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Coconut Cream Pie with Toasted Coconut

Coconut cream pie with creamy custard and toasted coconut topping close up

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This classic dessert features a perfectly set, creamy coconut custard in a flaky crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream and a golden crown of toasted coconut. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients and homestyle comfort, requiring patience for chilling to achieve the ideal sliceable texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 9-inch pie crust, baked and cooled
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 2 (13.5 oz) cans full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut, for toasting
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Ensure the pie crust is fully baked and completely cooled on a wire rack.
  2. Preheat oven to 325°F. Spread 1 cup of shredded coconut on a baking sheet and toast for 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until golden. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk egg yolks, then gradually whisk in the coconut milk and whole milk.
  5. Slowly pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients in the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  6. Place saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens and bubbles. Let it bubble gently for 1 full minute.
  7. Remove from heat. Whisk in butter, vanilla extract, and the 1 1/2 cups of untoasted shredded coconut.
  8. Pour the hot filling into the cooled pie shell. Immediately press plastic wrap directly onto the custard surface to prevent a skin.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until completely firm.
  10. Before serving, make whipped cream. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  11. Uncover the pie, spread or pipe the whipped cream over the set custard, and top generously with the cooled toasted coconut.

Notes

Patience during chilling is crucial for a sliceable pie. Do not skip pressing plastic wrap onto the custard surface. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter, replace whole milk with more coconut milk, and whip chilled coconut cream for the topping.

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