This coconut cream pie recipe features a thick and creamy coconut filling, crispy homemade pie crust, mounds of sweet whipped cream, and toasted coconut. Blind bake the pie crust first, then chill the pie filling until thick and lush. It may be helpful to review my tutorial on how to blind bake pie crust before getting started.
Coconut. You either love it or hate it.
Considering my adoration for coconut cake, you know I fall in the first category. And if you’re reading this, I assume you do too. Obviously this is what you need to make next!!
If you’re not in the coconut gang, you should probably skip this one. But coconut cream pie isn’t *just* for coconut lovers. If you appreciate thick creamy pies, flaky pie crust, and all that fresh (not store-bought!) whipped cream has to offer, you’ll enjoy each forkful.
I worked HARD on this recipe, taking what I learned from butterscotch pudding, dirt pudding, and banana cream pie, then incorporating both into a coconut variation. Let’s dive in.
Video Tutorial: Coconut Cream Pie
Let’s watch how to make coconut cream pie in a quick video tutorial. I walk you through each part of the recipe, including blind baking the pie crust.
3 Parts to Coconut Cream Pie
This pie is made completely from scratch!
- Pie Crust – Pie crust shell must be fully blind baked. Don’t worry, I teach you how.
- Creamy Coconut Filling – We’ll make this on the stove.
- Whipped Cream – Have you made my homemade whipped cream before? It’s very simple. You can add toasted coconut on top, too.
Fully Blind Bake Pie Crust
Some pie recipes call for fully baked crust and some recipes need a partially baked crust. Lemon meringue pie requires a partially baked pie crust because it will continue to bake with the filling. Coconut cream pie, like French silk pie for example, is a no-bake pie—the filling does not go in the oven. We obviously don’t want to eat raw pie dough, so we need a fully blind baked pie crust.
I published an entire tutorial about how to blind bake pie crust. I repeat *some* information here, but I encourage you to review the tutorial prior to beginning this coconut cream pie recipe.
- Make pie dough ahead of time, then refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to make the pie. Pie crust must chill for at least 2 hours before rolling out.
- Roll it out, then fit into your 9-inch pie dish. Crimp or flute the edges. Here’s a full tutorial on how to crimp and flute pie crust.
- Chill the shaped pie crust for at least 30 minutes. This prevents shrinking. Remember that pie dough must be cold.
- Fill with pie weights. As the pie dough bakes, its fat will melt. The melting fat causes the pie crust to shrink down the sides of the pie dish. To prevent the pie dough from completely losing its shape, weigh it down with pie weights. Carefully line the pie dough with parchment paper first, then pour in pie weights or even dry beans. (Note: 2 packs of these pie weights are needed!)
- Bake until the edges are lightly brown, about 15 minutes.
- Remove pie weights, then prick the bottom with a fork. This lets air escape the bottom.
- Return to oven until the entire pie shell is golden brown.
- Cool pie shell completely. You can do this up to 3 days ahead of time!
This baked pie crust “shell” is crispy, flaky, and ready for a creamy coconut filling.
Coconut Cream Pie Filling Ingredients
Most of the time, coconut cream pie is nothing more than vanilla pudding with some coconut thrown on top. Let’s make a REAL coconut filling using thick coconut milk. Since coconut milk doesn’t have a very strong flavor, we’ll add sweetened shredded coconut and a splash of coconut extract. Don’t have coconut extract? Leave it out. The sweetened shredded coconut adds plenty of flavor. Here is a run-down of the ingredients:
- Egg Yolks & Cornstarch: Egg yolks and cornstarch thicken the pie filling. Combine the two first, then temper into the cooking mixture.
- Canned Coconut Milk: Canned coconut milk is a cooking ingredient, not a beverage. It’s very thick and usually found near the Thai food products. Do not use refrigerated carton coconut milk because the two are very different.
- Half-and-Half: I found heavy cream to be too thick, while whole milk was too thin. Half-and-half proved to be the best choice for this coconut cream pie recipe.
- Sugar: Use 2/3 cup to sweeten the filling. The sweetened coconut also helps!
- Salt: A bit of salt adds flavor.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Sweetened shredded coconut is soft, moist, and sweet, so you won’t find dry crunchy chunks inside the creamy filling.
- Butter: Add 2 Tablespoons of softened butter for a soft, buttery consistency.
