Homemade Coconut Cream Pie | Easy Classic Recipe (2024)

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This coconut cream pie is layered with flavor from the buttery crust to the creamy coconut filling and light whipped cream topping. For being so easy to make, the results are so, so delicious!

Homemade Coconut Cream Pie | Easy Classic Recipe (1)

When it comes to easy dessert recipes, our favorites include banana blondies, brownie bites, and this coconut cream pie.

Like key lime pie, coconut cream pie is a classic American dessert made up of crust with a coconut-flavored vanilla pudding and topped with whipped cream and coconut shavings.

Table of Contents
  1. Why this recipe works
  2. Ingredients needed
  3. How to make coconut cream pie
  4. Tips to make the best coconut cream pie
  5. Storage instructions
  6. Frequently asked questions
  7. More easy desserts you’ll enjoy
  8. Coconut Cream Pie Recipe (Recipe Card)

Why this recipe works

This coconut cream pie recipe is a coconut lover’s dream. The coconut cream filling is smooth and creamy, and it has the perfect amount of coconut flavor. Some coconut recipes taste artificial, but not this one- you’d think you were somewhere tropical after one bite!

  • It’s completely homemade. Just as we do in a crostata or clafoutis, the recipe is made from scratch from the homemade crust to the creamy coconut filling and whipped cream topping.
  • It is so easy to make. Just like my other pie recipes, this one is a cinch to make (have you tried our cherry pie yet?).
  • You can be made in advance. The cream filling needs to sit overnight, so you can easily make it up to 3 days ahead.
Homemade Coconut Cream Pie | Easy Classic Recipe (2)

Ingredients needed

The ingredient list for this coconut cream pie may be long, but don’t be intimidated. Each of these ingredients is essential for making the perfect pie.

Crust.

  • Flour. All-purpose flour is best, though you can also swap it for gluten-free flour.
  • Salt. To amp up the flavor of the crust.
  • Sugar. Granulated white sugar.
  • Butter. Unsalted butter, chilled and cut into equal-sized cubes.
  • Ice water. The water must be cold in order to make the crust.

Filling.

  • Sugar. Plain white sugar.
  • Cornstarch. To help thicken the cream filling.
  • Coconut milk. To add texture and coconut flavor to the cream.
  • Heavy cream. Also known as thickened cream, be sure the brand you are using has no added sugar in it.
  • Egg yolks. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it will add much-needed richness to the cream.
  • Coconut extract. Gives extra coconut flavor.
  • Vanilla extract. Gives a lovely vanilla flavor to the overall pie.

Whipped topping.

  • Whipping cream. The main component of the whipped topping.
  • Powdered sugar. To add essential sweetness to the otherwise flavorless whipped cream.
  • Coconut shavings. For topping the pie, use either plain or toasted shavings.

How to make coconut cream pie

This is one of my favorite pie recipes when I have friends over since it makes a great presentation. It’s also deceptively easy, so everyone will think you went out of your way to make it. Only you will know how easy it was.

Step 1- Make the crust

First, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and butter together until you have a coarse sand consistency. Add the ice water incrementally and continue mixing until you form the dough. Then, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Step 2- Blind bake the crust

When the dough has finished resting, preheat the oven to 350F/177C and roll out the dough. Transfer it to a pie dish and press to form the dough into the pie tin. Then, blind-bake the crust for 20 minutes. When the crust has finished baking, set it aside until cooled completely.

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Step 3- Make the coconut cream filling

Begin by whisking sugar and cornstarch in a saucepot. Then, add the coconut milk, half cream, and egg yolks. Continue whisking until smooth. Set the saucepot on the stove and set it to medium heat. Let the coconut cream cook until thickened. Then, strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve and stir in the coconut and vanilla extract.

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Step 4- Let the pie refrigerate overnight

Pour the filling into the cooled pie shell. Then, cover the filling with plastic wrap greased with coconut oil so it doesn’t stick, and chill the cake overnight in the fridge.

