Coconut Cream Pie

The ULTIMATE homemade coconut cream pie! A silky smooth coconut cream filling in an easy, chocolate coated gluten free crust. Topped with a generous dose of homemade whipped cream. This isn't your old-fashioned pie!

Hello friends! How are you holding up these days?

I have really wrestled with what to write and publish in these uncertain and unprecedented times. In all honesty, it feels kind of wrong to be filling your inbox with a bunch of sweet treats. On the other hand, I have been hearing from so many of you that you are finding joy and comfort in being in your kitchens.

Personally, the kitchen is my happy place. When I am baking and creating all my anxieties and stresses seem to fall to the background. Baking (and eating the results) brings happiness to so many. For the sense of keeping myself grounded and feeling somewhat normal I am going to keep creating and sharing with you.

Now onto this ultimate coconut cream pie....

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Coconut. It's one of those controversial ingredients. Some people love it, some people hate it. Me? I definitely fall in the L.O.V.E. it category. I often find there is a third category though; those that love the flavor, but don't care for the texture.

When I originally set out to create this homemade coconut cream pie recipe, it was with that third group in mind. So the coconut pastry cream is full of coconut flavor, but has an absolutely smooth texture. Then I went and paired it with an easy coconut-full crust. Whoops!

That coconut crust though (I'm swooning a little here!) The easiest from scratch pie crust you are ever going to make!!! I've been day-dreaming of all the fillings that can go inside this one. It's a safe bet that this won't be the only time you see this crust on this blog!

what makes this the ultimate coconut cream pie recipe?

1. Coconut pie crust, made from scratch with just coconut and butter.
2. A thin layer of dark chocolate painted over the crust.
3. A silky and completely smooth coconut pastry cream filling.
4. A thick and generous dose of homemade whipped cream.

let's make this coconut cream pie!

Start by making the coconut pastry cream. I prefer to do this step first as the pastry cream needs to cool and thicken before adding it to the pie crust.

Coconut milk powder is the secret to getting lots of coconut flavor in the pastry cream while keeping the super smooth texture. My local market carries coconut milk powder in the bulk section, which isn't really an option right now. I've also gotten it from Sprouts Farmers Market in the baking section and I ordered the bag you see pictured above from Amazon. I use coconut milk powder in chocolate coconut bites, strawberry coconut chocolate bars and coconut Swiss meringue buttercream.

Whisk the sugar, coconut milk powder, cornstarch, all-purpose flour and salt in a medium to large sauce pan until well combined. Then whisk in the egg yolks, milk and coconut milk. Bring to a low boil over medium heat, stirring frequently, this takes about 8-10 minutes.

Once at a low boil, continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes until the pastry cream is thick and holds a line when you run a spatula through the middle (shown in the middle photo above). Another way to check the pastry cream is to drizzle it over the top of the mixture and see if the pattern stays visible for 5-10 seconds.

Pour the warm pastry cream into a bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pastry cream (to prevent a skin from forming). Chill in the refrigerator while you make the coconut crust.

how to make an all coconut crust

Seriously, this is the easiest pie crust you will ever make! Start with ¼ cup of room temperature butter, cut in small chunks, and 12 ounces of sweetened shredded coconut.

Next, use your clean fingers to work the butter into the coconut until the butter is well distributed throughout the coconut. Then press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Do your best to keep the crust in an even layer.

Bake the crust at 350°F for around 15 minutes, until the crust has lightly browned. Cover the edges with pie shields or aluminum foil if the edges are browning faster than the bottom. Allow the crust to cool before coating with melted chocolate (this step is optional, but highly recommended). Also let the chocolate harden before adding the coconut pastry cream. (You can add the chocolate coated crust to the refrigerator to speed this process if necessary.)

Isn't this the prettiest pie pan from Jefferson Street Ceramics? You can buy it online here.

how to make homemade whipped cream

A generous dose of homemade whipped cream is a necessity on coconut cream pie! A hand-held mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment are the quickest ways to whip the cream. You can also make homemade whipped cream with a whisk, but it definitely takes some good arm strength. If making the whipped cream with a whisk, I find it helpful to chill the bowl and whisk before starting.

Use heavy whipping cream and beat on medium-high for about 4 minutes, until stiff peaks form. You can scoop the whipped cream on top or pipe it like I did. I used a Wilton 1M to pipe the whipped cream rosettes and topped with toasted coconut and shaved chocolate.

What if I like the flavor of coconut, but not the texture?

Okay, so back to the original idea for this recipe. If an all coconut pie crust has you running for the hills, you can use my perfect all butter pie crust in it's place. Or use a pre-made crust if that's more your speed! I have notes in the recipe card on how to blind bake a traditional crust or follow the instructions on the pre-made crust you buy. Skip garnishing the whipped cream with toasted coconut as well.

can I make coconut cream pie ahead of time?

Yes. The coconut pastry cream and coconut crust can both be prepared a day ahead. Just store covered in the refrigerator until ready to use. I prefer to make the homemade whipped cream just before assembling the pie.

You can serve the pie immediately or chill it (uncovered) for a few hours prior to serving.

While this isn't your old-fashioned coconut cream pie, it is hands down my family's favorite. If you can get your hands on the ingredients, I highly recommend making it for your Easter celebration.

In the meantime, please know I am staying home, baking up a storm and praying for all of you. Be well my friends! xoxo

more coconut recipes to try

• Coconut Jam Thumbprint Cookies
• Coconut Pecan Tart
• Perfect Coconut Cake
• Strawberry Coconut Chocolate Bars
• Soft and Chewy Oatmeal Coconut Chocolate Chip Cookies

To pin this recipe, you can use the button on the recipe card or the share buttons on the side or bottom of the page. Remember to snap a picture and tag me @twosugarbugs on Instagram if you make this ultimate homemade coconut cream pie! It warms my heart to see you bring these recipes to life! Thank you for being here and happy baking!

Recipe shared with Meal Plan Monday and Full Plate Thursday