Super Easy Coconut Jam Recipe

Learn to make the silky smooth Coconut Jam or Kaya Spread with this coconut jam recipe! It is a very popular jam in Asian countries.

It is used as spread on a toast for breakfasts. Its rich coconut flavor and soft texture melts perfectly with butter. The texture is so silky smooth and the taste is so delicious!

Origin of Coconut Kaya Jam

What is Kaya or Coconut Jam? Coconut Jam / Kaya is a rich, creamy jam made of coconut milk and egg. It is very popular throughout South-East Asian countries, like Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Each place has its own version of kaya jam or srikaya. Each has its own unique coconut jam recipe.

Kaya means rich in Indonesian and Malaysian language. It is called srikaya, coconut spread, coconut jam, or kaya jam.

It is usually enjoyed with toast as breakfast in the morning. It is very famous as breakfast menu in Singapore. There are many franchise restaurant selling this as their main menu.

Kaya Toast

This menu is very popular in South East Asia countries. You can see a pair of toast with coconut spread filled in between and a slab of butter wedged inside.

I think the kaya jam is the key factor here besides the toast and the butter. If the level of sweetness of the kaya jam is just right, then it is a perfect kaya toast!

What is Kaya Jam Made of ?

Kaya jam is made of coconut milk, egg and sugar. There are many variations from the original recipe. Some people add pandan leaves to add pandan fragrance.

Duck eggs or chicken eggs are used. Some use the whole eggs, some use only the egg yolks.

How To Eat Coconut Kaya Jam

Kaya jam is eaten as a jam for toast in the morning. It is spread on a pair of toast with a slice of cold butter wedged in the middle.

Kaya jam is also used in eating banana fritters. People just dip banana fritters into the kaya jam.

It is also eaten with pulut seri muka, a very famous Asian dessert made of glutinous rice flour.

There are many kinds of coconut jam recipe in Asian countries. Some people mix it with pandan leaves. Some make it with whole egg.

I am going to share my homemade kaya jam recipe. I got it from my husband. We perfected it. And now it becomes our darling jam. We even send the kaya jam for Christmas gifts.

One very important thing to note is the coconut milk. Always use a fresh one, ask the coconut seller to get the pure coconut milk without any water addition.

The next important thing is the egg yolk. If it is possible, get the omega egg yolk. Its orange color add vibrance to the jam. It becomes golden yellow.

In this recipe I do not add too much sugar like people usually do. I found that a bit sweetness is enough. The texture of this jam itself is already very rich with egg yolk and pure coconut milk in it.

Salt is also very important. I find that coconut kaya jam that is too sweet is sometimes unbearable. If it is balanced with a bit of salt, the overall taste will be superb.

Coconut Jam Recipe

• 210 gr pure coconut milk (no water)
• 80 gr sugar
• 2 gr salt
• 20 gr unsalted butter
• 5 egg yolks

Instruction

1. Separate egg yolk from egg white.
2. In a stainless steel bowl or a glass bowl, put in the pure coconut milk.
3. Put in the egg yolk, sugar and salt. Mix well with a spatula.
4. You can also use a balloon whisk to beat for a while.
5. Boil some water in a pot. Put the stainless steel bowl on top of the boiling water. Keep stirring. Do not leave the bowl.
6. The mixture will gradually become curd. Wait until they are all thick.
7. Put in the butter. Mix until the butter melts.
8. Wash 2 bottles of jar. Heat the jars in the oven for 5 minutes. This will kill the bacteria inside.
9. While still hot, pour in the jam into the jar. Close the lid. Turn the bottle upside down.
10. This will help kill the bacteria under the lid. The jam can be preserved longer. After 5 minutes, turn the bottle to normal position.
11. It is ready to spread on a toast.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: What’s the difference between Coconut Jam and other types of jams?

A: Coconut Jam or Kaya, is unique due to its main ingredient, coconut milk, giving it a rich, creamy texture and a distinct flavor. This special jam has a harmonious blend of sweetness and creaminess of eggs and coconut milk.

Q: Can I use low-fat coconut milk for this recipe?

A: It is possible to use low-fat coconut milk. However, it will affect the texture and richness of the Kaya. For the best result, full-fat coconut milk is recommended to maintain the creamy and luscious texture of traditional Kaya.

Shelf Life

Q: How long does homemade Kaya last in the refrigerator?

A: Homemade Kaya can last up to two weeks when stored properly in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure that utensils used to scoop the Kaya are clean to avoid contamination.

Q: How can I tell if my Kaya has gone bad?

A: Signs of spoilage include a sour or off smell, mold growth, and a change in color or texture. If any of these signs are noticeable, it is best to discard the Kaya immediately.

Variations

Q: Is there a vegan alternative to making Kaya?

A: Yes, vegan versions of Kaya can be made by substituting eggs with cornstarch or another thickening agent. However, the texture and taste may vary from the traditional version.

Q: I don’t have access to pandan leaves; can I still make Kaya?

A: Yes, while pandan leaves add a distinct flavor to Kaya, you can still make it without them. You may use vanilla or another flavoring agent as a substitute, but the taste will not be the same as traditional Kaya with pandan.

Q: Can I reduce the sugar without affecting the consistency?

A: Reducing sugar may affect the sweetness of the Kaya. If you prefer it less sweet, you can use the recipe I mentioned above.

Conclusion

Creating your own Coconut Jam Kaya at home is not just a culinary adventure but a journey into the rich tapestry of Southeast Asian cuisine.

Once you have Kaya jam in your fridge, you can make Kaya Toast, the traditional breakfast in Asian countries.

Enjoy the process, savor every bite, and share the joy of homemade Kaya with friends and family!

If you like Asian desserts, you can check Purple Yam Steamed Cake and Ube Mochi Pancake.