The Dreamiest Coconut Cream Pie Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Memories of grandma’s kitchen often swirl around her legendary coconut cream pie that brought everyone together.

Sweet nostalgia dances through creamy layers of silky filling.

Coconut’s delicate flavor promises a dessert beyond ordinary expectations.

Rich custard nestled between flaky pastry creates pure comfort.

Whispers of tropical essence drift through each perfectly crafted slice.

Delightful textures and subtle sweetness invite you to indulge in this classic treat.

Baking this pie connects you with generations of culinary love and warmth.

Store Coconut Cream Pie

• Store covered coconut cream pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Wrap individual pie slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen pie can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For best texture, avoid reheating the entire pie, as meringue can become soggy and lose its delicate structure.
• Consume within 2 days for the freshest taste and most appealing meringue texture. The pie's quality gradually declines after refrigeration.

Coconut Cream Pie Dessert Complements

• Tropical Rum Companion: Pair this creamy coconut pie with a chilled Mai Tai or coconut rum cocktail to enhance the tropical coconut flavors and create a delightful dessert experience.
• Espresso Elegance: Serve a rich, dark espresso or cappuccino alongside the pie to cut through the sweetness and provide a robust contrast to the creamy, smooth coconut filling.
• Fresh Fruit Balance: Complement the pie with a light tropical fruit plate featuring fresh pineapple, mango, or passion fruit to add brightness and refresh the palate between bites.
• Vanilla Ice Cream Indulgence: Top a slice of the pie with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream to amplify the creamy texture and create a decadent dessert combination.

Coconut Cream Pie Variants

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular flour with almond flour or coconut flour to create a celiac-friendly coconut cream pie that maintains the original rich flavor and creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap evaporated milk with coconut milk or almond milk, ensuring those with lactose intolerance can still enjoy this classic dessert without compromising taste.
• Vegan Transformation: Use aquafaba instead of egg yolks, plant-based butter, and coconut cream to craft a completely plant-based pie that delivers the same decadent coconut experience.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing the overall calorie count while preserving the pie's delightful coconut profile for health-conscious bakers.

FAQs

• Why use a microwave for this coconut cream pie recipe?

The microwave helps quickly cook the filling ingredients, reducing overall preparation time and creating a smooth, consistent texture without constant stirring on the stovetop.

• Can I use fresh or dried coconut for this recipe?

Shredded coconut works best, whether it’s fresh or dried. Just ensure the coconut is finely shredded to blend well with the creamy filling.

• What makes the meringue turn golden brown?

The meringue browns when exposed to high heat in the oven at 375°F. The sugar in the egg whites caramelizes, creating a beautiful golden color and slightly crisp exterior.

• Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?

Yes, this microwave method is actually quite forgiving and easier than traditional stovetop custard methods. The steps are straightforward, and the microwave helps prevent burning or scorching the filling.

Coconut Cream Pie That’s Light and Luscious

• Quick Microwave Magic: Whip up this creamy coconut pie in record time using just a microwave, making dessert preparation super simple and hassle-free.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Delight everyone from kids to grandparents with this sweet, nostalgic coconut cream pie that brings comfort and joy to the table.
• Budget-Friendly Dessert: Create an impressive homemade pie without expensive equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, using basic pantry staples and minimal cooking skills.
• Versatile Serving Option: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend treats, this recipe adapts easily to different occasions and serves multiple people.

Coconut Cream Pie Ingredient Set

• Pie Crust: Pre-baked foundation that provides a crisp and delicious base for the pie's creamy filling.
• Flour: Structural component that helps thicken the pie filling, choose all-purpose flour for best results.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, rich texture in the pie.
• Egg Yolks: Provides richness and helps thicken the custard, use fresh large eggs from the refrigerator.
• Evaporated Milk: Creamy base that gives the pie a luxurious consistency, opt for full-fat version.
• Water: Helps blend ingredients and adjust the filling's texture.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor, use pure vanilla extract for best taste.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth mouthfeel, choose unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.

