This delicious coconut cream pie filling takes just minutes to cook on the stove-top and uses both coconut milk and shredded coconut. 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.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Pie Crust – 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.
Coconut – This recipe starts with shredded coconut, that you run through a food processor to break down. 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.
Coconut Milk – you’ll want to use full-fat coconut milk here, or the filling may be too thin to set up nicely.
Cook’s Notes
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.
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.
Top Tip!
Be sure to cook your pudding until bubbles break the surface and the mixture thickens noticeably. It should be pudding consistency.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email and I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Seasons and Suppers.
You can unsubscribe at any time.
Get the Recipe: Simply Perfect Homemade Coconut Cream Pie
Ingredients
- 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 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut, run through a food processor to make smaller pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 2/3 cup whipping cream
- 2 teaspoon white sugar
- 1/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted (*see Step 3 below for toasting instructions)
Instructions
- Bake the pie shell and set aside to cool completely.
- 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.
- 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.
- Before serving, whip the whipping cream with the sugar and spread over the top of the pie. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.
More Pie Recipes to Love!
Hi! I’m Jennifer, a home cook schooled by trial and error and almost 40 years of getting dinner on the table! I love to share my favourite recipes, both old and new, together with lots of tips and tricks to hopefully help make your home cooking enjoyable, stress free, rewarding and of course, delicious!
Can I replace the sugar for cream of coconut since its already sweet?
Hi Ashley, I honestly don’t know if that would work or not as I have never tried it.
Truly the best coconut pie I’ve ever made and very simple to make. Thanks for the recipe!
So glad you enjoyed it, Diana :) Thanks so much!
Can I sub other liquid for half & half ?
My daughter can handle coconut milk
but not half & half
Also what can I sub for whipped cream ?
I would really like to make this pie for my family
Thanks
Denise
Hi Denise, It would possible work to just substitute more coconut milk for the half and half. (I haven’t tested it myself). As for the whipped cream, you should be able to buy coconut whipped cream in the can (just like regular whipping cream, but coconut based), which would work just fine.
I substituted honey for sugar and it came out yummy! This recipe was a hit for my boyfriend’s bday!
Glad to hear, Dianan. 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 :)
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!
So dreamy, this is coconut pie perfection! :)
Thanks Laura :)
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 :)
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 get weak in the knees for this stuff, this looks like the perfect summer pie to me!
Thanks Sue :)
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.