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
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.
Question about the whip cream topping…..
Does it not lose it’s ‘stiffness’ and fall flat and shapeless after a short time?
Isn’t that why there’s the Dr Oetker whip cream stiffening product? (I’ve never used it but I’m wondering; what are your thoughts)? Thank you.
Hi Kelly, When refrigerated this whipped cream won’t deflate on the pie. That said, feel free to add a stabilizer such as gelatin to your whipped cream.
This is the best coconut cream pie I’ve ever eaten! A real keeper! This is the only coconut pie I will ever make!
Is it coconut milk, or coconut creme? It sounds more like the coconut creme.
It’s coconut milk
This. Was. Awesome!!!! I made a simple graham crust as it’s summer and much too hot to turn my oven on to blind bake a reg pastry crust! But the filling was amazingly coconut-y!! Didn’t even need coconut extract! I did add a thin layer of toasted coconut as deco as I served the whip cream separately to taste. But wow!! This is a keeper!! Would be awesome as pudding cups or even an ice cream topper or in a pudding cup w a cookie!
Hi Sally, as far as taste and instructions, I give it a 10! However, it seems like after 3 hours in the fridge the filling is still “soupy.” Does it take longer for the filling to be firm?
Hi Angel, so glad you love the flavor! Did you make any ingredient substitutions? The egg yolks, full fat canned coconut milk, and 1/4 cup cornstarch should thicken things up considerably! Make sure to follow all the instructions closely. If you wish you try it again you can try replacing the half-and-half with heavy cream for a thicker filling.
This pie came out amazing! I followed the directions exactly except I used a frozen crust as I was not sure how it would come out and added a bit more sugar to the whipped cream and add3 a little coconut extract along with the vanilla. I did toast some coconut for the top. Next time I will definitely make my own crust as suggested and perhaps add 1 teaspoon rather than 1/2 tsp of coconut extract to the filling. My family loves coconut cream pie and this one is a keeper.
Hi MJ, so glad you enjoyed it. Let us know how it turns out with the homemade crust!
I followed this recipe to the tea and it came out perfect! I was worried reading some of the reviews saying it did not set. I left my pie to rest over night and it was great. The recipe was not too sweet and very flight. Would definitely make this again.
My husband was craving coconut cream pie. I never had it or made it. Followed directions exactly and turned out perfect! I toasted some of the coconut to put on top. Delicious!
It was ok, I feel the whipped cream could be sweeter.
Everyone LOVED the pie. But I was a little confused in the cooking timing instructions of the custard. It says to boil for 2 minutes. Then it says when boiling, take 1/2 cup and pour it in with the eggs. Pour that into the pot. Then boil for 1 1/2 minutes. Do you boil a total of 2 minutes, or 3 1/2 minutes? Thanks.
Hi Carol! Complete each of those steps in succession.
Would the filling here work as a coconut cake filling? If I let it set in the fridge, covered with plastic? Really my only concern is that it would be too runny. I just can’t find a recipe I like for coconut pastry cream! This looks delicious and I’m going to try it out, just don’t want to ruin the cake haha
Hi KT, we haven’t tested this filling in a cake so are unsure of the results. I think it could potentially work, as long as you keep the cake refrigerated. If you try it, please report back!
I have always dreaded making these types of pies because of the constant stirring required while bringing the filling to a boil. It always seems to take forever, and wears me out. It is so much easier to add the cornstarch to the yolks first! Thank you!
I have tried many Coconut Cream Pie recipes, this is my favorite!
Made this with the homemade crust! OMG, husband said it was a 10 out of 10 and asked if I made one for myself because he wasn’t sharing!! 10 STARS!
Second time I have made this pie. The first one was great, the second pie was fantastic. If you or your family love coconut, you have to make this pie. Do not cut any corner, you and your pie will suffer.
Hi Sally! I love this recipe. I made it for a BBQ, and it went down a treat. I didn’t have time to make the pie crust, so I substituted by making a Butternut cookie crust as the base. Thank you for all your wonderful recipes!
This recipe is great! I made it for Father’s Day and everyone loved it!! I had trouble making the filling. When I put the egg mixture in the boiling coconut milk and half-and-half it started to scramble I was worried I had ruined it but when I strained the egg clumps (reused the milk) and just made more egg mixture it worked! For any of you that may have this problem, just strain the egg clumps and don’t let the egg mixture get hard before you poor it into the milk. Thank you Sally for this recipe!
