Piña Colada Cake
If you like piña coladas, you’ll love this cake! Soaked in rum, coconut, and lime, the fruity cake turns incredibly moist and flavorful. With a mound of creamy coconut icing, just one bite will transport you to an island state of mind.
Get the Piña Colada Cake recipe.
No-Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Chocolate, oats, peanut butter, and coconut come together for an irresistibly chewy cookie that takes just five minutes on the stove to make. Add another dose of coconut flakes on top for the ultimate coconut dessert.
Mango Pie
Cream of coconut adds silky richness to the sweet mango filling in this dessert. To save yourself a step, you can opt for baking shortcuts like a store-bought crust or frozen mango.
Get Ree’s Mango Pie recipe.
Gingerbread-Spiced Cinnamon Rolls
Take warm, pillowy cinnamon rolls to the next level with a gingerbread spice filling and creamy coconut icing. Top them with shredded coconut for even more sweet, nutty goodness.
German Chocolate Cake
A rich coconut-pecan filling makes this chocolate cake a decadent delight. The dusting of shredded coconut over the chocolate Swiss buttercream doesn’t hurt, either!
Get the German Chocolate Cake recipe.
Chocolate-Marshmallow Bars
An elevated version of s’mores, these scrumptious cookie bars are loaded with chocolate and marshmallows, plus a new addition, sweetened shredded coconut, for a burst of chewy texture and toasted flavor.
Get Ree's Chocolate-Marshmallow Bars recipe.
German Chocolate Pie
To savor another chocolate-coconut dessert, reimagine classic German chocolate in pie form. The center of this coconut dessert is dense and fudgy, which pairs well with the light, airy whipped cream.
Get Ree's German Chocolate Pie recipe.
Italian Cream Cupcakes
Coconut flakes give basic buttermilk cake and simple vanilla icing a drool-worthy boost. Since this recipe yields over two dozen servings, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Get Ree's Italian Cream Cupcakes recipe.
Grandma’s Best Desserts Will Take You Way Back
Apple Crumble
The Sweetest Tailgate Desserts to End Game Day
Chocolate Buttercream