- Vanilla Extract & Coconut Extract: Both add phenomenal flavor.
How to Make Coconut Cream Pie Filling
Like most homemade pudding, the coconut filling is made on the stove.
Bring the coconut milk, half-and-half, sugar, and salt to a boil. Whisk the egg yolks & cornstarch together and have them ready for tempering. To temper, add *some* of the boiling coconut mixture into the egg yolks, then add it all back into the pot. This *slowly* raises the egg yolk’s temperature. The purpose of tempering is to prevent scrambling them. You can watch me temper the egg yolks in the video above.
Off-heat, stir in the coconut, butter, vanilla, and coconut extracts. Next, pour the warm pudding into cooled crust, then cover and chill until thickened.
Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert!
The coconut filling must “set” inside the baked pie crust shell. This usually takes about 3 hours, though it keeps in the refrigerator for up to 1 full day… as long as you keep hungry eyes away from it!! This pie is way too tempting, even without whipped cream on top.
If you’re looking for Easter dessert ideas, this make-ahead pie should be at the top of your list!
Homemade Whipped Cream
Obviously we must add decoration and this pie’s favorite accessory is whipped cream. It’s simply… a must! You can go heavy or light on the whipped cream. I love a big mountain of the stuff, especially paired with the thick coconut filling and crispy pie crust. You need heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Add a splash of coconut extract too, if desired. Beat the ingredients together until medium peaks form. When you lift the mixer out of the bowl, a slightly sturdy peak should form. It won’t be liquid-y, nor will it be curdled. Keep your eye on it and don’t be afraid to stop the mixer and check the consistency as you whip.
You can pipe or spread the whipped cream on top. I used Ateco 849 piping tip and you can watch me pipe swirls in the video above. Don’t forget to top with more coconut! I actually used coconut flakes that I found at the grocery, but you can use sweetened shredded coconut or any form of coconut flakes you desire. Feel free to toast them, too!
Chill the pie for a few hours or you can serve it immediately.
Want to make coconut cream pie with meringue topping instead? Meringue is a convenient way to use up the egg whites. I recommend the meringue topping from my s’mores brownie cupcakes. You can toast it with a kitchen torch if desired. It tastes like marshmallows!
Coconut Cream Pie Success Tips
- Follow the recipe closely including using canned coconut milk, half-and-half, and tempering the egg yolks.
- Chill the pie crust inside the pie dish before blind baking. Pie dough must be cold.
- Thoroughly chill the pie filling before serving. Otherwise the pie will completely fall apart… and no one appreciates warm coconut pudding.
And if you dig creamy pie recipes…
- Key Lime Pie
- Banoffee Pie
- Lemon Meringue Pie
- Mocha Chocolate Pudding Pie
- Pumpkin Pie
- Chocolate Mousse Pie
- Butterscotch Pie
Homemade Coconut Cream Pie
- Prep Time: 6 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours, 35 minutes
- Yield: one 9-inch pie
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This coconut cream pie recipe features a thick and creamy coconut filling, crispy pie crust, sweet whipped cream, and toasted coconut. There are plenty of ways to make this coconut cream pie recipe ahead of time. See various steps.
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
- Pie crust: I like to make sure my pie dough is prepared before I begin making coconut cream pie. Make pie dough the night before because it needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before rolling out and blind baking (next step).
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Fully blind bake the pie crust. (Follow how to blind bake pie crust instructions through step 9. I skip the optional dough strip trick in step 4, though that trick guarantees thick pie crust edges. Crimp or flute the pie crust edges before baking.) Cool pie crust completely. You can do this up to 3 days ahead of time. Cover cooled crust tightly and refrigerate until ready to fill.
- Make the coconut filling: Whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch together. Set aside. Whisk the coconut milk, half-and-half, granulated sugar, and salt together in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisking occasionally, bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then reduce temperature to medium-low heat. Once boiling, remove about 1/2 cup of the mixture and, in a slow and steady stream, whisk into the egg yolk and cornstarch mixture. Keep those egg yolks moving so they don’t scramble. In a slow and steady stream, pour and whisk the egg yolk mixture into the pot.
- The pudding will immediately begin to bubble and thicken. Stand back and use caution as the bubbles may burst. Whisk and cook for 1 minute and 30 seconds. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut, butter, vanilla, and coconut extract (if using).