This didn’t work for me. The pie crust recipe has way too much fat in it. I had to remake the pie crust with my other recipe. Wasted all those ingredients! And maybe it’s my new glass top stove, but the filling was too stiff and kind of rubbery. Followed the directions precisely. Don’t know what I did wrong. I got a new glass top stove and I HATE IT. It gets too hot and stays too hot even though the temperature is lowered. And the directions should say to put the filling ingredients in a LARGE pot because it will bubble up and spill over the top. I will not make this again. I’ll stick with the Food & Wine recipe. And it should be noted that I’ve been cooking and baking for over 50 years. I’m thinking it’s my stovetop for the most part. Other than that, the filling is really kind of tasteless. Here I expected something breathtaking based upon the reviews. It’s just got no flavor. I have a recipe that uses cream of coconut. That one is SO much better.
I used cream of coconut for this recipe. It worked great!!
This smells so good! Although I just finished and realized… I forgot the butter. Do you think this will still set correctly?
Hi Erin! We aren’t totally sure, let us know how it goes.
Is this an awful pie to travel with? I would love to make it for Father’s Day but will have to drive an hour to deliver the treat
Hi Ellen! Would there be a way to keep the pie cold while you travel? That would the best option to prevent the filling from softening or the whipped cream becoming runny. As long as it isn’t hot or in direct sunlight, 1 hour should be ok.
Why don’t you simply freeze the pie a couple of days before you make your trip. I have frozen them for many years, simply put the frozen pie in a cool and then it will thaw during your trip. You can then add the whipped topping, and you can freeze it solid separately from the pie. Let them thaw during the trip and then topping with now thawed cream, and browned Coconut flakes. You will have to make sure you have a good plastic or waxed paper seal that is making full contact with the coconut cream pie filling or it may get a rubbery texture and film to it. I cut out a waxed paper blank by tracing around my empty pie pan or dish and after the pie cools down just enough to be handled, but not hot enough to melt the wax coating on the paper. Place on the top of the pie and seal it by lightly pressing it down with a rubber spatula to push the air bubbles out and seal the pie filling up. You can then leave it on until you are ready to top and eat the pie. I also put mine in a 2-3 gallon freezer bag. You should have no issues if you do it this way, remember at restaurants and commercial food service places we get premade cream pies in cases of12-24 and they are frozen solid and they are delicious, and pre topped ready to thaw and eat immediately no muss no fuss. I hope this helped with your question and I hope you get to travel without any issues, 4th of July is a couple of weeks away and you can make it ahead of time for your next trip.
I love this recipe! I have made it a few times with great results. I am needing to make 2 pies for Father’s Day and was wondering- will doubling the filling recipe work? I know some recipes “behave” differently if you try to double the ingredients and prepare as you would for a single recipe. Let me know if it works if anyone has tried doubling the ingredients!
Hi Hannah, for absolute best taste and texture, we recommend making two separate batches of the filling.
I made this for my husband’s birthday (his favorite), and because the place around us is no longer selling this pie. It was delicious, much better than store bought. I used your Graham Cracker Crust recipe for the crust, also delicious. Thank you so much for the recipe. It is a keeper 🙂
Thanks so much for this recipe! If I only have heavy creme, should I cut back on the corn starch? Thanks!
Hi Maddy, You can try using less of the cornstarch with heavy cream, but we haven’t tested this exact combination to give you an exact ratio. Let us know what you try!
I loved reading your input, I must bake this, if it is as tasty as it is entertaining , then I am in for a treat. (And just reading it, I know I am.)
Hi there! I have made this pie many times and its always perfect. I have a request to make this pie but adding a raspberry swirl. Any suggestions? Thank you.
Hi Bobbie, We are so happy that you enjoy this pie! You can use our raspberry dessert sauce to swirl on the top of the pie before adding the whipped cream if you wish. We wouldn’t mix it into the coconut layer because the pie may not set up properly with the extra liquid. Let us know if you give it a try!
Could this pie be frozen after it’s set?
Hi Beth, yes, 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.
This is an easy and delicious recipe for Coconut Cream pie! I usually make fruit or sweet potato pies, but I also love a well-made cream pie. I typically look at your recipes first when baking and was happy with the fantastic results of this one. My husband and I each have a piece in the evening & keep each other honest on dividing it! Thank you so much for posting this great recipe – its already a favorite.
My Fathers Favorite pie is Coconut Cream. I made two, one for him and one for me. He LOVED it! My husband Loved it, gave some to my friend and her whole family loved it! Her husband said it was best pie he’d ever eaten! Thank you for the recipe!
First time making a homemade Coconut Cream Pie and it was success! So Delicious! My husband loves Coconut Cream pies. Thank you Sally!
This was my first time making a Coconut Cream Pie. I could NOT have chosen a better recipe to learn how to complete all the steps properly. We ate it on Mother’s Day today and shared slices with the neighbors. Everything about the pie was fabulous! I will definitely be making this again.