Old-Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie – A Dreamy Dessert with Creamy Coconut Filling

If you love the creamy richness of coconut, this Old-Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie is the dessert of your dreams. Imagine a buttery, flaky pie crust filled with velvety coconut custard, topped with a cloud of whipped cream, and finished with perfectly toasted coconut flakes for a delightful crunch. Every bite is a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, sweet and nutty, making this pie the ultimate indulgence for coconut lovers. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this pie is sure to satisfy.

Scroll to the bottom for the recipe!

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The History and Charm of Coconut Cream Pie

Coconut cream pie has been a beloved dessert for decades, especially in American kitchens. Its origins are rooted in the love for custard-based pies, which were popular in the early 20th century. As coconut became more widely available, it was quickly incorporated into these creamy pies, adding a tropical flair that delighted dessert lovers. Coconut cream pie is a true comfort dessert, combining rich, smooth custard with the irresistible flavor of coconut, making it a favorite at diners, family gatherings, and holiday tables across the country.

What makes coconut cream pie stand out is the balance between the textures. The smooth, rich custard filling contrasts beautifully with the light and fluffy whipped cream, while the toasted coconut on top adds a satisfying crunch. This pie is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something absolutely divine.

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Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie

This pie is all about indulgence in the best way possible. The rich coconut custard filling is luscious and smooth, with just the right amount of sweetness. The toasted coconut adds a wonderful nutty flavor and crispy texture, making each bite more interesting than the last. The pie is also surprisingly easy to make, with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this coconut cream pie is sure to become a favorite.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Old-Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie is best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator, making it a refreshing dessert option after a hearty meal. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea, cutting through the richness of the pie with its bitterness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can serve it with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for added decadence. It’s also a great pie to serve alongside fresh berries or a light fruit salad to balance out the creamy richness of the dessert.

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Old-Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Pie Filling:

• 9-inch Pre-baked Pie Crust, cooled
• 1 cup shredded, Sweetened Coconut, toasted
• 1¾ cups Unsweetened Coconut Milk
• 1½ cups Half and Half Cream, divided
• ½ cup White Granulated Sugar
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• 1/3 cup Cornstarch
• 4 large Egg Yolks
• 3 ounces Cream Cheese
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• ½ teaspoon Coconut Extract

For the Topping:

• 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 3 tablespoons White Granulated Sugar

Instructions:

1. Bake the Pie Crust
   Bake your pie crust according to the package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe, then allow it to cool completely before adding the filling.
2. Toast the Coconut
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spread the shredded coconut evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 3 minutes, stir the coconut, and continue baking in 3-minute intervals, stirring between each, until golden brown (about 9 minutes). Be careful, as coconut burns easily. Set the toasted coconut aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Coconut Cream Filling
   In a medium saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk, 1 cup of the half and half, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is hot but not boiling, about 3 minutes.
4. Mix the Cornstarch and Temper the Eggs
   In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining half and half and cornstarch until smooth. In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour ½-¾ cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent them from cooking.
5. Cook the Custard
   Pour the egg yolk mixture and the cornstarch mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining coconut milk mixture. Continue cooking over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Finish the Custard
   Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cream cheese, vanilla extract, and coconut extract until smooth. Fold in 2/3 cup of the toasted coconut, reserving the rest for garnish.
7. Fill and Chill the Pie
   Pour the coconut cream filling into the cooled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover the pie with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours until set.
8. Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
   In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract on high speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
9. Assemble the Pie
   Once the pie has chilled, spread or pipe the whipped cream over the top of the pie. Sprinkle the reserved toasted coconut over the whipped cream for garnish.
10. Serve and Enjoy
    Slice into this dreamy coconut cream pie and enjoy the rich, creamy filling, crunchy toasted coconut, and light whipped cream. It’s a true coconut lover’s delight!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 22g
• Protein: 6g

Storage and Reheating Tips

This pie is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to make the pie in advance, prepare the filling and the crust ahead of time, and top with whipped cream and toasted coconut just before serving to keep everything fresh. For an extra cold treat, try freezing individual slices and enjoying them straight from the freezer on a hot day.

Final Thoughts

This Old-Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie is the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors. It’s easy to make and offers a rich, satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a long-time fan of coconut or trying it for the first time, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.