- Pour warm filling into cooled pie crust. Cover tightly with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pudding (to prevent a skin from forming) and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight until chilled and thickened. Pie may be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- For the whipped cream: Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until medium peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Medium peaks are between soft/loose peaks and stiff peaks and are the perfect consistency for topping and piping on desserts.
- Pipe or spread the whipped cream on top. I used Ateco 849 piping tip to pipe. Garnish with extra coconut, if desired. Chill the pie uncovered up to a few hours or you can serve it immediately.
- Cover leftovers and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: The pie dough can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. There are plenty of ways to make this recipe ahead of time. See end of step 2, end of step 5, and end of step 7. You can freeze the pie after step 5. Make sure the filling is completely cool inside the pie shell prior to freezing. Cover with an extra layer of plastic wrap before freezing. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter prior to topping with whipped cream.
- Special Tools (affiliate links): 9-inch Pie Dish | Pie Weights | Glass Mixing Bowls | Whisk | Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand) | Piping Bag (Disposable or Reusable) | Ateco 849 Piping Tip
- Pie Crust: Both linked pie crust recipes make 2 crusts. You only need 1 crust for this pie, so freeze the 2nd half for another use.
- Coconut Milk: You need one 13-14 ounce can of full fat unsweetened coconut milk. (It’s usually never sweetened.) Canned coconut milk is a cooking ingredient, not a beverage. It’s very thick and usually found near the Thai food products. Shake it up before using. Do not use refrigerated carton coconut milk.
- Sugar in Whipped Cream: Some swear by granulated sugar in whipped cream, while others swear by confectioners’ sugar. If you’re only working with a few Tablespoons of sugar, it doesn’t really make a difference. Use whichever.
- Coconut Topping: I used unsweetened coconut flakes that I found at the grocery, but you can use sweetened shredded coconut or any form of coconut flakes you desire. Feel free to toast them: Bake in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 6-8 minutes or until browned to your liking.
Reader Comments and Reviews
Wow, this was so incredibly delicious! First, I followed Sally’s instructions to blind bake the crust. I again followed her instructions to make the custard, with one exception–I substituted Allulose for the sugar, and Swerve “confectionery sugar substitute” in the whipped cream. The final result was sinfully good, without the sin of real sugar! (ha!) The custard was so delicious, it was a challenge to spoon it into the crispy crust, rather than just serving it to myself and my spouse in a bowl. I’ll definitely be making this again. Thanks, Sally!!
As much as I’d rather make a from scratch pie crust, I am doing a bajillion other things so I need to prioritize my time. Would it be ok to buy a pre-made crust to use for these? If so would you do a regular or deep dish?
Thanks!!
Hi Alisa, yes, you can use a store-bought crust. A regular sized crust should be just fine if you are using a regular 9-inch pie dish.
Hi Sally when I make my coconut cream it’s a little to wet. When you cut in ti it a little messy
Just want to tell you thank you. My grandmother loves coconut cream pie so when she requested it for her birthday, I went to google to find a recipe. I’ve now made this pie several times for her and she absolutely loves it. I’m not a huge coconut fan but I also think it tastes delicious. I believe the only change I’ve made is adding a dash of coconut extract while making the whipped cream otherwise I follow the recipe to a T.
Just wanted to give you a huge, heartfelt thank you from my grandma. 10/10 recipe.
What a lovely message to receive, Larissa! We’re so glad your grandmother loved this coconut cream pie. Thank you for giving our recipe a try!
Never able to make this pie before. It would never set. THIS recipe is so simple and easy and delicious!!!!! I like a little more coconut flavor so I switched the vanilla and coconut extracts amounts. WONDERFUL! Plus the whipped topping was way better than I expected!!!! This recipe is now my only one for this pie! Thank you.
This is my favorite pie recipe! It comes out perfect every time!
Had to laugh where i read “ nobody likes warm coconut pie” I must be a freak because I do a meringue top and always warm in microwave. Delicious recipe thank you!
My sister and I always make several varieties of pies for Thanksgiving. We often change up the flavors from year to year but I always make your Dark Chocolate Pecan and this Coconut Cream Pie. It is nothing short of divine, one of my absolute favorites, and fairly easy to put together. It also tastes wonderful with your flaky pie crust recipe.
