French Coconut Pie Recipe

French Coconut Pie Recipe for Your Sweet Tooth

Baking a french coconut pie can transport you to a sweet, tropical paradise with minimal effort.

Some desserts whisper comfort, but this gem shouts deliciousness from the rooftops.

Creamy coconut meets buttery crust in a dance of pure culinary magic.

Southern kitchens have long treasured this delightful treat that combines simplicity with incredible flavor.

Rich, golden filling nestles into a flaky base that crumbles perfectly with each forkful.

Unexpected ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dessert that feels both familiar and excitingly new.

You’ll fall in love with every single bite of this irresistible pie that promises to become your next obsession.

French Coconut Pie That Melts in Your Mouth

  • Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this pie a breeze to create, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • No complicated techniques required, just mix, pour, and bake for a stunning result that looks like you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • The combination of creamy custard and crispy coconut topping delivers an irresistible texture and tropical taste that will wow family and friends.
  • Excellent for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weekend dessert that transforms an ordinary moment into something special.

French Coconut Pie Ingredient Breakdown

Pie Crust:
  • Pie Crust: Provides the base and structure for the pie, store-bought or homemade options available, can be blind-baked for extra crispness.
  • Pie Dish: Holds the crust and filling, essential for baking the pie.
Filling Base Ingredients:
  • Sugar, Flour, Salt: Key dry ingredients that provide sweetness, structure, and flavor balance, choose fine granulated sugar for smooth texture.
  • Butter, Milk, Eggs: Primary binding and moisture ingredients, use unsalted butter for better flavor control, whole milk recommended for richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and aromatic flavor, pure vanilla extract preferred over artificial.
Coconut and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Shredded Coconut: Main flavor component, provides texture and signature taste, fresh or dried coconut works well, unsweetened variety recommended for better control of sweetness.

Baking Instructions for Classic French Coconut Pie

Step 1: Prepare Oven For Baking

Turn the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it warm up completely before starting the pie preparation.

Step 2: Create Pie Crust Foundation

Place a pie crust into a standard pie dish. Press the crust gently against the bottom and sides, creating decorative edges by pinching or using a fork. Optional tip: Lightly prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent air bubbles.

Step 3: Whip Together Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine ingredients:
  • Sugar
  • Melted butter
  • Whole milk
  • Large eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Salt

Whisk ingredients until they blend smoothly and create a consistent liquid mixture.

Step 4: Fold In Coconut Goodness

Gently stir shredded coconut into the liquid mixture. Mix thoroughly ensuring coconut is evenly distributed throughout the filling.

Step 5: Transfer Filling To Crust

Carefully pour the coconut mixture into the prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly across the entire surface.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden Perfect

Place pie in the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown color. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center- it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool And Garnish

Allow pie to cool completely at room temperature. The filling will set and become firmer as it cools. Optional garnish: Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes or a soft dollop of whipped cream before serving.

Helpful Baking Tips for a Silky Coconut Filling

  • Select Quality Coconut: Choose fresh, high-quality shredded coconut for maximum flavor and texture in your pie.
  • Prevent Crust Burning: Cover pie edges with aluminum foil if they start browning too quickly during baking to maintain a perfect golden color.
  • Test Filling Doneness: Insert a toothpick near the center of the pie- if it comes out clean with minimal moisture, your pie is perfectly baked and ready to cool.
  • Enhance Flavor Variation: Swap vanilla extract with coconut extract for an intensified tropical taste profile that complements the shredded coconut.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to make this pie suitable for those with wheat sensitivities without compromising the rich, creamy texture.

Keep Your Coconut Pie Moist After Serving

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and absorb other food odors.
  • Keep the pie at room temperature for 1-2 days if serving within a short time. Ensure it's covered to maintain freshness and prevent dust or insects.
  • Reheat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature to avoid overheating, which can make the crust soggy.
  • Warm entire pie at 325F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning and preserve the pie's delicate texture.

Pairing French Coconut Pie with Hot or Cold Sips

  • Mix light rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice for a tropical beverage that complements the pie's rich coconut flavor.
  • Scoop creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm pie to create a delightful temperature and texture contrast.
  • Brew a strong espresso with a drizzle of caramel sauce to balance the pie's sweetness and provide a sophisticated finish.
  • Add sliced fresh mango or passion fruit on the plate to introduce a zesty, bright element that cuts through the pie's richness.

Flavorful Twists on Traditional Coconut Pie

  • Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the same creamy texture while making the pie safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegan Coconut Pie: Swap eggs with silken tofu or flax eggs, use coconut cream instead of milk, and choose plant-based butter to create a dairy-free and egg-free alternative that maintains the original pie's rich flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall calories while keeping the pie's classic coconut taste and creamy consistency.
  • Tropical Fusion Remix: Add a layer of pineapple chunks or passion fruit puree at the bottom of the pie crust to introduce a vibrant, tangy element that complements the sweet coconut filling.
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French Coconut Pie Recipe

French Coconut Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 84 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy French Coconut Pie delivers a tropical twist on classic dessert perfection. Rich custard and toasted coconut create a luxurious experience you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

Liquid Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Crust:

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C), creating ideal baking conditions for a perfectly golden dessert.
  2. Position the pie crust carefully in a standard pie dish, ensuring edges are neatly crimped for an attractive finish. For enhanced texture, consider briefly pre-baking the crust to prevent moisture absorption.
  3. Create the filling by whisking sugar, melted butter, milk, eggs, vanilla extract, flour, and salt into a smooth, homogeneous liquid. Gently fold shredded coconut throughout the mixture, distributing it evenly.
  4. Transfer the coconut mixture into the prepared crust, using a spatula to spread the filling uniformly and eliminate any potential air pockets.
  5. Position the pie in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for approximately 45-50 minutes. Monitor for a rich golden-brown surface and test doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should emerge clean with minimal residue.
  6. Remove from oven and allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. This resting period enables the custard-like filling to stabilize and set properly. Consider garnishing with lightly toasted coconut flakes or a delicate whipped cream crown before serving.

Notes

  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour to make the pie suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit for a lower-calorie version that maintains delicious flavor.
  • Toast coconut flakes before adding to the filling to enhance their nutty, rich taste and create a more complex flavor profile.
  • Add a splash of rum or coconut liqueur to the mixture for an adult-friendly twist that deepens the coconut’s tropical essence.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5060 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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