Silky Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

Heavenly Coconut Cream Pie Recipe: A Dreamy Dessert Delight

Dessert lovers swoon over this rich and decadent coconut cream pie that promises pure tropical bliss.

Creamy, silky, and bursting with sweet coconut flavor, this classic pie recipe delivers comfort in every single bite.

Homemade pastry cradles a luscious filling that melts on your tongue with incredible smoothness.

Each layer builds a delightful symphony of textures from the buttery crust to the pillowy cream.

The secret lies in selecting premium coconut and crafting each component with careful attention.

Topped with billowy whipped cream and delicate toasted coconut flakes, this pie transforms an ordinary dessert into an extraordinary experience.

One slice will transport you to a sun-drenched paradise of pure indulgence.

Helpful Tools For Baking Coconut Cream Pie

  • Medium saucepan: Essential for cooking the creamy custard filling.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly and preventing lumps.
  • Spatula: Helps spread the custard evenly in the pie crust.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Pie dish: Holds the pre-baked crust for the coconut cream filling.
  • Mixing bowl: Useful for preparing ingredients before cooking.

Bake The Perfect Coconut Cream Pie Without Stress

  • Creamy Custard Base

In a cozy saucepan, blend rich coconut milk with whole milk, creating a silky foundation. Introduce sweet sugar, golden egg yolks, cornstarch, and a whisper of salt to transform the liquid into a dreamy mixture.

  • Gentle Cooking Dance

Nurture the mixture over medium heat, constantly stirring with a whisk. Watch as the liquid gradually thickens and bubbles emerge, signaling the custard’s perfect transformation. This delicate process takes around 7-8 minutes.

  • Flavor Infusion

Remove the pan from heat and welcome vibrant vanilla extract and cloud-like shredded coconut. Gently fold these ingredients into the warm custard, allowing their essence to mingle and create a harmonious blend.

  • Pie Crust Embrace

Lovingly pour the velvety custard into a pre-baked pie crust. Use a soft spatula to caress the surface, ensuring a smooth, inviting landscape of creamy goodness. Let the pie chill and set, allowing flavors to deepen and marry.

Tasty Add-Ons For Your Coconut Cream Pie

  • Perfect Texture Trick: Whisk continuously while cooking the custard to prevent lumps and ensure a silky smooth filling. Remove from heat the moment it starts to bubble to avoid overcooking.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut cream instead of regular coconut milk for a rich, allergen-friendly version that preserves the original flavor profile.
  • Toasting Technique: Lightly toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet before adding to the custard for an enhanced nutty flavor and extra crunch that elevates the pie's overall taste and texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie crust and custard a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to maintain the crust's crisp texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Garnish Glamour: Top the pie with freshly whipped cream, additional toasted coconut flakes, and a light dusting of toasted coconut for a stunning presentation that adds visual appeal and extra tropical flavor.

Serving Coconut Cream Pie With That Tropical Touch

  • Tropical Beach Party Delight: Serve slices of this creamy coconut pie at a summer gathering with colorful cocktail umbrellas and fresh tropical fruit garnishes for a playful, vacation-inspired presentation.
  • Elegant Afternoon Tea Pairing: Accompany each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, perfect for an sophisticated dessert course alongside light tea selections.
  • Decadent Dessert Plating: Drizzle rich chocolate sauce in an artistic swirl around the pie slice and add a small scoop of coconut or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch that enhances the pie's creamy texture.
  • Breakfast Brunch Surprise: Cut small bite-sized squares and serve on a beautiful platter with fresh berries and mint leaves, creating a delightful sweet option for a weekend morning gathering.

How To Store Coconut Cream Pie The Right Way

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Chill the coconut cream pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving to help the custard set perfectly and enhance flavor development.
  • Shelf Life Wisdom: This delightful dessert maintains peak deliciousness when stored covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the crust crisp and filling creamy.
  • Temperature Control Trick: Always keep the pie refrigerated below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety, protecting the delicate custard's texture.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the pie up to 2 days in advance, which allows flavors to meld and reduces last-minute kitchen stress during gatherings or special events.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Coconut Cream Pie

For Pie Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a crispy, sweet foundation that complements the creamy filling.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crust and creates a rich, golden base with delightful texture.
For Filling Base:
  • Coconut Milk: Delivers intense tropical coconut flavor and silky smooth consistency.
  • Whole Milk: Adds creamy richness and helps create a luxurious custard texture.
  • Sugar: Balances the flavors and provides perfect sweetness.
  • Egg Yolks: Contribute to thickening and creating a luscious, velvety custard.
  • Cornstarch: Essential for creating a stable, smooth filling that sets perfectly.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances the sweetness.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm aromatic notes to the pie.
  • Shredded Coconut: Brings delightful texture and intense coconut character to the filling.
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Silky Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

Silky Coconut Cream Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Coconut cream pie brings tropical paradise to your dessert table with creamy, luscious filling. Flaky crust and toasted coconut garnish make this classic pie an irresistible treat you’ll savor to the last delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pie crust (9-inch, homemade or store-bought)
  • 13.5 oz (400 ml) coconut milk
  • 300 ml whole milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup (50 g) sweetened shredded coconut
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (60 g) cornstarch
  • 2 tbsps powdered sugar
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (30 g) toasted coconut flakes

Instructions

  1. Custard Preparation: Whisk coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan until completely smooth and free of lumpy texture.
  2. Cooking Custard Base: Heat mixture over medium flame, stirring constantly and vigorously to prevent scorching, watching for gradual thickening and smooth transformation into a glossy pudding-like consistency.
  3. Texture Verification: Continue cooking until custard reaches a dense, velvety state that coats the back of a spoon, with small bubbles forming around pan edges, indicating proper thickening.
  4. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and swiftly incorporate vanilla extract and shredded coconut, gently folding to distribute ingredients evenly and create a harmonious flavor profile.
  5. Pie Assembly: Pour warm custard into pre-baked pie crust, using a silicone spatula to spread filling uniformly and create a perfectly level surface.
  6. Cooling and Setting: Let pie rest at room temperature for 30 minutes, then transfer to refrigerator to allow custard to firm up and develop a rich, creamy texture before serving.

Notes

  • Whisk Continuously: Prevent lumps and burning by maintaining constant, vigorous stirring during custard preparation, ensuring smooth and even texture.
  • Temperature Control: Keep medium heat steady to achieve perfect custard consistency without scorching or undercooking the mixture.
  • Check Custard Readiness: Test thickness by coating the back of a spoon – the custard should leave a clear path when you run a finger through it, indicating ideal setting point.
  • Cooling Strategy: Allow pie to rest at room temperature before refrigerating, which helps custard stabilize and prevents condensation that could make crust soggy.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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