Delicious Coconut Cream Pie

Name: Delicious Coconut Cream Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought); 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut; 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk; 1 ½ cups whole milk; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup cornstarch; 3 large egg yolks; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; Extra toasted coconut for garnish

Lisa

Writer & Blogger

Desserts
April 17, 2025

Delicious Coconut Cream Pie: A Tropical Dream of Creamy Bliss 🥥🥧✨

1. Introduction

Indulge in the ultimate tropical dessert with this Delicious Coconut Cream Pie recipe! Perfect for any occasion, this pie combines a flaky crust with a rich, creamy coconut filling and a fluffy whipped cream topping that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re a coconut lover or just looking for a show-stopping dessert to impress your guests, this coconut cream pie recipe will quickly become your new favorite. If you’re looking for more amazing dessert ideas, check out our complete collection of dessert recipes that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

What makes this coconut cream pie truly special is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crisp crust gives way to a velvety coconut custard that’s neither too sweet nor too heavy, while the cloud-like whipped cream topping provides the perfect finishing touch. Inspired by classic recipes but with our own special twist, this pie is easier to make than you might think! For those who love baking as much as we do, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in our baking recipes section.

2. Ingredients

To make this Delicious Coconut Cream Pie that serves 8-10 people, you’ll need the following high-quality ingredients:

1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought – we recommend making your own for extra flavor)
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut (plus extra for garnish)
1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk (the key to that rich, creamy texture)
1 ½ cups whole milk (for the perfect custard consistency)
¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste if you prefer less sweetness)
¼ cup cornstarch (this is our thickener of choice for the perfect set)
3 large egg yolks (save the whites for breakfast recipes like omelets)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter (adds richness to the filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or try coconut extract for extra flavor)
¼ teaspoon salt (balances all the flavors)
1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled for best whipping results)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for sweetening the whipped cream)
Extra toasted coconut for garnish (this adds wonderful texture and flavor)

For those who love exploring different flavor profiles, this coconut cream pie pairs beautifully with many of our dinner recipes, making it the perfect ending to any meal.

3. Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by pre-baking your pie crust according to package instructions or your favorite recipe. A properly baked crust is essential – it should be golden brown and completely cooled before adding the filling. For an extra coconut flavor boost, toast ½ cup of shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden (about 3-5 minutes), then sprinkle it over the cooled crust. This creates a wonderful textural contrast and intensifies the coconut flavor throughout every bite.

Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, a quality store-bought crust works perfectly fine, but if you have the time, homemade really makes a difference. The crust is the foundation of your pie, so don’t skip this important step! For more crust-making tips, check out our comprehensive baking guide.

Pie crust in a dish prepared for making Delicious Coconut Cream Pie.

Step 2: Make the Coconut Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, whole milk, and ½ cup of shredded coconut. Slowly bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This allows the coconut flavor to infuse into the milk. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, egg yolks, and salt until smooth. This is your thickening mixture that will give the pie its perfect consistency.

Here’s the crucial part: slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, prevents the eggs from scrambling. Then, gradually whisk this combined mixture back into the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula, until the mixture thickens noticeably (about 5-7 minutes). You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear path when you run your finger through it. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla until fully incorporated and smooth.

For those who love custard-based desserts, you might enjoy comparing this technique with our favorite coconut cream pie recipe from Sally’s Baking Addiction, which offers some great alternative methods.

Coconut milk mixture cooking on the stove for Coconut Cream Pie filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Pour the warm coconut custard into your prepared pie crust. Use an offset spatula to smooth the top into an even layer. Now here’s an important professional tip: immediately press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the custard. This prevents a skin from forming as it chills. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, though overnight is even better for the perfect set. The filling needs this time to fully thicken and develop its flavors.

While the pie chills, why not prepare one of our refreshing salad recipes for a light meal before enjoying your decadent dessert?

Step 4: Add the Whipped Cream Topping

When you’re ready to serve (and not before, as the whipped cream can weep if added too early), prepare the topping. In a chilled bowl with chilled beaters, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. The cream should hold its shape when the beaters are lifted. Gently spread this over the completely chilled pie, creating decorative swirls if desired.

For the garnish, toast the remaining 1 cup of shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This takes about 5-7 minutes. The toasted coconut adds a wonderful nutty flavor and beautiful golden color contrast to the white whipped cream. Sprinkle it generously over the top of the pie just before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.