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Step 5- Make the whipped cream and serve

Make the whipped cream topping. To do this, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar together in a bowl until stiff peaks form.Unwrap the plastic wrap from the pie and spoon the whipped topping over the filling. Top the pie with your toasted coconut shavings, slice, and serve.

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Tips to make the best coconut cream pie

  • Use a food processor to make the crust: This makes the process of forming a smooth and buttery crust so much easier.
  • Opt for pre-made parts: To save time, you can use a storebought pie crust or storebought whipped cream.
  • Chill the pie before serving: Allow the pie to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. This will allow the filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
  • Toast the coconut: Toasting the coconut flakes before adding them to the filling can enhance their flavor and add a crunchy texture to the pie.
  • Don’t overmix the filling: Once you’ve added the coconut milk and cream to the filling, avoid overmixing it, as this is why some pies are lumpy and/or grainy.

Storage instructions

To store: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered. It will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks.

To freeze: Place the pie in a shallow container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

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Frequently asked questions

How do you keep a coconut cream pie from getting watery?

To avoid your coconut cream pie from becoming too watery, you’ll want to add cornstarch to the filling. This will thicken the filling and make for a smooth, creamy pie filling.

What to serve with this dessert?

This pie recipe tastes great all on its own, but if you want to add even more flavor, you could serve it with coconut ice cream or some fresh fruit.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can make coconut cream pie gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust.

Can I make coconut cream pie without dairy?

Yes, you can make coconut cream pie without dairy by swapping out the heavy cream for coconut cream and by replacing the egg yolk with an egg substitute. You can also use a non-dairy whipped topping as a substitute for whipped cream.

More easy desserts you’ll enjoy

Peanut Butter Pie

Chocolate Tart

Lemon Loaf

Cherry Cheesecake

Lemon Blueberry Cake

Homemade Coconut Cream Pie | Easy Classic Recipe (14)

Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

5 from 286 votes

This coconut cream pie recipe features a flaky, buttery pie crust filled with a rich, creamy coconut custard and topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes. It's a simple yet elegant dessert.

Servings: 12 Slices

Prep: 5 minutes mins

Cook: 25 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

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Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
  • 3 tablespoons ice water

Filling

Topping

Instructions

  • Mix flour, salt, sugar, and butter until a coarse consistency. Add ice water and form a dough. Cover the bowl then chill the dough for 30 minutes.

  • Preheat the oven to 180C/350F.

  • Once chilled, roll out the dough and transfer to a 9-inch pie dish.

  • Blind bake the pie crust for 20 minutes, then let it cool to room temperature.

  • Make the filling. Whisk sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Add the coconut milk, heavy cream, and egg yolks. Whisk until smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat and allow it to simmer until it thickens.

  • Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve and stir in coconut and vanilla extracts.

  • Pour the filling into the cooled pie shell. Cover the filling with plastic wrap. Chill the pie for at least two hours or overnight.

  • Make the topping by beating the whipping cream and powdered sugar in a bowl until stiff peaks form. Spoon over the chilled pie and top with shredded coconut flakes.

Notes

TO STORE: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator, covered. It will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks.

TO FREEZE: Place the pie in a shallow container and store it in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1SliceCalories: 294kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 4gFat: 20gSodium: 113mgPotassium: 144mgFiber: 2gVitamin A: 451IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 32mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 24g

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Author: Arman Liew

Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Homemade Coconut Cream Pie | Easy Classic Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why didn t my coconut cream pie set? ›

First, it's possible that your custard did not thicken enough. Before adding it to your pie shell, check to make sure your custard is not watery. It should be about the consistency of your average pudding. Second, it's much more likely that the layers weren't totally cooled before you assembled.

How to make coconut cream solid? ›

Chill canned coconut milk in the refrigerator overnight. This will make the milk fat separate and solidify on top. Use a spoon to skim the solidified coconut cream from the top of the can and put it in a glass bowl. Reserve the remaining liquid for another use (see suggestions below).

