There’s something utterly magical about the silky, cloud-like filling of a homemade coconut cream pie. For me, it’s a reminder of summer afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where the scent of toasted coconut filled the air and every bite of dessert came with a sprinkle of love.
This recipe takes that nostalgic charm and gives it a modern twist, offering a foolproof way to achieve the perfect balance of creamy custard, flaky crust, and the tropical sweetness of coconut.
Here’s the secret: it’s all about the ingredients. By using full-fat coconut milk and freshly grated coconut, you elevate the flavors to something truly extraordinary. A dollop of whipped cream on top seals the deal, creating a pie that’s as stunning to look at as it is to eat.
Plus, it’s lighter than traditional cream pies, making it a popular choice for anyone seeking indulgence without overindulgence—did you know coconut is packed with healthy fats that can boost energy levels?
Let’s bake it together! I’d love to hear how your pie turns out—any tweaks, tips, or creative spins are always welcome.
Perfect for Summer Celebrations!
- Bringing a tropical vibe to your BBQ: This pie is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, offering a slice of paradise on a plate.
- A no-fuss option for dinner parties: It’s surprisingly simple to make and looks like you spent hours crafting it.
- Light enough for hot days: The creamy coconut filling is indulgent but not overly heavy, making it perfect for warm weather.
- Easy to prep ahead: Make it the night before your gathering, so you can relax and enjoy the festivities.
- Loved by all ages: Its classic flavors and smooth texture make it a hit, whether you’re serving kids or adults.
Coconut Cream Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Pie weights
- Pie plate
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Medium pot
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Ingredients
Baking the Pie
- 1 Easy vegan pie crust
Toppings
- 4 cups vegan whipped cream
- sweetened shredded coconut or coconut chips and shavings
Filling
- 1 can of full-fat coconut milk
- 4 tbsp vegan butter
- ½ tbsp coconut extract
- ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut optional
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¾ cup soy milk or other plant milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
Baking the Pie
- Prepare the vegan pie crust as instructed and line it in the pie plate.
- Cover the crust with aluminum foil or parchment paper and fill it with pie weights, sugar, rice, or dried beans.
- Bake the crust for 60-70 minutes until fully cooked.
- Carefully remove the weights and foil, then let the crust cool at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Making the Filling
- For the filling, whisk plant milk and cornstarch until smooth, then combine with coconut milk and sugar in a pot.
- Heat on medium-high while whisking, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer, whisking until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in shredded coconut (optional), vegan butter, vanilla, and coconut extract.
Assembling the Pie
- Pour the filling into the crust, smooth with a spatula, and cover with plastic wrap touching the custard surface to prevent a skin.
- Refrigerate for 3-4 hours until set.
- Once chilled, add whipped topping, piping it decoratively if desired, and garnish with coconut chips or shavings.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent melting or uneven setting.
- For a more pronounced coconut flavor, increase the coconut extract slightly.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 372kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Protein | 4g |
Variations That Will Help You Customize Your Dish!
- Crust Variations: Swap the traditional pie crust for a graham cracker crust for a sweeter, more textured base that complements the coconut filling.
- Filling Customization: If you’re not a fan of coconut milk, you can replace it with almond milk or cashew milk for a slightly different flavor while keeping it creamy.
- Whipped Topping Customization: Mix cocoa powder into your vegan whipped cream for a chocolatey topping that pairs well with the coconut filling.
- Flavor Variations in the Filling: Add a splash of orange or lemon juice to the filling to give it a bright, zesty flavor.
- Topping Customizations: Serve the pie with a berry compote or fresh berries on top to add a burst of freshness and a contrasting color.
