Coconut Cream Pie

Table of Contents

1. Homemade Coconut Cream Pie Ingredients
2. Substitutions And Additions
3. How To Make The Best Coconut Cream Pie Recipe
4. Troubleshooting This Coconut Pie Recipe
5. How To Serve This Coconut Pie Recipe
6. When To Serve
7. Storing This Easy Coconut Cream Pie Recipe
8. Why We Love This Recipe
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. More Coconut Recipes You’ll Love
11. JUMP TO RECIPE

If you have ever craved a coconut cream pie, this delicious recipe is for you. This homemade dessert boasts a flaky pie crust, creamy custard filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping.

Homemade Coconut Cream Pie Ingredients

Substitutions And Additions

PIE CRUST: An unbaked store-bought or a from-scratch homemade crust both work interchangeably in this old-fashioned pie recipe. Try our homemade pie crust recipe for a favorite option.

You could also use the creamy coconut custard in a graham cracker crust if you would like.

WHIPPED CREAM: Cool Whip would also work on top of your pie in place of the whipped cream.

SHREDDED VS. FLAKES: For this recipe, we are calling for coconut flakes. While the shredded coconut is not the same, you can substitute it for the flakes.

The shredded version is slightly smaller but will still work if that is all you have available.

MILK: If you want to take the flavor to the max, substitute coconut milk for whole milk at a one-to-one ratio.

COCONUT EXTRACT: Add a teaspoon of coconut extract to the custard mixture. This will give your pie an extra burst of flavor.

CHOCOLATE CHIPS: If you’re a chocolate lover, consider folding in some chocolate chips into the custard before pouring it into the pie crust.

FRUIT COMPOTE: Add a layer of fruit compote, such as raspberry or passionfruit, between the crust and custard for a fruity twist.

It not only adds a burst of flavor but also a vibrant, colorful layer.

NUTS: For a nutty twist, fold in a half cup of chopped toasted almonds, macadamia nuts, or pecans into the custard.

This will introduce nutty undertones to your pie.

LIME ZEST: Zest a fresh lime and sprinkle the zest over the top of the pie just before serving.

The citrusy notes will balance the sweetness of the coconut custard beautifully.

MAPLE SYRUP: Instead of regular sugar, try using maple syrup in the custard mixture for a distinct, natural sweetness.

For every cup of sugar, use three-quarters to one cup of maple syrup.

It adds a warm, caramel-like flavor to your pie.

How To Make The Best Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to make this dreamy, easy pie, from toasting the coconut to making the coconut pudding filling.

For The Pie Shell And Toasted Coconut

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Generously spray a 9-inch pie plate with nonstick spray. 

STEP TWO: Place the unbaked pie crust into the prepared pie plate.

STEP THREE: Line the inside of the pie crust with a piece of foil and spray with nonstick spray.

Pour pie weights on top of the piece of foil. Bake for 15 minutes. It’s important to pre-bake the crust to avoid sogginess.

Remove the pie weights and the foil. Bake for an additional five to seven minutes, until golden but not brown. Allow the crust to cool completely.

STEP FOUR: Using a separate pie plate, evenly spread the three-quarters of a cup of coconut flakes. 

STEP FIVE: Bake for five minutes, stir, and bake for an additional two to three minutes until the flakes are golden brown and toasted.

Keep a close eye on the coconut flakes while toasting to prevent burning.

For The Coconut Pie Filling

STEP ONE: Using a three to four-quart, heavy-bottomed saucepan on the stovetop over medium-high heat, whisk together the milk, granulated sugar, and cornstarch.

Bring the mixture to a low boil and continue whisking until the mixture thickens about five to seven minutes. 

STEP TWO: Quickly whisk a half cup of the hot mixture into the egg yolks. Then whisk the tempered egg yolk mixture into the filling mixture.

Continue to whisk for another two to three minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.

STEP THREE: Whisk in the vanilla and the butter.

STEP FOUR: Stir in the 1½ cups of sweetened coconut flakes.

