MANLEY FOODS is a privately owned firm located at Sakhigopal, Puri, Odisha, MANLEY FOODS was formed as a partnership committed for production of natural and healthy foods products. Currently the firm is focus on developing different varieties of coconut products.

Of all the possible things that you can make out of a single mature coconut, coconut flakes quickly climbed the ranks to become one of my favorite. Whether you need unsweetened coconut flakes for decoration, toasted coconut flakes to top off baked goods, or flavored ‘coconut chips’ to eat as a snack or sprinkle over dishes, this ingredient really is super versatile. By learning how to make coconut flakes at home, you have an unlimited list of ways to customize these to your liking. 

That’s not to say that I’m still not 100% obsessed with all things coconut. You only have to look at my numerous DIYs including shredded coconut, coconut oil, cream, butter, milk, yogurt, etc. So feel free to peruse through those if you are as coconut obsessed as me.

Now, I’m focusing on coconut flakes (aka coconut chips). All you need for this DIY is mature coconut, a peeler or mandolin, and an oven or dehydrator. Depending on what method you choose to open your coconut, you may also need either a hammer or mallet. I’ll be taking you through how to shape the coconut chips, dehydrate them (for recipes like this Coconut Cream Cake), and even how to toast coconut flakes. 

The process for making these coconut flakes is actually very similar to shredded coconut, but with a few tweaks. So I usually end up making half of each, when I’m batch preparing some for my pantry. I love having coconut products to hand for all my snacking and cooking needs. I mean, coconut is low-carb, gluten-free, nut-free, keto, grain-free, paleo, and more. 

THE STEP BY STEP METHOD

There are just four simple steps to creating this simple DIY, so let’s get straight to it.

STEP 1. CRACK OPEN THE COCONUT.

You can choose from one of the four easy methods for opening a coconut. Otherwise, simply use a hammer and hit along the middle of the coconut, twisting it as you hit (while holding it firmly, with a kitchen towel underneath to keep it from sliding). The coconut will start to crack, and you can then pull it open. Open it over a bowl to drain the coconut water (which you can drink).

STEP 2. GATHER COCONUT MEAT.

Use a butter knife to slot between the meat and shell and wiggle. Work your way around the coconut and it will eventually come loose. Some bits may break, that’s perfectly normal.

You could also use a specific ‘coconut tool’ OR use the ‘freezer’ hack: place the whole coconut in the freezer overnight and then follow ‘step 1’. Usually, the shell just chips right away from the meat.

STEP 3. PEEL THE MEAT

Begin by peeling the brown skin off of the coconut using a vegetable peeler (you can still eat this or add to oatmeal, smoothies, etc) and rinsing the white meat. Then, using either a vegetable peeler or mandolin, peel the coconut into chips/flakes. 

STEP 4: DRY THE CHIPS

If using the oven method, spread the coconut chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet and dry at 60ºC/140ºF for around an hour. It may take longer, depending on your oven. I check on mine after 30 minutes, give them a shake, and then place back in the oven and check every 10 minutes, to stop them from ‘toasting’ or burning.

To dry the coconut in a dehydrator – dry at 40ºC/105ºF for about 4-6 hours. 

Leave to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container to store.

STORING INSTRUCTIONS

  • Unsweetened dried coconut flakes (dried not toasted) will store in an airtight container at room temperature for 6 months, or within the fridge (probably around 8-10 months), or freezer or up to 12 months (or longer!)
  • Store toasted coconut chips for 3-4 weeks in an airtight container.
  • Flavored coconut chips shelf life will vary depending on what flavorings you’ve used. I usually aim to eat my batched within a week if using anything ‘fresh’, like fruit puree’s, etc.

  • FOR A SWEETENED VERSION

    You can make sweetened coconut flakes using the same method as I did for my Shredded Coconut. Alternatively, you’ll need 2 tablespoon powdered sugar of your choice, 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or other neutral oil), and 1 1/2-2 tablespoon water per cup of coconut flakes.

    Simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir thoroughly to coat the coconut, then set aside for 10-15 minutes (stirring just a couple of times), to allow it to absorb the liquid. They’re then ready to use, or can be dried out in the oven for 10 minutes, and stored for later. 

    FOR TOASTED COCONUT FLAKES

    If you want the flavor of toasted coconut flakes you can either leave the coconut in the oven for longer, until light brown. Alternatively, once your flakes are dried and stored, you can toast individual portions in a frying pan, as needed. It only takes a few minutes on medium-low heat and no-oil, if you use a non-stick pan