How to Make the Perfect Coconut Cream Pie
American · Easy · 35 min · 8 servings
This tropical coconut cream pie is creamy dreamy and loaded with coconut flavor making it one of the most beloved kid friendly recipes for coconut lovers. Kids enjoy toasting the coconut flakes and sprinkling them on top of the fluffy whipped cream like a fun craft project.
Why this recipe works
This Coconut Cream Pie recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 430 calories with 5g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1 piece refrigerated pie crust pre-baked
- 2 cans coconut milk full fat
- 0.75 cup granulated sugar
- 0.33 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Coconut Custard
Whisk coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks together in a saucepan over medium heat stirring constantly until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This takes about 10 to 12 minutes so be patient and keep stirring to avoid lumps.
Step 2: Add Coconut and Chill
Remove custard from heat and stir in three quarters of the shredded coconut. Pour the coconut custard into the pre-baked pie crust and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for 4 hours until fully set.
Step 3: Toast the Coconut
Spread remaining coconut on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes stirring once until golden and fragrant. Watch carefully because coconut goes from golden to burnt very quickly and toasted coconut is the key flavor element on top.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and spread or pipe generously over the chilled coconut custard. Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes all over the top and slice into portions. Serve cold for the best creamy coconut flavor that kids absolutely love.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- full fat coconut milk → whole dairy milk for a less intense coconut flavor
- sweetened shredded coconut → unsweetened coconut flakes for a less sweet result
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not stirring the custard constantly which leads to scorching on the bottom and lumpy texture
- Skipping the plastic wrap pressed against the custard surface which causes an unpleasant rubbery skin to form
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 430 calories, 5g protein, 42g carbs, 27g fat, 2g fiber.
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