Where did coconut cream pie originate? ›

Although the general idea of a cream pie may be able to trace its roots back to Europe, the Coconut Cream Pie may actually be an American invention. In the 1800s, as Americans were enjoying tropical fruits such as bananas and pineapple, coconuts also became more accessible in the United States.

Why is my coconut cream pie soupy? ›

Runny custard: You may have undercooked your custard. If it fails to thicken after bringing it to a low boil, it can be fixed by stirring in a slurry of equal parts cornstarch and water. Mix the two together and whisk it into the hot custard. Bring to a boil, stirring, until thickened.

How to keep pie crust from getting soggy on coconut cream pie? ›

Some folks brush their pie crust's interior with beaten egg white or coat it with melted butter to create a moisture-resistant barrier between filling and pastry. Veteran baker and author Dorie Greenspan uses bread crumbs to soak up any excess liquid.

How do you thicken coconut cream filling? ›

Egg Yolks & Cornstarch: Egg yolks and cornstarch thicken the pie filling. Combine the two first, then temper into the cooking mixture.

Can I use coconut cream instead of solid coconut cream? ›

Some enquirers loosely refer to it is creamed coconut, which is solidified concentrated coconut fat. The two products are different in shape and form but coconut cream can easily be substituted by creamed coconut and be put to the same use.

What happens if you whip coconut cream? ›

Beat the coconut cream on medium-high speed for about 1 minute, then add the whip it, if using, powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat for another minute or so until smooth, light and creamy. It won't make super stiff peaks like real whipped cream, but it should get pretty fluffy.

Can I use coconut milk instead of solid coconut cream? ›

Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes such as curries and soups. If you prefer a richer flavour and texture, try coconut cream or vice versa. However, be careful when substituting coconut milk and cream in baked goods.

What state is known for cream pie? ›

Boston cream pie is the official dessert of Massachusetts, declared as such on December 12, 1996.

Does Marie Callender make coconut cream pie? ›

Marie Callender's Coconut Cream Pie is delicious and perfect for any occasion. It's easy to serve, and the taste is wonderful.

Does Mrs Smith make a coconut cream pie? ›

Smith's Classic Coconut Custard Pie. 0 g trans fat per serving. Oven bake 65 min.

Does coconut cream thicken like heavy cream? ›

Coconut milk or cream

Rich in fat, both of these products are a great vegan substitute for heavy cream. Try in sauces and soups; the cream can be whipped. However, it doesn't quite have the body that heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream) has, so it won't ever form stiff peaks like whipped cream does.

How do you neutralize coconut cream flavor? ›

You can neutralize the coconut flavor using a very small amount of baking soda. It works as a base to neutralize the lauric acid in the coconut, which is the "soapy" flavor mentioned in the first link below.

Does cornstarch thicken coconut cream? ›

You can use cornstarch or all-purpose flour as a thickening agent. Dissolve some cornstarch or cornflour in a bowl with cold water to make a slurry. Then add the slurry to the coconut milk and boil until it reaches your desired consistency.

What to do if coconut cream pie is runny? ›

Coconut Cream Pie Recipe FAQs

The filling will thicken a bit more as it cools. And firm up completely once it has set in the fridge. As a last resort, add more cornstarch (a small amount at a time) if needed.

How do you fix a pie that didn't set? ›

Once you've noticed the problem, the only solution is to protect the crust and pop the pie back in the oven. If you look in the oven and see that your pecan pie crust has turned a perfect golden brown, you'll instinctively want to take it out -- even if the filling is too jiggly or even soupy.

Why is my cream pie not setting? ›

It may not have set properly if the custard wasn't cooked long enough or if it wasn't chilled adequately. Ensure you follow the recipe's instructions for both cooking and chilling times, and consider refrigerating the pie for a longer period if needed.

Why is my coconut cream not thickening? ›

If you find that your coconut whipped cream is not thickening up, you can add some tapioca starch to it. The powdered sugar brand uses tapioca starch so that should help, but a tablespoon at a time will definitely do the trick. Don't add too much or else you'll end up with a very artificial tasting whipped cream.

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