MashaBear
Culinary Explorer
Hey everyone! Discover the luscious delight of Coconut Cream Pie! Imagine a smooth coconut filling in a buttery crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream and toasted coconut flakes. Perfect for treating yourself or impressing guests! 
Coconut Cream Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 (9-inch) pre-baked pie crust*
- 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut, divided
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 14 ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk, divided
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature*
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract, to taste
For Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, lightly sweetened
- 3-4 tablespoons powdered sugar, to sweeten
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Toast Coconut: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, toast the shredded coconut, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Transfer to a bowl to cool completely. Set aside.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Ensure the pie crust is pre-baked and cooled according to your preferred method (blind baking recommended).
- Prepare Egg Yolk Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, cornstarch, and 1/4 cup of whole milk until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare Coconut Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1 cup of whole milk, canned coconut milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Place over medium heat and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Temper Eggs: Spoon a ladleful of the hot milk mixture into the bowl with the egg yolks, whisking constantly. Repeat with another ladleful. This tempers the eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Combine and Thicken: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Remove from heat and stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and coconut extract until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in 3/4 cup of the toasted coconut (reserve the rest for topping).
- Cool and Assemble: Pour the warm coconut filling into the cooled pie crust. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
- Prepare Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Serve: Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie filling. Sprinkle the remaining toasted coconut on top of the whipped cream.
- Enjoy: Slice and serve chilled. Refrigerate any leftovers.
Notes:
- *Crust: You can use a pre-baked graham cracker crust or Vanilla Wafer Crust as alternatives to a traditional pie crust.
- *Butter: The recipe originally used cream cheese, but butter is preferred for its texture and flavor.