I love the taste of coconut, (the pie was amazing) but not the texture of the coconut. Could I put the coconut in a food processor to grind it up? I’ve also heard of making coconut powder. What do you think?
Hi Jennifer, certainly! Sweetened coconut is sometimes sold as long skinny shreds, a size some find off-putting in desserts. You could pulse them in a food processor so they’re smaller. Glad you thought the pie was tasty!
Can I use unsweetened coconut flakes instead of sweetened? Thanks for your help!
Hi Stephanie, the pie is sweet enough already that unsweetened coconut won’t make much of a difference. Use the same amount without any other changes to the recipe. Enjoy!
This was delicious! It was the perfect dessert after a big meal. I was told it was “the best pie I’ve ever had” several times! 10/10. We will be making this again.
Delicious and beautiful! Will be making this pie again and again!
Delicious! My boys aren’t big sweet eaters but this pie was devoured in a day! I will be making this again very soon!
Can I use a graham cracker crust for this?
Or do I have to bake it?
Hi Caitlin, you can certainly use a graham cracker crust if you prefer.
I forgot my butter in the last step, is it ok or is there a way to add it after it’s already in the pie shell? I haven’t chilled yet. Looks so yummmy!! I was worried about tempering the eggs but it went fine!
Hi Kayla, we wouldn’t add it at this point – it would be too messy to try to pour out and add it in. The filling will still set up without it.
Can I use canned coconut cream instead of milk.
I’m going to omit the shredded coconut because not everyone likes it… Is there any adjustments I need to make because of that?
Hi Mary, If you’re using coconut cream, you could try replacing BOTH the coconut milk and the half and half with the cream, but we haven’t tested it. You can leave out the shredded coconut without making any other changes. Let us know what you try!
Hello! I am making two coconut cream pies, can the filling be doubled? Or is it best to make two separate pie filling?
Thanks!
Hi Kat! For absolute best taste and texture, we recommend making two separate batches of the filling.
There were so many different brands of coconut milk at the store. How do I know if I got the right kind. Some say milk but have a lot of artificial ingredients. Another one said coconut cream. Im not sure which one is the right choice.
Hi Kim, Your can should say coconut milk, not coconut cream. It’s full fat unsweetened coconut milk (it’s usually never sweetened), and you can see a picture of the can we use in the post above, but there are many different brands. It’s very thick and usually found near the Thai food products. Shake it up before using. Do not use refrigerated carton coconut milk.
Hi, can we make the filling and refrigerate that, and put into pie crusts later? I have multiple thanksgiving events this year and want to bring a pie to each but don’t want to make a pie every day since they can only be refrigerated for one day (I’m assuming because the crust will get soggy). So could I make the filling, refrigerate it, then put it into crusts over the next couple days? Or will it be too firm? Thanks.
Hi! Yes, you can absolutely make the coconut cream filling ahead. It will firm up quite a bit in the refrigerator, but that’s normal. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface, and when you’re ready to assemble, let it sit out for 10–15 minutes, then whisk it until smooth and creamy again before spreading it into the crust. Once the pie is assembled, it’s best enjoyed within about a day so the crust stays crisp.
Thank you so much! Your crust recipe and pie recipes are my go to each year and everybody loves them. I’m making so many this year I needed the make ahead tips 🙂
Hello,
Can I use sweetened coconut flakes vs shredded? Is there a big difference?
Hi Cheryl, you can use coconut flakes here without any other changes. Let us know how you like the pie!
I’m planning to make this recipe for Thanksgiving and was wondering if I could put a lattice pie crust on it? Thanks!
Hi Ceci, since the bottom pie crust is blind baked and the filling is not baked in the oven, it would be quite difficult to add a lattice crust on top. It would need to be fully baked on its own and then placed on top—and since the bottom crust will be already baked, you won’t be able to adhere the top and bottom crust. Let us know if you do try anything!
This was so fabulous! Perfect texture, amount of sweetness, and deliciousness! I have had to be gluten-free for a while, so I really appreciate this recipe didn’t have flour in it (I just subbed a GF crust). Thank you for sharing!
Hi Sally! I was wondering if this pie was ever made as a dairy free alternative? How would you substitute some of the ingredients to make it diary free? Thanks!
Hi Denise, we haven’t tested this pie with a nondairy sub for half-and-half, but a few readers have reported success. You may want to peruse the comments for their suggestions of what worked for them! If you try something, please report back!