Description
Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie is a classic, rich and creamy dessert featuring a flaky buttery crust, luscious coconut custard made with real coconut milk and shredded coconut, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. This nostalgic treat balances texture and flavor perfectly, ideal for family gatherings, special occasions, or any time you crave a comforting, timeless dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 flaky, buttery pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Coconut Custard
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 cups canned coconut milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Garnish
- Toasted coconut flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie dough into a 9-inch circle and fit it into your pie plate. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbles. Bake it blind using pie weights or dried beans at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until golden. Let it cool completely before filling.
- Make the Coconut Custard: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Slowly whisk in coconut milk and egg yolks, stirring constantly over medium heat. Cook until the mixture thickens into a creamy custard. Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut. Allow it to cool slightly before pouring into the crust.
- Chill the Pie: Pour the coconut custard filling into the cooled crust. Cover the pie surface with plastic wrap directly on the filling to prevent skin formation. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set firmly.
- Whip the Cream Topping: Whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread generously over the chilled custard, creating fluffy, cloud-like layers on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with toasted coconut flakes or extra shredded coconut for added texture and visual appeal. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the creamy coconut flavors in every bite.
Notes
- Use canned real coconut milk (unsweetened) for authentic flavor; avoid coconut-flavored substitutes.
- Toast coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Place plastic wrap directly on custard while cooling to prevent a rubbery skin.
- Chill pie thoroughly (at least 4 hours) for the filling to set properly for neat slicing.
- Whip cream just until soft peaks form; avoid overwhipping to prevent turning into butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pie)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: coconut cream pie, classic dessert, coconut custard, flaky pie crust, whipped cream topping, old fashioned pie, homemade pie