• Shredded Coconut: Primary flavor element, adds texture and traditional coconut pie character.
• Meringue: Light, fluffy topping that creates a beautiful golden finish, made from egg whites and sugar.

Classic Coconut Cream Pie in Easy Steps

Step 1: Whip Up The Creamy Base

• Flour
• Sugar
• Egg yolks
• Evaporated milk
• Water
• Vanilla extract
• Butter

Zap the mixture in the microwave for 4 minutes, creating a smooth and silky foundation for your delectable coconut cream pie.

Step 2: Fold In Tropical Goodness

Remove the bowl from the microwave and vigorously whisk the mixture until completely blended.

Gently stir in the shredded coconut, distributing the tropical flavor throughout the creamy base.

Step 3: Continue Cooking

Return the coconut-infused mixture to the microwave and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

This extra heating helps thicken the filling and intensify the flavors.

Step 4: Check Texture And Fill Crusts

Stir the mixture once more, ensuring a rich and creamy consistency.

When the filling reaches your desired thickness, carefully pour it into two pre-baked pie crusts, creating a smooth and even layer.

Step 5: Crown With Fluffy Meringue

Prepare a light and airy meringue topping.

Spread the meringue evenly across the pies, creating beautiful peaks and swirls.

Sprinkle a handful of coconut over the top for an extra burst of tropical flavor and visual appeal.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the pies in a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake until the meringue transforms into a gorgeous golden-brown color, ensuring a fully cooked and lightly caramelized topping that adds a delightful crunch to your coconut cream pie.

Coconut Cream Pie Tips for Silky Sweet Slices

• Use a microwave-safe bowl with high sides to prevent potential overflow during cooking.
• Stir the mixture thoroughly after each microwave interval to ensure even heating and prevent lumps.
• Adjust the amount of shredded coconut based on personal preference for texture and intensity of flavor.
• Ensure egg whites are at room temperature for a more stable and voluminous meringue topping.
• Experiment with graham cracker or shortbread crusts for a unique twist on the traditional pie base.

Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy coconut cream pie delivers a tropical paradise of sweet, silky indulgence. Rich custard nestled in a buttery crust celebrates classic dessert comfort with elegant simplicity.

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Ingredients

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Main Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups sugar
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 3/4 cups shredded coconut
• 12 ounces (340 grams) evaporated milk
• 12 ounces (340 grams) water

Thickening and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Finishing Ingredient:

• 2 tablespoons butter

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Instructions

1. Craft a smooth, creamy custard base by whisking together flour, sugar, egg yolks, evaporated milk, water, vanilla, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave the mixture for 4 minutes, carefully removing and vigorously stirring to prevent any lumps from forming.
3. Gently fold shredded coconut into the warm custard, ensuring even distribution throughout the creamy mixture.
4. Return the coconut-infused custard to the microwave and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring intermittently to maintain a consistent texture.
5. Check the custard’s thickness by running a spoon through the mixture; it should coat the back of the utensil with a thick, luxurious consistency.
6. Carefully pour the coconut custard into two pre-baked pie crusts, spreading evenly to create a smooth surface.
7. Whip up a fluffy meringue, ensuring peaks are stiff and glossy, then generously spread over the custard-filled pies.
8. Sprinkle a handful of additional coconut over the meringue topping for a delightful textural contrast and enhanced flavor.
9. Bake the pies in a preheated oven at 375°F, watching carefully until the meringue turns a golden brown and develops a delicate, crisp exterior.

Notes

• Achieve ultra-smooth filling by whisking vigorously after each microwave interval to prevent lumps and ensure creamy texture.
• For gluten-free version, substitute wheat flour with coconut or almond flour, maintaining same measurement proportions.
• Control meringue stability by ensuring egg whites are room temperature and use clean, grease-free whipping equipment for maximum volume.
• Toast additional coconut topping beforehand to enhance nutty flavor and create delightful golden-brown visual appeal on pie surface.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 372
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 119 mg