Heavenly Coconut Cream Pie Recipe: A Sweet Slice of Paradise
Creamy and luscious coconut cream pie brings tropical dreams right to your dessert plate.
Sweet whispers of coconut dance through every delectable slice.
Layers of silky filling promise pure indulgence for anyone seeking comfort in a classic treat.
Bakers of all skill levels can master this delightful creation with minimal effort.
Crisp graham cracker crust cradles a cloud-like filling that melts effortlessly on your tongue.
Fragrant toasted coconut sprinkled across the top adds a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Each forkful promises a mini vacation to paradise without leaving your kitchen.
You’ll fall in love with this irresistible pie that turns ordinary moments into something magical.
Ingredients to Prepare a Perfect Coconut Cream Pie
For the Base:For the Flavor and Texture:For the Toppings and Finishing:Step-by-Step Instructions for Coconut Cream Pie Baking
Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, blend together smooth cream, rich milk, granulated sugar, soft flour, and beaten eggs until the mixture becomes silky and free of lumps. Ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined for a velvety texture.
Whisk consistently to create a perfectly smooth consistency.
Step 2: Transform the Mixture
Transfer the creamy blend to a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. The mixture will gradually thicken and become pudding-like, developing a luxurious, glossy appearance.
Step 3: Infuse with Tropical Flavor
Remove the heated mixture from the stove and fold in freshly shredded coconut. The coconut will add delightful texture and intense tropical flavor to the pie filling.
Mix gently but thoroughly to distribute the coconut evenly.
Step 4: Prepare the Pie Crust
Select a pre-baked graham cracker or traditional pastry pie shell.
Carefully pour the warm coconut cream filling into the crust, ensuring an even distribution.
Step 5: Create Fluffy Meringue Topping
Whip egg whites until they form stiff, glossy peaks.
Gradually add powdered sugar while continuing to beat, creating a light and airy meringue topping.
Step 6: Finish and Brown
Spread the meringue over the pie filling, creating decorative peaks and swirls.
Sprinkle additional shredded coconut on top for extra crunch and visual appeal.
Step 7: Final Baking
Place the pie in a preheated oven at 375°F.
Bake until the meringue turns a beautiful golden brown, approximately 10-15 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set and enhances the flavor.
Slice and serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Helpful Tips to Make the Creamiest Coconut Pie
Delicious Twists to Try on Traditional Coconut Cream Pie
Great Accompaniments to Serve With Coconut Cream Pie
How to Store Your Coconut Cream Pie for Freshness
Store covered pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
Carefully wrap the pie in two layers of plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Keep pie at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Always cover with a pie dome or loose plastic wrap.
Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crisp meringue, use the oven at 325F for 5-7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
FAQs
The combination of shredded coconut and microwave cooking method creates a quick, easy dessert with intense coconut flavor and smooth texture.
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or use reduced-fat coconut to lower the calorie content without significantly changing the pie’s overall taste.
Absolutely! Microwaving is a quick and efficient method that helps evenly heat ingredients and reduces the risk of scorching compared to traditional stovetop cooking.
The filling is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and holds its shape without being too runny, typically after 7-8 total minutes of microwaving and stirring.
Why Coconut Cream Pie Is a Classic Favorite Dessert
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Coconut Cream Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Creamy coconut cream pie delivers a tropical paradise of sweet, silky indulgence straight from grandmother’s kitchen. Rich coconut custard nestled in a buttery crust promises delightful comfort with each refreshing, dreamy bite you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 3/4 cups shredded coconut
- 12 ounces (340 grams) evaporated milk
- 12 ounces (340 grams) water
Baking Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Blend sugar, cornstarch, salt, and milk in a microwave-safe container, whisking until smooth and free of lumps.
- Heat the mixture in the microwave for 4 minutes, pausing to stir every minute to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
- Remove the mixture and vigorously whisk to eliminate any potential clumps, creating a uniform custard base.
- Fold shredded coconut into the warm custard, distributing it evenly throughout the mixture.
- Return the coconut-infused custard to the microwave and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring intermittently.
- After microwaving, stir the filling thoroughly to achieve a consistent texture and prevent separation.
- Transfer the coconut cream filling into pre-baked pie shells, spreading it smoothly and evenly.
- Prepare a fluffy meringue topping, carefully spreading it across the entire surface of the pie filling.
- Sprinkle additional shredded coconut over the meringue for added texture and visual appeal.
- Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, watching carefully until the meringue turns a delicate golden brown and becomes lightly toasted.
Notes
- Swap traditional dairy for coconut milk or almond milk to create a dairy-free version that’s just as creamy and delicious.
- Toast the shredded coconut before adding to the filling for an extra depth of nutty, caramelized flavor that elevates the entire pie.
- Use a kitchen torch instead of oven-baking for more controlled and precise meringue browning, giving you a perfectly golden and evenly toasted topping.
- Chill the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to help the filling set completely and enhance the overall texture and flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 371
- Sugar: 39 g
- Sodium: 58 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Ethan Caldwell
Founder & Culinary Innovator
Expertise
Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling
Education
The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)
Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.