Silky Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

Dreamy Silky Coconut Cream Pie Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Creamy desserts have a magical way of melting hearts, and this silky coconut cream pie recipe brings tropical dreams to your table.

The rich, velvety coconut cream pie captures the essence of sweet indulgence with every spoonful.

Layers of smooth custard nestle between a perfectly crisp graham cracker crust, creating a texture that dances on your palate.

Each slice promises a delightful blend of tropical coconut and luxurious cream that transports you to a sun-drenched paradise.

The golden-brown toasted coconut flakes sprinkled on top add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

Whipped cream peaks crown this decadent dessert, making it a showstopper at any gathering.

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the irresistible charm of coconut in its most divine form.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 8

Coconut Cream Pie Ingredient List

For Custard Base:
  • Coconut Milk: Provides rich, tropical flavor and creamy texture for the pie filling.
  • Whole Milk: Adds extra richness and helps create smooth, velvety custard consistency.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances the coconut's natural flavor.
  • Egg Yolks: Thickens the custard and creates a luxurious, silky texture.
  • Cornstarch: Ensures proper thickening and helps stabilize the custard.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
For Flavoring:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the coconut flavor profile.
  • Shredded Coconut: Provides textural contrast and intensifies coconut taste.
For Pie Crust:
  • Pre-Baked Pie Crust: Serves as the foundation for the creamy coconut filling, offering a crisp base.

What You’ll Need to Make Coconut Pie

  • Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking the creamy custard base with precise temperature control.
  • Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending ingredients and preventing lumps in the custard.
  • Spatula: Helps spread the custard evenly in the pie crust and creates a smooth top surface.
  • Measuring Cups: Accurate for measuring milk, sugar, and other liquid ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons: Precise for adding small amounts of vanilla extract and salt.
  • Pre-baked Pie Crust: Already prepared foundation for the coconut cream filling.
  • Mixing Bowl: Useful for preparing ingredients before cooking.

Steps to Get a Smooth Coconut Filling

  • Craft The Creamy Base

Blend tropical coconut milk with rich whole milk, sugar, golden egg yolks, and a pinch of salt in a cozy saucepan. Whisk everything together until smooth and dreamy.

  • Transform Into Silky Custard

Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. Watch as itally thickens and starts to bubble, creating a luscious custard that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Enhance With Tropical Flair

Pull the pan off the heat and stir in pure vanilla extract and delicate shredded coconut. The aroma will transport you to a sunny beach paradise.

  • Create The Perfect Pie

Gently pour the velvety custard into a pre-baked pie shell. Smooth the top with a spatula, making sure every inch looks invitingly perfect.

  • Chill And Delight

Refrigerate the pie until it’s completely cool and set. This allows the flavors to mingle and the texture to become wonderfully creamy and firm.

Ideas That Elevate the Coconut Flavor

  • Whisk constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth custard that's free from any grainy texture.
  • Prepare the pie up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for a stress-free dessert that tastes even better after chilling.
  • Swap the traditional pie crust with a gluten-free graham cracker crust or use almond flour-based crust for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Lightly toast some extra shredded coconut and sprinkle on top for an added crunch and deeper, nuttier flavor that elevates the pie's appearance and taste.
  • Replace whole milk with additional coconut milk or use a plant-based milk alternative to create a dairy-free version of this classic dessert.

Serve Pie That Looks Bakery-Ready

  • Tropical Paradise Plate: Serve this coconut cream pie on a vibrant platter with scattered toasted coconut flakes and fresh tropical fruit slices like mango or pineapple for a stunning presentation.
  • Whipped Cream Wonderland: Top the pie with billowy homemade whipped cream and sprinkle extra toasted coconut shavings for added texture and a delightful crunch that elevates the dessert's visual appeal.
  • Cool Companion Pairing: Complement the rich pie with a cold scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a chilled coconut sorbet to balance the creamy filling and provide a refreshing contrast in temperatures and flavors.
  • Elegant Garnish: Dust the pie's surface with a light sprinkle of toasted coconut powder or drizzle with a thin line of caramel sauce to create an elegant finishing touch that makes the dessert look professionally prepared.

How to Store Coconut Cream Pie Properly

  • Keep your coconut cream pie chilled in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Covering the pie prevents moisture loss and protects the delicate filling from absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap the entire pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen pie can maintain quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Prepare the pie crust and custard filling a day before your event. Store the crust and filling separately in the refrigerator, then assemble just before serving to maintain the crispest crust and smoothest filling.
  • Add fresh whipped cream or toasted coconut flakes just before serving. Waiting until the last moment ensures maximum crispness and prevents soggy toppings from softening the pie's beautiful texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?

While you can substitute low-fat milk, the pie will have a less rich and creamy texture. Whole milk provides better thickness and a more luxurious mouthfeel for the custard.

  • How do I know when the custard is perfectly cooked?

The custard is ready when it thickens and starts to bubble, and when it coats the back of a spoon. When you run your finger through the custard on the spoon, it should leave a clear line that doesn’t immediately fill back in.

  • Is cornstarch necessary for this recipe?

Yes, cornstarch is crucial as it helps thicken the custard and gives the pie its smooth, creamy consistency. Without cornstarch, the filling would be runny and not set properly.

  • Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just wait to add any whipped cream topping until just before serving to keep it looking fresh.

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Silky Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

Silky Coconut Cream Pie Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Creamy coconut cream pie celebrates tropical flavors with luscious, silky filling nestled in a buttery crust. Delectable coconut shavings and whipped cream crown this classic dessert that promises pure indulgence.


Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Custard Preparation: Whisk coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan until the mixture transforms into a velvety, uniform base.
  2. Heat Management: Simmer the mixture over medium heat, constantly stirring to prevent scorching and maintain a luxurious, silken consistency, watching for gradual thickening and gentle bubbling.
  3. Custard Development: Continue cooking until the mixture achieves a dense, pudding-like texture that elegantly coats the back of a spoon, signaling the perfect custard moment.
  4. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract and shredded coconut, gently folding to distribute flavors evenly and create a rich, aromatic filling.
  5. Pie Assembly: Carefully transfer the luscious custard into the pre-baked pie crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an inviting, even layer.
  6. Chilling Process: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2-3 hours to solidify the custard and intensify the coconut’s delicate flavor profile.

Notes

  • Prevent Curdling: Whisk constantly and maintain medium heat to avoid egg yolks scrambling, ensuring a smooth, silky custard texture.
  • Achieve Perfect Thickness: Watch for pudding-like consistency when the mixture coats the back of a spoon, signaling the ideal custard setting point.
  • Enhance Coconut Flavor: Toast shredded coconut before adding to the filling for a deeper, nuttier flavor that elevates the overall taste experience.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut cream instead of regular dairy for a vegan-friendly version of the pie.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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