Coconut can be a great topping for plenty of tropical-flavored desserts, and while you can buy pre-toasted coconut, it may be cheaper to crisp it up yourself.

You can use a microwave to toast coconut, but keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn't burn. Spread your coconut around a microwave-safe dish, then start heating.

Pause the cooking to check on your coconut every half minute, taking the dish out and stirring the coconut to ensure that every piece gets heated thoroughly.

To achieve the perfect golden-brown color, your coconut will likely need to be in the microwave for four to six minutes, depending on its wattage and the desired level of toasting.

Unsweetened coconut has less moisture and therefore heats up a little faster, but sweetened coconut flakes have added moisture and sugar that can caramelize when cooking.

Once you've toasted your coconut, you can add it to a variety of dishes. You can make a delicious, creamy pie or use it to top off a banana-flavored cake.