This Coconut Syrup is just like the kind they serve over pancakes and waffles in Hawaii! It is thick and rich and supremely coconut-y. Plus: stupid easy. Perfect for a lazy Mother’s Day! Originally published May 5, 2015.
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I got coconut syrup in my hair today. In my bangs, actually. Apparently I run my fingers through my bangs to sweep them out of my eyes like every 10 seconds. I never really noticed that I did this before, but it’s hard not to take note when your fingers keep getting caught in the now-dried, hours-old coconut syrup that you still haven’t washed out of your hair.
This is probably why I get looks at the grocery store. Not only are my children disheveled, but their mother looks like someone who’s been playing with her food. Shamefully accurate.
I probably had BBQ sauce or frosting on my face the other day at the store, too. It would explain why my cashier was checking out my kids to see if she needed to call the cops. I had my nephew with me, who had had a nasty run-in with the edge of a counter. The first day I saw it, it was just a knot with a split down the middle, right on his temple. By the time we went on our grocery trip a day later, it had morphed into a full-on black eye. It looked pretty gnarly. Poor kid.
The checkout lady asked what happened of course, and I told her. Then she turned her attention to my son Truman, who needed a haircut so bad that his eyes were literally covered in hair. But she still managed to spot his little strawberry patch right between his eyebrows. “Oh, did he fall too?” NO I SWEAR IT’S A BIRTHMARK!! THIS BLACK-EYED KID ISN’T EVEN MINE! I’M INNOCENT!! Just ignore the syrup-bangs please.
This Coconut Syrup Recipe takes me right back to Hawaii
Have you been to Hawaii? Eric and I went for our honeymoon, but I want to go back. We didn’t get to see a ton because we were on a budget. Eric’s parents just went a few weeks ago, and his mom told me about an amazing breakfast she had: Banana Macadamia Pancakes with Coconut Syrup. I did some research, and it seems like Bananacadamia (Let’s make this a thing!) pancakes are a popular thing there. I’ve never had them, but this recipe is so amazing that I can’t imagine how they would be better. I mean, besides the fact that there are no beaches or palm trees in sight.
Creative ways to use Hawaiian Coconut Syrup
But first up: the syrup. This coconut syrup gets a whole post to itself, because after trying it I knew I would be using it for more than just Bananacadamia Pancakes. (That recipe will be up on Thursday) (Here it is). I’m thinking Italian Sodas, fruit dip, (Try a banana with this syrup. Or pineapple! So. good.) regular old waffles, jazzing up my oatmeal. What would you put it on? I want to experiment using this with some grilled meat too. Coconut syrup for days!
On that note. You should know that I just swiped my fingers through my syrupy bangs again.
Coconut Pancake Syrup ingredients
Here’s a quick shopping list to help you gather your ingredients. See the recipe card below for the full ingredients and instructions!
- Coconut milk (full fat, not lite)
- Cornstarch
- Sugar
- Light-colored corn syrup
- Vanilla extract
P.S. If you want to make the Banana Macadamia Pancakes I mentioned, the ingredients you’ll need (besides regular pancake stuff like flour, baking soda/powder, etc.) are: 2-3 ripe or overripe bananas, 1/2 cup roasted salted macadamia nuts, eggs, butter, and buttermilk.
Coconut Syrup Recipe variations and substitutions
This recipe is pretty simple. Here are my do’s and dont’s for making changes:
- Substitute extracts. Got your own little extract library in your baking cupboard? Try substituting coconut extract or rum extract for the vanilla.
- Keep the coconut milk full fat. If you’re counting calories, serve yourself a smaller drizzle. Lite coconut milk is not going to give you the right texture and flavor!
- Add more coconut. If you like the taste and texture of shredded sweetened coconut, you can add some (about ½ cup). You could also add toasted coconut or coconut flakes.
How to make Coconut Syrup
Here’s a quick overview of how to make coconut syrup. Scroll down to the recipe card and follow the complete instructions when you’re ready to make this!
- Pour the coconut milk into a small saucepan with the heat turned off. Add the cornstarch and whisk thoroughly.
- Turn the heat to medium once the cornstarch is completely incorporated. Add the sugar, salt, and corn syrup.
- Stir very frequently over medium heat until the liquid starts to thicken. If you start to see bubbles from boiling, take it off the heat.
- Add the vanilla and stir. The syrup will continue to thicken as it cools.
How to store Hawaiian Coconut Syrup
You can store your syrup in the fridge for a week or so. It’s going to be a lot thicker when it’s cold, but you can warm it up in a saucepan (or the microwave with a cover on it). I don’t recommend freezing it–the texture will not be the same and you may have issues with separation.
Hawaii Coconut Syrup FAQs
No. Pure coconut syrup is nectar from coconut palm blossoms with some of the liquid evaporated. The coconut syrup we’re making today is like pancake syrup – it has the flavor of the original, but contains none of the original. Coconut sugar, on the other hand, is a crystalized version of pure coconut syrup with ALL the liquid removed.
Yes. Pure coconut syrup can be used as a sweetener in place of honey or sugar; the coconut syrup we’re making today is definitely sweet, full of coconut flavor, and perfect for adding to breakfast or dessert.
Coconut syrup is great for drizzling over pancakes, waffles, or crepes. My number one pancake choice for this would of course be these Banana Macadamia Pancakes. It’s also an amazing fruit dip (think tropical – pineapple, mango, banana!). You could make your hot oatmeal or overnight oats pretty incredible by adding some as well. If you’d like you can make an Italian soda with this as the syrup base (or Italian cream soda, be still my beating heart).
