There’s a certain comfort that comes with a slice of Coconut Cream Pie—it’s the perfect balance of creamy, coconutty goodness wrapped in a flaky crust.
This pie, with its rich, velvety filling and cloud-like whipped cream topping, is a slice of heaven for coconut lovers. Whether it’s for a special gathering or a treat to enjoy on a cozy afternoon, this pie never disappoints.
What makes this Coconut Cream Pie so irresistible is the depth of coconut flavor in every layer. The creamy filling, made with full-fat coconut milk and a hint of coconut extract, is rich yet smooth, while the toasted, sweetened, shredded coconut gives it that delightful texture and extra coconut punch. Then, we top it all off with freshly whipped cream that’s light, sweet, and just the right touch of vanilla.
The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, and despite its indulgent feel, it’s made with simple ingredients that come together perfectly. It’s the kind of dessert that’s sure to impress but also one you’ll feel good about making in your own kitchen.
This Coconut Cream Pie is always a crowd-pleaser, and I bet you’ll want to serve it on every occasion. It’s an elegant yet comforting dessert that will have your guests asking for seconds—and the recipe! So, grab that flaky pie crust, and let’s get baking.
Why I Love This Recipe?
- That velvety filling! The coconut milk and half-and-half create such a smooth, rich texture that’s hard to beat.
- Flaky pie crust perfection. The crust adds the perfect contrast to the creamy filling, with just the right amount of flakiness.
- Whipped cream that’s a dream. The homemade whipped cream topping brings this pie to a whole new level of indulgence.
- Coconut love in every bite. From the shredded coconut in the filling to the optional coconut garnish, it’s a coconut lover’s dream.
- Simple yet elegant. Despite how impressive this pie looks, it’s surprisingly easy to put together.
Coconut Cream Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Pie dish (for blind baking)
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Hand or stand mixer (for whipping cream)
- Piping tip (optional)
- Plastic wrap
- Chill-safe container (for refrigerating pie)
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked flaky Pie Crust what I used or All Butter Pie Crust*
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup 30g cornstarch
- 1 14 ounce can full fat coconut milk*
- 1 cup 240ml half-and-half
- 2/3 cup 130g granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 80g sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 Tablespoons 28g unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- optional: 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
Whipped Cream
- 1 and 1/2 cups 360ml cold heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
- 3 Tablespoons 20g confectioners’ sugar or granulated sugar*
- 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- optional for garnish: unsweetened coconut shavings coconut chips, or sweetened shredded coconut*
Instructions
- Prepare pie crust: Pre-bake the pie crust at 375°F (190°C) and cool it completely.
- Make coconut filling: Whisk egg yolks and cornstarch; set aside. In a saucepan, whisk coconut milk, half-and-half, sugar, and salt over medium heat until boiling.
- Temper eggs: Gradually add hot mixture to egg yolks, then return to saucepan and whisk until thickened.
- Add coconut and flavoring: Stir in shredded coconut, butter, vanilla, and coconut extract (optional).
- Fill pie crust: Pour warm filling into cooled pie crust, cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface), and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Make whipped cream: Whip heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla until medium peaks form (about 3-4 minutes).
- Top pie: Spread or pipe whipped cream on top of chilled pie, garnish with extra coconut if desired.
- Chill & serve: Refrigerate pie for a few hours or serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 450kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 47g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Sugar | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
Here Are Some Next-Level Variations for You!
This coconut cream pie is already dreamy, but here are some next-level variations and expert tips to make it even more indulgent:
Flavor Enhancements
- Toasted Coconut Twist – Toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the filling for a deeper, nuttier flavor. You can also sprinkle extra toasted coconut on top for garnish.
- Chocolate Coconut – Brush the baked pie crust with melted dark chocolate before adding the coconut filling for a hint of decadence.
- Boozy Boost – Stir in 1 tablespoon of coconut rum or dark rum to the filling for a Caribbean-inspired twist.
- Citrus Infusion – Add 1 teaspoon of lime or orange zest to the filling for a subtle tropical brightness.
Texture & Topping Upgrades
- Crunch Factor – Mix in ¼ cup of finely chopped macadamia nuts into the filling or sprinkle them on top.
- Meringue Alternative – Swap whipped cream for a fluffy coconut meringue topping and lightly torch it for a toasted effect.
- Salted Caramel Drizzle – Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
- White Chocolate Shavings – Garnish the pie with delicate white chocolate curls for a visually stunning and delicious topping.
Crust Variations
- Graham Cracker Crust – Swap the traditional pie crust for a buttery graham cracker or Biscoff cookie crust for a slightly sweeter, crunchier base.
- Oreo Crust – A crushed Oreo crust will add a rich chocolate contrast to the creamy coconut filling.
- Almond or Pecan Crust – For a nutty variation, use a finely ground almond or pecan crust instead of a traditional pastry crust.
Lighter & Dairy-Free Options
- Dairy-Free Swap – Use all coconut milk instead of half-and-half, and replace butter with coconut oil for a fully dairy-free pie.
- Greek Yogurt Twist – Substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt in the whipped topping for a lighter yet still creamy finish.
Joe Miller is the passionate founder of Food Landscape Insight, where he shares his love for cooking and culinary experiences. Growing up in a family-run diner, Joe was immersed in the vibrant world of food from an early age. The kitchen became his canvas, and food, his way of storytelling.
Through years of experimentation and learning, Joe honed his skills and started his blog to inspire others to embrace the joy of cooking. Each recipe he shares is a blend of tradition, creativity, and the heartfelt memories that food brings to life, all with the aim of fostering a deeper connection to food.
