Easy Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

This Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie recipe is full of creamy coconut custard set in a flaky homemade pie crust and topped with fresh whipped cream and toasted coconut. It’s a must-try for any coconut lover.

A slice of this old fashioned coconut pie recipe on a plate, made using a creamy coconut cream filling.

This recipe makes the best no-nonsense old fashioned coconut cream pie. The creamy coconut custard is flavored with a touch of coconut extract and plenty of shredded coconut. It’s piled high in a flaky pie crust, then left to chill and firm up in the fridge. To finish, we top with fluffy homemade whipped cream and even more toasted coconut. Huzzah!

Another thing to love is that this is a great dessert to either make-ahead or even freeze. We’ve given you step-by-step directions on all of this and more so keep reading and let us know what you think.

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How to make this coconut cream pie (easy), one of the absolute best coconut cream pie recipes.

Key Ingredients

Flakey Pie Crust – our recipe for pie crust is so flakey and super easy.
Sugar – this recipe calls for regular granulated sugar.
Cornstarch – this helps to thicken the custard filling.
Milk – use either whole milk or 2% milk for this recipe.
Egg Yolks – for best results, use fresh eggs rather than the yolks from the carton and save the whites for another use.
Butter – this will melt best if you cut it into chunks.
Vanilla Extract – pure vanilla extract tastes best.
Coconut Extract – you should be able to find coconut extract near the vanilla extract at the store, or you easily find it online.
Shredded Coconut – either unsweetened or sweetened shredded coconut will work – it depends on how sweet you want the finished pie to be. Be sure and toast any coconut that you use for garnish, or even that you add to the filling, for the best flavor.
Whipped Cream – top with your own homemade whipped cream.

Four photos showing how to make the coconut cream filling, adding it to the pie crust. This is the best easy Coconut Cream Pudding Pie.

How to Make Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie

Make the pie dough. See our post on Homemade Flaky Pie Crust for detailed instructions on how to mix, roll and shape your own dough.
Line the pie dish. Carefully line a pie plate with the rolled dough then fold the edges under and pinch the edges of the dough to make a decorative edge. Prick the edges and bottom of the pie crust with a fork, about 2 inches apart.
Blind bake the crust. Line with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill with ceramic pie beads or dry beans. Bake the prepared pie crust in a preheated 425 degree oven for about 12 minutes, or until lightly golden on the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool while you make the filling.
Make the coconut pie filling. In a large pot, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt and whisk together. Pour in the cold milk and egg yolks, then whisk again until smooth. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly while the milk mixture comes to a boil. Continue to stir at a boil for 1 minute, or until the filling is thick and bubbly then remove from heat and add the butter, coconut extract and vanilla extract, stirring until the butter has melted. Add the shredded coconut and stir again.
Fill the pie shell. Transfer the pie filling to the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top of the pie with a knife or off-set spatula.
Chill then serve. Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on top of the pie and let it come to room temperature before transferring to the fridge to cool for up to 24 hours. Top or serve with homemade whipped cream and toasted shredded coconut, and enjoy!

You need to blind bake, or pre-bake, this pie crust since the filling does not need to be baked. Here’s how:

Make your pie dough, line the pie plate and chill for at least 10 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Cut a piece of foil or parchment paper into a circle or square that is slightly larger than your pie plate, then carefully press it down into the chilled and formed pie shell, making sure to press it into the edges and corners.
Fill the lined shell with your pie weights, beans or rice and bake on a baking sheet in a preheated oven just until the edges start to turn golden, or about 12-15 minutes.
Remove the pie crust from the oven and remove the pie weights by carefully lifting out the foil or parchment.
Put the pie crust back into the oven for another 5-8 minutes, or until the bottom of the crust no longer looks wet (Note: this step is not completely necessary, but does help to ensure that the bottom crust is baked).
Remove from the oven and finish the pie as directed.

Easy Coconut Pie Recipe Tips and Tricks

Toast your coconut before adding it into your pie filling, and especially before using it to garnish the top. It has so much more flavor after being toasted.
Do not try and slice your pie too soon. No one wants to eat a warm coconut custard pie! Plus, it will be a soggy mess.
If you want to make coconut whipped cream, try adding a few tablespoons of coconut milk, or even a few drops of coconut extract.
If you want to make this a no-bake pie, try using our Nilla Wafer Pie Crust, Graham Cracker Pie Crust or Gingersnap Pie Crust as a base.

An old fashioned coconut cream pie inside a pie dish with slices removed. This is the absolute best coconut cream pie recipe.

Recipe Variations for Easy Coconut Cream Pie

Chocolate: Add a layer of melted chocolate or chocolate ganache to the pie crust before pouring in the coconut filling. Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
Mango: Mix diced fresh mango into the coconut cream filling for a tropical twist. Garnish with additional mango slices or a mango coulis for a burst of fruity flavor.
Lemon: Add fresh lemon zest or a small amount of lemon juice to the coconut filling for a citrusy kick. Top with whipped cream and lemon zest.
Almond Joy: Incorporate chopped almonds and mini chocolate chips into the coconut filling. Garnish with additional almonds and chocolate.
Piña Colada: Mix crushed pineapple into the coconut filling for a piña colada flavor. Top with whipped cream, toasted coconut, and a drizzle of rum (non-alcoholic or alcoholic, as per preference).
Salted Caramel: Drizzle layers of salted caramel sauce between the coconut cream and the crust. Garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt.
Raspberry: Add a layer of raspberry jam or fresh raspberries between the crust and the coconut filling, then top with additional raspberries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I chill my Coconut Cream Pie before serving?

We recommend letting it chill for a minimum of 4 hours and up to 24 hours before serving. If you don’t let it chill long enough, you will never be able to slice it without it running all over the place.

Can I make a no-bake Coconut Cream Pie?

Sure can. Try adding this coconut cream filling to any of our no-bake pie crusts, including Nilla Wafer Pie Crust, Graham Cracker Pie Crust and this Gingersnap Pie Crust. Let it set in the fridge as directed and then garnish with whipped cream.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! Just like Banana Cream Pie, Coconut Cream Pie is a great make-ahead dessert. You have a few different options if you want to make this pie ahead of time. First, you can always pre-make and bake the pie crust and store at room temperature overnight or even in the freezer for up to 2 months.
You can also make the filling the day before and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. The next day, give it a good whisk before pouring into your pre-baked pie shell.

What’s the best way to toast coconut?

Personally, we like to toast coconut over the stovetop. It’s faster and gives you much more control than toasting in the oven. All you need to do is place a thin layer into a large skillet and heat of medium low heat while stirring frequently.
Once it’s brown and smells absolutely delicious, it’s done. Remove from the heat and let it cool in a bowl or on a sheet pan before using or storing.

Storing and Freezing

Refrigerator: You can store any leftover Coconut Cream Pie for up to 4 days in the fridge, making sure to cover it loosely with plastic wrap.
Freezer: The best way to freeze this pie is after you have added the filling to the pie crust and before topping with whipped cream. Be sure and wrap well with plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight and then top with whipped cream just before serving.

Here are more coconut recipes that we love!

More Best Pie Recipes

This Best Coconut Pie recipe is a must-try for any coconut lover. It’s full of creamy coconut custard piled high in a flaky homemade pie crust and topped with fresh whipped cream and toasted coconut.

Categories:

Desserts, Easter, Fall Recipes, Nut-Free, Pies, Spring Recipes, Summer Recipes, Thanksgiving, Vegetarian, Winter Recipes,

Coconut Cream Pie