You’ll love these DIY coconut bowls — a simple, resourceful project that uses the whole coconut. We bought coconuts for about $1.50 each and got three uses from them: fresh coconut water, coconut meat, and beautiful handmade bowls.
Making these bowls is straightforward and rewarding. Follow the step-by-step process below to turn a coconut into a durable, attractive bowl suitable for decor or serving (with a food-safe finish).
How To Make Coconut Bowls – Step By Step
1. Place the coconut on a stable surface. Use a screwdriver and hammer to puncture the eyes (the softer spots) on the bottom. Make two or three holes so you can drain the coconut water easily.
2. Pour the coconut water into a bowl through a strainer if desired, then enjoy it chilled or use in recipes.
3. With the shells dry, use a hammer to tap around the middle of the coconut, working all the way around. Repeat until a crack appears and the coconut splits. Going slowly and evenly helps the shell separate cleanly.
4. Remove as much meat as you can with a spoon or knife. To loosen the remaining meat, warm the coconut briefly in the microwave (a few seconds at a time) or place it in a warm oven for a few minutes. Then pry out larger pieces with a spoon or knife. It takes a bit of effort but is worth it.
5. Sand the inside and outside of each half with coarse sandpaper, then progress to finer grits until the surface is smooth and even. Take care around edges so they are comfortable to hold.
6. Finish the bowls with decoupage or a food-safe sealer if you intend to serve food in them. Allow the sealer to cure according to the product instructions.
Note: One coconut yields one bowl when using the method above with larger single-shell bowls.
Coconut Bowls Are Super Versatile
Coconut bowls work for many uses and look great on display. With a food-safe finish they’re perfect for serving meals; with regular decoupage or paint they become storage for cosmetics, jewelry, keys, or small household items. Try decoupaging paper, painting the exterior, or leaving the natural finish for a rustic look.
Make Your Meals Instaworthy
These bowls are especially popular for food photos — their texture and shape make dishes stand out. They’re ideal for:
- smoothie bowls
- ice cream
- soups
- salads
- curries
- oatmeal
- wraps
- dips
- veggies
- fruit
- chips
Durable Containers
Coconut shells are surprisingly sturdy and resistant to bumps. These DIY bowls hold up better to everyday knocks than many glass or ceramic options, making them practical for casual use and outdoor dining.
Top Tips For DIY Coconut Bowls
- Hand wash bowls with lukewarm, soapy water. Do not put them in the dishwasher, wash in very hot water, or soak for long periods.
- Bowls are suitable for cool and warm foods when finished with a food-safe sealer.
- Have a bowl ready to catch the coconut water when you pierce or crack the coconut.
Check Out These Other DIY Containers
Explore other simple container projects for more creative storage and serving ideas.
If you try this DIY coconut bowl project, please share how it turned out in the comments. Follow the author on social channels for more family-friendly recipes and craft ideas.
DIY Coconut Bowls
1 hour
Ingredients
Supplies:
- Coconuts
- Hammer
- Sandpaper
- Screwdriver
- Knife
- Spoon
- Sealer or decoupage glue
Instructions
- Use a screwdriver and hammer to pierce the coconut’s eyes until you hear a hollow sound; make two or three holes.
- Drain the coconut water into a bowl and strain if desired, then enjoy or reserve for recipes.
- Tap the coconut with a hammer around the center, working all the way around until it cracks and splits.
- Scrape out as much meat as possible. Warm the coconut briefly to loosen remaining meat, then pry it out in chunks with a spoon or knife.
- Sand the inside and outside until smooth, progressing from coarse to finer grits.
- Seal the bowls with decoupage or a food-safe sealer if you plan to serve food in them.
Notes
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