This pie pairs wonderfully with many of our soup recipes for a complete meal experience – the contrast of warm soup and cool pie is divine!

Whipped cream topping being spread on Coconut Cream Pie.

4. Tips for the Perfect Coconut Cream Pie

Flavor Boost: For extra coconut flavor, substitute half the vanilla extract with coconut extract. This really amplifies the tropical taste without being overpowering.
Chill Everything: Always chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream – this helps it whip up faster and hold its shape better.
Skin Prevention: That plastic wrap pressed directly on the custard surface is crucial – it prevents that unappetizing skin from forming as the pie chills.
Toast Carefully: When toasting coconut for garnish, stay nearby and stir frequently – it goes from golden to burnt very quickly!
Clean Slices: For picture-perfect slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between cuts. This ensures each slice looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the crust and filling up to 2 days in advance – just add the whipped cream topping right before serving.

5. Variations

This versatile coconut cream pie recipe serves as a wonderful base for countless delicious variations. Here are some of our favorites:

Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie: Add ½ cup melted chocolate to the custard for a decadent twist, or drizzle chocolate over the finished pie.
Mango Coconut Cream Pie: Layer sliced ripe mangoes under the custard for a tropical flavor explosion.
Vegan Coconut Cream Pie: Use coconut cream instead of dairy, agar-agar as a thickener, and aquafaba for the whipped topping.
Mini Coconut Cream Pies: Make individual servings in tart shells or ramekins for perfect party portions.
Nutty Variation: Add ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts or almonds to the crust or sprinkle on top for added crunch.
Spiced Version: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or cardamom to the custard for a warm spice note.

If you enjoy experimenting with recipes, you might also love our collection of chicken recipes or beef recipes for savory inspiration to balance out your sweet creations.

6. Storage Instructions

Store your Delicious Coconut Cream Pie in the refrigerator, loosely covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. The whipped cream topping is best added just before serving to maintain its texture. If you need to store a pie with topping already added, place toothpicks around the edges to hold up the plastic wrap and prevent it from smushing the cream.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pie (without topping) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding fresh whipped cream. The texture may be slightly different after freezing, but still delicious.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use light coconut milk instead of full-fat?
While you can use light coconut milk, we strongly recommend full-fat for the creamiest, richest results. Light coconut milk will result in a less luxurious texture and milder coconut flavor.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pie crust. The filling is naturally gluten-free as written.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Three key tips: 1) Fully bake your crust until golden brown before adding filling. 2) Let it cool completely. 3) For extra insurance, you can brush the baked crust with melted chocolate or egg white to create a moisture barrier.

Can I use frozen coconut?
Fresh or frozen shredded coconut works fine, but we find sweetened dried coconut gives the best texture and consistent results in the filling.

Why did my filling turn out lumpy?
This usually happens if the eggs weren’t tempered properly or the heat was too high. Always whisk constantly while cooking and temper the eggs slowly. If lumps form, you can strain the filling through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring into the crust.

For more cooking tips and answers to your culinary questions, visit our About page where we share our kitchen wisdom.

8. Nutritional Information

While this is certainly an indulgent dessert, remember that coconut provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are metabolized differently than other fats. Everything in moderation though! Balance it out with some of our healthy salad options for your other meals.

9. Conclusion

This Delicious Coconut Cream Pie recipe is truly a tropical paradise in dessert form! With its creamy coconut filling that’s perfectly sweetened, flaky buttery crust, and cloud-like whipped cream topping, it’s guaranteed to be the star of any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, holiday feast, or just as a special treat for your family, this coconut cream pie will transport your taste buds to a beachside paradise with every luxurious bite.

Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds – and the recipe! The combination of textures and flavors is simply irresistible. The best part? While it looks and tastes like something from a professional bakery, it’s completely achievable in your own kitchen with our detailed instructions. Give this coconut cream pie recipe a try and taste the magic for yourself. And if you love creating restaurant-quality dishes at home, consider checking out our work with me page for personalized cooking guidance.

Remember, the joy of baking comes not just from the delicious results, but from the process itself. So put on some tropical music, imagine ocean breezes, and enjoy creating this little slice of paradise in your own kitchen. Happy baking!