How to Color Coconut

Last Updated: March 29, 2019

Colored coconut makes for an interesting cake or baked item topping. It's easy to change the color from the standard white coconut to any other color of choice. Dyeing coconut other colors will allow you to experiment with turning coconut into anything from artificial grass or a pink fairyland, all atop your next cake.

Ingredients

Single color coconut:

Coconut - desiccated, shredded or flaked (all will work)
Liquid food coloring in color of your choice

Rainbow-colored coconut:

1 tablespoon water for each color you'd like to use
1 cup desiccated, shredded or flaked coconut (all will work)
1-2 drops of food coloring for each color you'd like to use

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Single Color Coconut

1
Measure out the amount of coconut you need. If you're using the coconut for a meal or dessert, check the recipe for the suggested amount. If there is no amount specified, do a good estimate by guessing.
2
Tip the coconut into the resealable bag.

Advertisement
3
Add the food coloring. You only need to add one to two drops of the food dye for it to spread its color quickly through the coconut. Add more food coloring for a darker color only once you know what the first few drops have achieved color-wise.
4
Seal the bag tightly.
5
Knead the color through the coconut. Place the bag down on a flat work surface and press and push the coconut inside the bag. This will distribute the color through the coconut. Keep kneading until the color is evenly distributed.
6
Use the colored coconut as needed. This can be used immediately or it can be left to use later. To store the colored coconut, place the sealed bag into the refrigerator until needed (check that the the seal is airtight, to keep it from drying out and to prevent bad odors from crossing into the coconut). Use within a few days of creating it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Rainbow Colored Coconut

1
Pour the tablespoon of water into a suitably sized jar with a wide mouth (if you have a mason jar, that will do nicely). You'll only need a small amount of water, about a tablespoon, although the precise amount can vary with the amount of coconut you use. Add 1 to 2 drops of a single color of food coloring. The more you add, the darker the color, so do this with care. Put the lid or cover on the jar.
2
Shake the jar to distribute the color through the water. Check that you're happy with the color that results. If the color is too light, add more food coloring; if it's too dark, add water to thin it, then dispose of any excess water before adding the coconut.
3
Add the coconut to the colored water. Place the lid back on the jar and shake to color all of the coconut. As the coconut soaks up the water, it will also soak up the color and absorb the dye.
4
Dry the coconut. If there is any liquid left in the jar, strain the coconut out using a tea strainer or other wire mesh strainer, and dispose of the excess water. Then arrange the wet coconut on a paper towel or sheet of parchment or wax paper, to dry.
- Once dry, it is ready to use.
5
Repeat for each of the remaining colors. Be sure to wash the jar out thoroughly between color changes to avoid mixing colors accidentally, and dry each color of coconut separately.
6
Store each color separately. After all the coconut has dried, place each new color into its own bowl or resealable plastic bag. Storing each color separately will keep the different colors bright and fresh, whereas storing all the colors together in one container could allow them to blend and turn into an unappealing brownish color.
7
Mix the colors just before use. When you're ready to use the rainbow coconut, add equal amounts of each of the colors to one bowl. Mix with your hands or a spoon to distribute the colors evenly. You will now have a rainbow-colored mixture of coconut.
8
Use the colored coconut. The bright, appealing colors make rainbow coconut a great topping for cakes, cookies, or other food. Add it to cake frosting or use in whatever way strikes your fancy.
- If not using immediately, place inside a resealable bag and store in the refrigerator.

Community Q&A

Question

How long can I store this colored coconut at room temperature?

Qamar

Top Answerer

It can be stored in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for about 1-2 weeks, longer if you refrigerate it.
Question

How long do you need to let the coconut dry after you put the food coloring in it? If it is a couple of hours, I need to do it the day before.

Bardboi Spartan

Community Answer

You need to let the coconut dry after you put the food coloring in. It will take at least 1 hour and may be more depending on humidity.

Things You'll Need

Single-color coconut:

Resealable bag

Rainbow-colored coconut:

A wide-mouthed jar, such as a mason jar; it must have a lid or cover to allow for shaking
Tea strainer (optional)
Small bowls (if making more than one color)