Homemade Coconut Cream Pie

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This Homemade Coconut Cream Pie is thick and creamy, made with a rich coconut cream filling, a flakey homemade pie crust and garnished with fresh whipped cream and toasted coconut! A perfect pie to enjoy all year long!

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There is a love hate relationship with Coconut Cream Pie and I think I know why! Most people that don't love coconut cream pie have never had it made from scratch. Scratch made Coconut Cream Pie is completely different from boxed custard mix that some might have had and are not a fan of. A true Homemade Coconut Pie is light and fluffy, silky smooth custard filling and not an over powering coconut flavor.

Check out our Flakey Pie Crust recipe and Homemade Whipped Cream for garnish! If you are a lover of coconut like we are, you must try our Coconut Lemon Cake!

Ingredients

bowls of sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, milk and coconut milk sitting next to two vanilla bean pods.

Homemade Pie Crust Flakey, buttery and the base for all of your holiday pies and only has four ingredients
Egg Yolks Only the Yolks! Using only yolks makes the custard super thick and creamy
Granulated Sugar The sweetener in this custard, half mixed with the egg yolks and half simmered in the milk mixture
Corn Starch The main thickener for this custard
Vanilla Beans Using fresh whole vanilla beans will add a vibrant flavor to the custard, but you can always just use vanilla extract
Milk This recipe calls for half whole milk and half coconut milk if this custard a rich and extract coconut flavor
Heavy Whipping Cream Once the custard is cooled, whipped cream is folded into it to lighten it up
Coconut Added in the custard and on top as a garnish, shredded coconut can be added toasted or not. Toasted coconut added to the custard will add a stronger flavor and a little extra crunch
Fresh Whipped Cream Made with heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

Step-by-Step Directions

A saucepan with milk, vanilla bean and sugar next to a bowl of egg yolk, sugar and corn starch.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, ½ cup granulated sugar and cornstarch until thick and smooth; set aside
In a medium saucepan combine the milk, coconut milk, vanilla bean split in half and the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar and bring to a simmer.

A sauce pan of milk, sugar, vanilla bean, eggs and corn starch next to a sauce pan fill with custard and coconut.

Once the milk is brought to a simmer, remove the saucepan from the heat and slowly pour about half of the hot milk into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to *temper the eggs.
Once the eggs are tempered, pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remainder of the milk, continue whisking the egg and milk mixture to avoid the eggs from curdling.
Add the shredded coconut and on low to medium heat, whisk the custard vigorously until it starts to thicken and begins to bubble. While whisking, let the custard come to a slow boil, lower the heat and allow the custard to cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Remove the saucepan from the heat, pour it into a glass bowl and immediately press plastic wrap to cover the surface of the custard to avoid a skin from forming.
Allow the custard to cool completely in the refrigerator for 1 hour
Once the custard is chilled, whip one cup of heavy cream to stiff peak and fold it into the pastry cream to make a smooth and creamy filling.

A pie crust filled with white custard next to another pie crust with custard, topped with whipped cream and toasted coconut.

Pour the Coconut Cream Filling into the pre-baked pie crust and refrigerate for 1 hour or until ready to serve
In mixing bowl with whisk attachment, combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Whisk until the heavy cream comes to soft peaks
Garnish the top of the coconut cream pie with whipped cream and toasted coconut, serve and enjoy!

Tips & FAQS To Making The Best Coconut Cream Pie

Four slices of pie sprinkled with toasted coconut and fresh flowers.

Pie Crust
The pie crust a big part of making this pie and Homemade Pie Crust is always delicious, but if you don't have time, store bought is just fine!

How far in advance can I make Coconut Cream Pie?

The pie crust can be made several days in advance, but I would recommend making the coconut cream filling one day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What does Tempering the eggs mean?

Tempering is a process of slowly warming the eggs before adding them to hot temperature. This will prevent the eggs from cooking too fast and curdling.

A slice of pie on a plate with toasted coconut and an orange flower.

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