Coconut Cream Pie is a luscious dessert that brings together a rich, creamy coconut filling topped with fresh whipped cream. With its golden, flaky crust and tropical flavors, this pie is the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this Coconut Cream Pie is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to create this indulgent dessert that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Cream Pie
This Coconut Cream Pie offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. Here are just a few reasons to love it:
- Rich and creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up.
- Perfect for summer gatherings or holiday parties.
- Versatile dessert that can be customized with variations.
- Stunning presentation with whipped cream and toasted coconut.
- Can be made ahead of time for convenience.
This is truly the best coconut cream pie recipe ever and a must-try for coconut lovers!
Ingredients for Coconut Cream Pie
Gather these items:
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons ice water
- ½ cup unsalted butter (roughly chopped)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup full fat coconut milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
How to Make Coconut Cream Pie Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Combine the crust ingredients. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the flour and salt. Then, add the butter and mix until it resembles a coarse meal.
- Step 2: Add water. With the machine running, slowly add the ice water and process until a dough comes together. Add more water if the dough seems too dry.
- Step 3: Shape and chill the pie dough. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
- Step 4: Prep for baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Step 5: Roll out the crust. Roll the dough out on a floured surface. Then place it in a pie pan. Carefully line the pie dough with parchment paper, then add some weight, such as pie weights or dry beans.
- Step 6: Bake the pie crust. Blind bake the pie crust for 15 minutes. Remove the pie crust from the oven, and then remove the pie weights and parchment. Pop it back in the oven and continue baking the crust for another 10 minutes, or until golden. Let the pie crust cool down while you make the filling.
- Step 7: Toast the coconut. Add the coconut to a large skillet. Toast the coconut over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Once toasted, remove from the stove and set aside.
- Step 8: Make the creamy filling. Whisk the heavy cream, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, eggs, salt, and vanilla extract in a saucepan.
- Step 9: Cook. Cook the cream mixture for 15 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 10: Add coconut. Stir in the toasted coconut, reserving some of it (around ¼ cup) for topping the pie.
- Step 11: Fill the pie. Pour the cream mixture into the baked pie crust. Transfer the pie to the refrigerator and chill it for at least 4 hours, or overnight until it is chilled and thickened.
- Step 12: Whip the cream. Add heavy cream and powdered sugar to a bowl and beat it with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Step 13: Assemble the pie. Spread or pipe the whipped cream topping over the pie. Add toasted coconut on top. Slice the pie and serve. Keep the pie refrigerated.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Coconut Cream Pie
Keep these in mind:
- Use fresh coconut for a more intense flavor.
- Always chill the pie for the recommended time to ensure the filling sets properly.
- For a unique twist, try a Coconut Cream Tart variation.
- If you prefer a graham cracker crust, substitute the pie crust with a Coconut cream pie with graham cracker crust.
- Ensure your heavy cream is cold for the best whipped topping.
Best Ways to Serve Coconut Cream Pie
This Coconut Cream Pie can be served in various delightful ways:
- Pair it with fresh fruits like pineapple or mango for a tropical twist.
- Top it with a Coconut Cream Pie with Whipped Cream for extra indulgence.
- For chocolate lovers, drizzle with chocolate sauce for a Coconut cream pie with chocolate drizzle.

How to Store and Reheat Coconut Cream Pie
Store leftover Coconut Cream Pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap. It’s best consumed within 3-4 days. Do not freeze, as the texture may change. For meal prep, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble it when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Cream Pie
What’s the secret to perfect Coconut Cream Pie?
The secret lies in ensuring the filling is thick enough. If your filling is too runny, it may not have cooked long enough, or the cornstarch may not have been activated properly.
Can I make Coconut Cream Pie ahead of time?
Yes! This pie can be made a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated, and add the whipped cream topping just before serving for the best texture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Coconut Cream Pie?
To avoid a runny filling, ensure you cook it until it thickens properly. If your pie doesn’t set, it might need more chilling time in the refrigerator.
Variations of Coconut Cream Pie You Can Try
Get creative with these variations:
- Try a Coconut Custard Pie for a custardy twist.
- Create a Tropical Coconut Cream Pie by adding fresh fruits like mango or passion fruit.
- Experiment with a Coconut Cream Dessert served in individual cups for a fun presentation.
- For a nutty flavor, add chopped nuts to the crust or as a topping.
For more information on the health benefits of coconut, check out this Healthline article.
Print
Delicious Coconut Cream Pie Recipe You Must Try
- Total Time: 280 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This coconut cream pie recipe features a thick, creamy coconut filling and swirls of fresh whipped cream in a golden, flaky pie crust.
Ingredients
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons ice water
- ½ cup unsalted butter (roughly chopped)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 cup flaked coconut
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup full fat coconut milk
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Instructions
- Combine the crust ingredients. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together the flour and salt. Then, add the butter and mix until it resembles a coarse meal.
- Add water. With the machine running, slowly add the ice water and process until a dough comes together. Add more water if the dough seems too dry.
- Shape and chill the pie dough. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
- Prep for baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Roll out the crust. Roll the dough out on a floured surface. Then place it in a pie pan. Carefully line the pie dough with parchment paper, then add some weight, such as pie weights or dry beans.
- Bake the pie crust. Blind bake the pie crust for 15 minutes. Remove the pie crust from the oven, and then remove the pie weights and parchment. Pop it back in the oven and continue baking the crust for another 10 minutes, or until golden. Let the pie crust cool down while you make the filling.
- Toast the coconut. Add the coconut to a large skillet. Toast the coconut over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Once toasted, remove from the stove and set aside.
- Make the creamy filling. Whisk the heavy cream, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, eggs, salt, and vanilla extract in a saucepan.
- Cook. Cook the cream mixture for 15 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add coconut. Stir in the toasted coconut, reserving some of it (around ¼ cup) for topping the pie.
- Fill the pie. Pour the cream mixture into the baked pie crust. Transfer the pie to the refrigerator and chill it for at least 4 hours, or overnight until it is chilled and thickened.
- Whip the cream. Add heavy cream and powdered sugar to a bowl and beat it with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Assemble the pie. Spread or pipe the whipped cream topping over the pie. Add toasted coconut on top. Slice the pie and serve. Keep the pie refrigerated.
Notes
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 572 kcal
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 46 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
