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.
- 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…
Print
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 (30g) 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.) 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 | Medium Saucepan | 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.
Keywords: coconut cream pie, pie
So I tried out this pie, and the filling was delicious. However, my filling didn’t actually set, and I’m not sure why. My only thought is that it should have been cooked longer after adding the eggs back into the pot. The only reason I say that is that when I make creme brûlée, I baked the mixture after tempering and then cool it in order for it to set. Any ideas as to what I’m doing wrong?
Hi Jake! Thanks so much for trying my pie recipe. Typically, with pudding, you only cook it until it’s thickened and large bubbles burst on the surface. (Unlike crème brûlée, pudding is not baked.) Make sure you aren’t making any substitutions and the full fat canned coconut milk is crucial to it setting up.
I made this pie for Easter last April and my family went CRAZY for it! It’s now March the following year, and when I asked my mom what she wanted for her birthday cake, she requested this pie. I used Sally’s graham cracker crust here instead of the baked pie crust, and we LOVED it (and so much quicker!) My mom has deemed it her absolute favorite, and said it’s her standing birthday cake request. Definitely try this one if you’re on the fence!
★★★★★
The best Coconut Cream Pie ever. I shared this recipe with everyone I could. FANTASTIC PIE. I used a Wick pre-baked crust. I browned it furthur in a 400° oven for 15 minutes. Then cooled it before filling. Perfect with this pie filling.
★★★★★
Can you use a regular baked meringue recipe with this pie and if so what changes need to be made, for instance should you put it in the hot custard or cool it?
Hi Loretta, baking meringue on top of this pie isn’t ideal since the pie’s filling should not be baked.
I don’t feel meringue is very tasty with a coconut cream pie..takes away from the the real star of it. Even a 7 min. frosting is too sweet. Whip cream flavored is the best for us. I also love using a lemon or lime custard to line the shell before placing the coconut to add dimension..
★★★★★
Great recipe! I made it 3 times in 2 weeks and each time it was a big hit! I only put a 1/4 tsp of coconut extract but stayed true to the rest of the recipe! It has the perfect amount of sweetness and coconut flavor. Thank you so much!
★★★★★
I made this pie today, and I’ve got to tell you it it delicious!!!!
Thanks I’ll be fixing it again probably Sunday!!!!
★★★★★
Had some problems getting the right consistency for the filling so I crumbled the crust, folded in the whipped topping, sprinkled toasted coconut on top and called it a parfait ! Super yummy
★★★★
Just made my third pie from this recipe. I have a new customer today, my aunt. I know she is going to love it as much as my family did at Thanksgiving. Out of this world! Perfect explanations and clear instructions make me look like a genius! I did use the coconut extract in the whipped cream. Yummy!!
★★★★★
Great pie with easy to follow instructions! Made it for Christmas party and it was a hit! I used Cream of Coconut milk…super rich and worth it!
★★★★★
I am a 44 year old man (who is just learning how to cook/bake from scratch, so I asked my mother what her “favorite pie ever” was. When she said coconut cream pie I immediately thought “how can that be her favorite, she’s been baking pies her whole life and that’s what she calls her favorite…hmmm”. So here it is Christmas Day 2019 and I’m cooking her favorite pie! Thankfully I had a rehearsal run at this to realize just how much went into this pie and started with theorem scratch pie crust yesterday, blind baked it this afternoon and just finished the filling and it is in the fridge right now. Let me tell you, my first bite of this pie was a real eye opener! Sally really knows her stuff and now I know why Coconut Cream Pie was Mom’s favorite as it is now mine too. The filling is to die for delicious! And of course the homemade whipped cream and extra flakes on top were a real nice touch! Absolutely perfect pie… if you’re thinking about trying out this recipe, don’t hesitate any longer, you won’t regret it.
★★★★★
Can I use cream of coconut instead of coconut milk?
One 14 ounce can of cream of coconut will work here. The pudding layer will be nice and thick.
Excellent-husband loved!! I’ve never tasted a coconut cream pie because when at a restaurant I order chocolate cake or fruit pies. My husband likes coconut cream and banana cream pies. If I bake it’s usually cakes and cookies or apple, pecan, lemon meringue or pumpkin pIe. So, after over 35 years of marriage I finally decided to make a coconut cream pie and I selected your recipe. I loved it too and my husband was very happy! (I cheated and used a Pillsbury refrigerated store bought pie crust because I was short on time, but I did try your pie crust strip method and it was totally worth wasting the 2nd pie crust in the package.) Now that I know I actually love coconut cream pie, my husband said I should never order it at restaurant because they aren’t nearly as good! Next up is your banana cream pie because that’s another one he loves.
★★★★★
This pie is AMAZING! I am not a huge coconut fan, but this is definitely one of the best pies I have ever made or had. I was very nervous to make it as I had never made a cream pie before, but Sally’s recipe and tips made it surprisingly easy. This is definitely going on my dessert rotation as it is a crowd pleaser. Highly recommend!