More Mother’s Day (or anytime) brunch ideas!
Gingerbread Pancakes with Lemon Syrup << (think outside the Christmas box! These are so good, anytime of the year)
Good Old Fashioned Pancakes << nothin’ like a fat stack slathered in butter and syrup
Overnight Blueberry French Toast Casserole << do the work ahead, thank yourself in the morning
Dark Chocolate Waffles with Ganache and Strawberries << yes, chocolate IS a breakfast food
Dreamy Coconut Cream Pie with Caramel Layer << more coconut goodness that goes with any entrée
The Blueberry Pancakes of Your Dreams from Baker by Nature
Whole Wheat Brown Sugar Banana Bread Pancakes from How Sweet Eats
Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes from Crazy for Crust
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Coconut Syrup Recipe
Ingredients
- 13 ounces coconut milk, not lite
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or up to 3/4
- 1 tablespoon light-colored corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Open the can of coconut milk. Pour into a small saucepan with the heat turned off. Add the cornstarch and whisk thoroughly.*
- Turn the heat to medium once the cornstarch is completely incorporated. Add the sugar, salt, and corn syrup.
- Stir very frequently over medium heat until the liquid starts to thicken. If you start to see bubbles from boiling, take it off the heat.
- Add the vanilla and stir. The syrup will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Serve with your favorite pancakes, waffles, or I bet it would make a great Italian soda or cocktail!
In college, I walked into one of my classes and realized halfway through I had ice cream stuck to my chin. So embarrassing. But, let’s chat about this coconut syrup. OMG. This is so happening, like now.
When I saw it on IG, I had to come and check this recipe out. Love this! How did I miss it in Hawaii??
Oh this syrup looks divine and the possibilities…….. I had to laugh at your story because it is the same with me!! I usually forget little things at my major grocery trip so I have to stop and pick things up on the way home from getting my kids from school and the looks I get!! But when I get home and look in the mirror I know why! Between the kids and I our clothes and faces need some tlc.
I knew you’d figure it out. You’re a genius! Really!
This looks delicious! I love banana pancakes and definitely saw them with this syrup on a menu or two in Maui. It’s a refreshing alternative to maple syrup! Thanks for sharing! xo
Looks so amazing! Gotta try. Pinned to our Coconut Board.
I want to slather this over EVERYTHING!!!!!
Yeah, I highly recommend bangs.
I remember having this syrup in Hawaii too! I loved it and never thought about making it myself. Genius Karen!! And haha with the check our clerk. I always think the same thing. My daughter falls all the times on her legs and has these bruises and everyone is looking probably thinking poor little girl!! I would totally get this in my hair if I could have some. :-)
How different is this from cream of coconut? They sound very similar.
Hi Linda! Do you mean coconut cream, as opposed to coconut milk? (I’m not sure what cream of coconut is) Coconut cream is just an entire can of the solid stuff that comes in a can of coconut milk. It is unsweetened and definitely doesn’t taste like this recipe! Funny that you mention it, I tested this recipe 3 times, and used coconut cream on one of them (in lieu of the coconut milk). It made the syrup too thick for my liking.
No, it is a canned milk but sweet (very sweet) that is usually found in the drink mix area of grocery stores. It’s used frequently to make pina colada type drinks. Here’sa a link to their site.
http://www.cocolopez.com/creamofcoconut.html
Oh, okay! Looking at the ingredients it looks pretty much the same. Coconut, sugar, thickener. :) Now you can make it at home!
I will have to try that. Just made a coconut tres leches cake using it and evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk instead of half-n-half with the other two. Seems to me that would make it too sweet but I think the sweetened condensed was less to compensate for the extra sweet. It was a HUGE success. You have me at coconut. Thanks for the recipe!!
I HAVE to try this syrup with my daughter. We used to bring home coconut syrup from Hawaii….so fun to eat pancakes here and pretend we are still there in sunny Hawaii!! :-)
Awesome Sheryl, let me know if it tastes like what you remember! It’s funny, when my mother in law was texting me from the restaurant about this syrup, she asked the waiter if they would give her the recipe. Instead they brought out the bottle that they buy pre-made! They should start making it in-house, it’s so easy!
haha oh gosh, I touch my hair all the time and I have definitely swiped food through it before! Which is why I now wear it up when cooking at all times!
We went to Hawaii on our honeymoon and I definitely remember the coconut syrup! Love this!!
Yeah, I usually remember to put mine up halfway through a shoot when I realize there is blonde hair peaking in the corners of my overhead shots. and also the strap that I never put on. haha!
This syrup looks divine. I wouldn’t mind pouring it all over everything, including my hair!
Yum! We lived in Hawaii for 8-1/2 years and we miss it so Very much. Thanks for sharing this recipe for Coconut syrup. Love, love banana pancakes with coconut syrup! Will have to make this soon!
You lived in Hawaii!! So fun. Now at least you can have a Hawaiian breakfast even if you’re not there anymore! I hope you like it :) Have a great week Diane!
Is it weird that I kinda want to pour this beautiful syrup over, well, everything?! If not that, then definitely just grabbing an extra-large spoon and going to town. Seriously OBSESSING over how awesome those pancakes sound and with this syrup on top could you ever go wrong?!
Hahaha I bet you looked like Mary from There’s Something About Mary….
Also – coconut syrup?! I want to take a bath in this right now.