This Homemade Coconut Cream Pie filling takes just minutes to cook on the stove-top and uses both coconut milk and shredded coconut. So delicious and easy. You’ll never use a box mix again!
I must confess, there was a time in my life where I thought coconut cream pies just came from a boxed mix. Once I learned otherwise, I’ve never looked back.
Not only is homemade coconut cream pie more delicious, it doesn’t take any longer to make than with that box mix!
This is my favourite coconut cream pie recipe, as it uses both coconut milk and shredded coconut in the filling, for great flavour and texture.
For this pie, you can start with a homemade pie crust or a store-bought one. In either case, you’ll need to pre-bake your crust and allow a little time for it to cool before adding the filling.
Once filled, you’ll also need to allow several hours refrigeration time for this pie to chill and set up. Allow the filling to chill in the shell first, then you can top with whipped cream and toasted coconut anytime after it’s cooled or just before serving, if you prefer.
Cook’s Notes for Simply Perfect Homemade Coconut Cream Pie
You could use desiccated coconut for the pie filling instead of shredded that is run through a food processor. I don’t usually have desiccated around and don’t like to buy two bags of coconut just for that small amount, so I use the food processor to break it up instead.
Be sure to allow enough time for things to cool. Your pie crust needs to be cool before you add the filling. Your filling needs to be cooled before you add the whipped cream topping. From start to finish, you’ll need at least about 3 hours.
Be sure to cook your pudding until bubbles break the surface and the mixture thickens noticeably. It should be pudding consistency.
Simply Perfect Homemade Coconut Cream Pie
Easy and delicious, this coconut cream pie filling takes only minutes to cook up on the stove-top. Pour into a pre-baked homemade or store-bought pie shell and refrigerate. Top with whipped cream and toasted coconut before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch deep dish pie shell pre-baked
For the Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk full-fat
- 1 1/2 cups half and half cream 10% b.f.
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cups white sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut run through a food processor to make smaller pieces
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 2/3 cup whipping cream
- 2 tsp white sugar
- 1/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut toasted (*see Step 3 below for toasting instructions)
Instructions
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Bake the pie shell and set aside to cool completely.
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Prepare the filling by combining the coconut milk, cream, eggs, sugar, cornstarch and salt in a large saucepan. Place over medium-low heat and cook, stirring regularly to start, then constantly once it starts to steam. This will take about 10-15 minutes, so be patient. Once mixture noticeably thickens and bubbles break the surface, it’s done. Remove from the heat and add the 1/4 cup processed coconut and the vanilla. Whisk to remove any lumps. Pour into pre-baked and cooled pie shell. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
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To toast the coconut: Add coconut to a skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown. Remove from heat and transfer to a plate to cool completely.
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Before serving, whip the whipping cream with the sugar and spread over the top of the pie. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.
Coconut Pie was one of my dad’s all-time favorites! This is a lovely dessert perfect for any and all occasions and especially during the warmer months. I’ll be craving Coconut Cream Pie now :)
Thanks Tricia! It’s right up there for me as a favourite, too :) Especially nice in the warmer weather.
I get weak in the knees for this stuff, this looks like the perfect summer pie to me!
Thanks Sue :)
This was one of my dad’s favorite pies Jennifer. It’s also mine! I haven’t made one in quite a while. Thanks for the inspiration and the memories! Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Thanks Mary Ann :)
I shouldn’t be drooling at 6 am but this looks amazing! Good thing you don’t live next door, I might just be sneaking in for a little creamy breakfast treat! Looks like a 6-star dessert to me :) (those are totally legal for breakfast)
Thanks Chris! And pie for breakfast is the best :)
So dreamy, this is coconut pie perfection! :)
Thanks Laura :)
Best coconut pie ever, so say my grandgirls. Thanks for making this grandma look so good, Jennifer.
Donna in Nova Scotia
Yay! It’s one of my favourites and so glad you all enjoyed it :) Thanks!
Hi
Where can I see ” 1/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut toasted (*see below for instructions)” ??
Thank you
Hi KOKO, it is just referring to the instructions for how to toast the coconut, detailed in Step 3 of the instructions. I have clarified that in the recipe :)