Arepas de Coco are a cherished Puerto Rican street food known for their crisp exterior and soft, airy interior. Unlike Venezuelan or Colombian arepas made with cornmeal, Puerto Rican arepas use flour and are fried until golden. With a subtle hint of coconut from canned coconut milk, these slightly sweet fry breads are delicious on their own or served stuffed with seafood, cheese, or savory fillings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 cup sugar

• ¼ tsp salt

• 1 cup canned coconut milk (do not use the entire can)

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.

2. Add coconut milk and mix until just combined.

3. Lightly flour your hands and surface, then knead dough until fully mixed and slightly tacky.

4. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.

5. Divide dough in half. Roll each half out on a floured surface to about ⅛ inch thick.

6. Use a glass or biscuit cutter to cut out rounds.

7. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Test with a scrap of dough—it should puff and brown quickly.

8. Fry arepas in hot oil until puffed and golden brown on both sides.

9. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm and crispy.

Nutrients:

Per serving (approx. 24 servings total):

• Calories: 89 kcal

• Total Fat: 2g (Saturated Fat: 2g)

• Cholesterol: 0mg

• Sodium: 46mg

• Carbohydrates: 17g

• Sugar: 8g

• Protein: 1g

Let me know if you’d like a savory or stuffed variation of this recipe!

A Taste of Puerto Rican Street Food Culture

In Puerto Rico, food is more than sustenance—it’s a celebration of culture, geography, and community. Arepas de Coco are a common offering at roadside food kiosks and beachfront vendors, often served hot from bubbling oil with crispy edges and a warm, soft middle. These arepas bring together the comfort of fry bread with the tropical notes of coconut, creating a snack that’s deeply satisfying and distinctly Puerto Rican. They’re portable, shareable, and incredibly easy to love, whether eaten plain or as a vessel for a variety of sweet or savory fillings.

The Coconut Twist That Sets Them Apart

What makes Arepas de Coco different from other Caribbean or Latin American fried breads is the subtle presence of coconut milk in the dough. This simple addition transforms the flavor profile, adding a delicate sweetness and a slight floral richness that balances perfectly with the golden, fried exterior. Canned coconut milk provides consistent flavor and moisture, ensuring that every bite is soft on the inside while still holding a satisfyingly crisp crust. It’s not overpowering but unmistakably present, offering a whisper of the tropics in every bite.

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

Despite their nuanced taste and texture, Arepas de Coco are surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of pantry staples—flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and coconut milk—you can whip up a batch of these sweet fry breads without any special equipment or techniques. The dough is easy to handle, requiring just a bit of kneading and resting to become smooth and workable. Once rolled out and cut into rounds, the arepas fry quickly and puff up beautifully in hot oil, forming airy layers inside that contrast with their crisp, golden crust.

Frying for the Perfect Texture

Frying is what gives Arepas de Coco their signature bite. The oil must be hot enough to allow the dough to puff instantly upon contact, creating that light, fluffy interior while developing a rich, brown crust. The key is to maintain a steady medium-high heat—not too hot to burn the outside, but hot enough to avoid greasy or undercooked centers. When done right, each arepa is a perfect balance of crunch and softness, with a satisfying chew that makes it hard to stop at just one. Draining them on paper towels helps preserve their texture while removing excess oil.

Sweet, Subtle, and Incredibly Versatile

While Arepas de Coco lean slightly sweet thanks to the sugar and coconut milk, their flavor is subtle enough to pair with a range of fillings and accompaniments. They shine on their own, especially when served warm and fresh, but also serve as an excellent base for a variety of dishes. Try slicing them open and stuffing them with sharp cheese, shredded pork, or sautéed shrimp for a savory twist. They also work beautifully as a side dish with beans or fried plantains, or even as a breakfast item served with butter and jam or a drizzle of honey.

A Comforting Snack for Any Time of Day

These arepas are one of those rare foods that can truly be eaten at any time of day. Serve them for breakfast with coffee or hot chocolate, enjoy them as a midday snack straight from the skillet, or present them at dinner filled with spiced meats or sautéed vegetables. Their mild sweetness and rich texture make them just as suitable for dessert—try dusting them with powdered sugar or dipping them in chocolate sauce for a simple yet indulgent treat. Whether served plain or dressed up, they deliver the kind of comfort food experience that satisfies every craving.

Family-Friendly and Fun to Make

Arepas de Coco are also a joy to prepare with family or friends. The dough is simple and forgiving, making it a great introduction to cooking for kids or beginners. Rolling out the dough and cutting rounds with a glass or biscuit cutter is a tactile, hands-on process that brings people together in the kitchen. Watching the rounds puff up in the hot oil adds excitement to the cooking process and gives immediate, delicious results. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms cooking from a chore into a shared celebration of flavor and tradition.

Nutritional Snapshot: A Light Treat with Island Flair

While Arepas de Coco are technically a fried food, they’re surprisingly light and low in fat compared to many other fried snacks. Each serving contains about 89 calories, with 2 grams of fat (all of it saturated from the coconut milk), zero cholesterol, and moderate amounts of sugar and carbs. With 17 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of sugar per serving, they’re sweet but not overly so. Protein is minimal at about 1 gram per arepa, but these fry breads are more about flavor and texture than high protein content. For those watching sodium, each serving includes just 46 milligrams, making them a reasonable indulgence for most diets.

A Piece of Island Tradition on Your Plate

Arepas de Coco are more than just a snack—they’re a taste of Puerto Rico’s culinary heritage. Each crispy bite carries the legacy of island ingenuity, blending simple ingredients with rich tropical flavor. Whether enjoyed on a sun-drenched beach or in the comfort of your home kitchen, they offer a connection to the culture and warmth of Puerto Rican food traditions. Their humble roots and broad appeal make them a favorite across generations, proving that the simplest recipes are often the most memorable.

Conclusion: Sweet, Crispy, and Unforgettably Puerto Rican

If you’re looking to bring the flavors of Puerto Rico into your kitchen, Arepas de Coco are a wonderful place to start. Crisp, soft, slightly sweet, and kissed with coconut, they embody the island’s approach to food: simple, flavorful, and meant to be shared. Whether served plain, paired with savory fillings, or finished with a sweet drizzle, these golden fry breads are guaranteed to win hearts and satisfy cravings. One bite, and you’ll understand why they remain a beloved staple from the island streets to family tables everywhere.