STEP FIVE: Pour the pie filling into the cooled pie crust. 

STEP SIX: Allow the pie to chill in the refrigerator for four to five hours before adding the whipped topping for the final one to two hours of chilling time.

For The Whipped Topping

STEP ONE: Beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla flavoring for three to four minutes until the cream mixture is stiff.

Use either a stand mixer or a medium bowl and a hand mixer on high speed.

STEP TWO: Evenly spread the whipped topping over the coconut pie. 

STEP THREE: Evenly spread the toasted coconut flakes over the top of the whipped topping. Chill for at least one hour before serving.

Troubleshooting This Coconut Pie Recipe

My pie crust shrank when baking.

Solution: If the crust shrinks or puffs up during baking, ensure you’ve adequately pressed it into the pie plate and used pie weights or alternatives like dried beans. Be careful not to overwork the dough so it stays flaky.

My custard filling is lumping.

Solution: Continual whisking is vital to prevent lumps. When tempering egg yolks, add the hot mixture slowly to avoid cooking the eggs, which can cause the custard to curdle.

My whipped topping doesn’t look right.

Solution: Ensure the heavy cream is cold before whipping, as this helps achieve stiff peaks. Overbeating can turn the cream into butter, so stop once it’s stiff.

My pie filling is runny.

Solution: Adequate chilling is crucial for the pie to set properly. If the filling is runny, it may need more chilling time.

Serve the pie cold for the best texture and flavor. If the pie has been in the freezer, let it thaw in the fridge before serving.

How To Serve This Coconut Pie Recipe

SERVE WITH A COLD DRINK: This tropical-tasting pie is perfect served on its own with a cold glass of milk, iced mocha, or our pink drink.

SERVE WITH A WARM DRINK: Enjoy a slice with a hot apple cider or a mint hot chocolate.

SERVE WITH FRUIT: For a burst of freshness, accompany your luscious coconut custard cream pie with a colorful fruit medley of sliced strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple.

ADD A TOPPING: Satisfy your sweet tooth even further by drizzling warm caramel sauce over your pie.

SERVE WITH ICE CREAM: If you are looking for an even more indulgent dessert, add a scoop of our no-churn vanilla ice cream on the side.

Want more easy recipes? Any true coconut lover will also adore our coconut poke cake and coconut brownies.

When To Serve

DINNER PARTIES: Coconut cream pie is an excellent choice for dessert when hosting a special occasion with friends and family.

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS: Serve the pie during festive dinners, such as Thanksgiving or Christmas. It would also be perfect for Father’s Day or Mom’s birthday. This will easily become Dad’s favorite pie!

POTLUCK OR PICNICS: Bring a coconut cream pie to gatherings. It’s easy to transport and can be enjoyed outdoors.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES: Surprise someone special on their big day with this classic coconut cream pie.

Storing This Easy Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

Whether you want to prepare it ahead of time or save leftovers, here’s what you need to know:

MAKE AHEAD: Prepare the pie as instructed and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent any air from getting in.

You can refrigerate it for up to two to three days before serving.

Just keep in mind that the longer it sits, the more the crust may soften, so it’s best enjoyed within that time frame.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers of this easy coconut cream pie covered, in the refrigerator, for up to three days.

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze the whole completed pie for up to one month. Cover in a piece of plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.

Allow the pie to completely thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Why We Love This Recipe

VELVETY FILLING: The luscious custard filling is incredibly rich and bursting with tropical flavor.

BALANCED SWEETNESS: The recipe strikes the ideal balance between sweet and coconutty.

FLAKY PIE CRUST: The buttery crust is the perfect vessel for the filling.

The decadent flavor is a coconut lover’s dream in this coconut cream pie recipe. The luscious custard and flaky crust are so delicious and light that this pie will become your new favorite dessert.

More Coconut Recipes You’ll Love

• Chocolate Easter Eggs (Coconut Cream)
• Coconut Cream Dessert
• Coconut Macaroons
• Coconut Chocolate Balls
• Coconut Cookies