★★★★★
I am THE pie baker in our family. My big brother hinted that a coconut cream pie would be appreciated, so I chose this one. It was a big hit. He owes me big-time because not only did I bring one to share with everyone, I made a second one for him to enjoy with my sister in law. Making it again this weekend for my employee Christmas party. Just awesome!
★★★★★
I made this for thanksgiving this year- it was a hit! I don’t make a lot of coconut recipes as my husband isn’t a fan, which leaves only me to eat it. This was the perfect venue with lots of coconut lovers in attendance. I’ll be saving this to my recipe box for sure to make again. Best of the three pies of the day, in my opinion!
★★★★★
I made this for my mom for her birthday. It came out perfect. After one slice she started eating it straight out of the pan! I’d call that a success. Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
I made this yesterday for Thanksgiving and was the most delicious pie.We finish the pie and people ask me for the recipe, thanks for sharing this delicious dessert.
★★★★★
Such an amazing pie! This was my first time making coconut cream pie, so I agonized over several online recipes before picking yours. So glad I did! Big Thanksgiving hit! For those reading, I used store bought crust and made it the day before — added homemade whip and shredded toasted coconut on top right before serving. Spectacular! ~~ Thanks so much for sharing!
★★★★★
This is THE recipe. I’ve been making cc pie for years. It’s always requested for family holidays. I have a standard recipe that’s very similar, but the eggs and milk cook together (and I adapted it to upgrade to half/half plus yolks instead of whole eggs). Yours gets that right, so I knew that you were the real deal! I was hesitant to try your method of adding yolks and cornstarch later because, well, an extra bowl. But totally worth it! Most silly, luscious, decadent coconut cream ever. It’s perfection.
★★★★★
It was amazing! I followed this to the letter and it turned out amazing- 3 of us polished off the entire pie in one sitting. #noshame #guilty
The only thing I did differently was use a gluten free pie crust. 🙂
★★★★★
Hi Sally! I use your pie recipes every year and they never fail me! I’m planning to make a coconut banana cream pie this year and I’m wondering if there’s any way to incorporate banana into this recipe? It seems like just adding a layer of banana to the bottom of the pie crust and maybe on top would do it. What do you think?
That’s exactly how I would do it– add a layer of sliced banana below or above the pudding layer. Sounds DELICIOUS!
By far the best coconut cream pie I’ve had. I always follow the directions exactly the first time I make something so I can honestly evaluate if I like it. I won’t be changing a thing. The CUSTARD!! Make sure to go ahead and use the coconut extract. I think its what made it rise to the top of the pack. This would be a great pie to make in advance. Cream held beautifully. Thanks Sally. This is a winner.
★★★★★
Hi Sally!
I made this for the first time, and it was really good, but I need a little more sweetness. Can I add more sugar in the filling?
★★★★★
Absolutely. Feel free to add more sugar to fit your taste!
The best coconut cream pie I have ever had. Restaurant pies and one I made years ago are not very memorable. This was rich and tasty with a great coconut flavor. Used Sally’s pie crust which was also amazing, although I need to work on my fluting around the edges. I sprinkled some shredded coconut and some toasted coconut on top which not only made the pie look wonderful but added to the coconut experience.
★★★★★
This turned out great! I’ve tried different cream pie recipes in the past and I have had trouble getting them to set. But not this pie! It was perfect. I made it for my husband’s birthday and he loved it.
★★★★★
Hi Sally, I’d like to use this recipe for an 83-year-old’s birthday, but he has requested meringue rather than whipped cream. Will this recipe be ok to use and swap out the top? Thank you!
Hi Christina! Yes, you can top the coconut cream pie with meringue. Here’s my favorite meringue topping (that you don’t bake). Tastes like sweet marshmallow meringue. https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/smores-chocolate-mousse/
This is soooo good! I used a Pillsbury pie crust (because I’m not good at pie crusts) but otherwise followed the recipe exactly. This was the first time I made a custard pie (first time tempering eggs) and first time for making whipped cream from scratch, but everything came together just right. Will definitely make again!
★★★★★
Try adding the softened butter to the coconut filling mixture just as it coming to a boil but definitely before you temper the egg/cornstarch mixture. I have found that adding butter at the end to my pie mixtures many times caused the pudding to “break” and get soupy. I have never had trouble when I added the butter and boiled it for at least one minute before tempering the eggs. Good luck!
I tried the recipe this weekend to take to a party. It was my first experiment with coconut cream pie. The guests raved about it. Luckily, I got a small sliver before it was gone. I used all vodka (whipped flavored) as liquid for the pie crust which imho produces a more flaky crust. I also added the room temp butter to the coconut mixture before tempering the eggs (added just at the coconut milk mixture was coming to a boil). I believe the filling sets up better if the butter is added and heated to a boil before mixing with the eggs. Adding later can sometimes cause the pudding to “break” and not set up properly from my experience. Lastly, I roasted the coconut flakes in the oven to a golden brown as you optionally suggested. I believe it added a nice touch to both the filling and the garnish. Delicious!
★★★★★
I’ve never ever tasted coconut cream pie before but I made this for my husband’s birthday today and I think I just found my new favorite pie. Thanks, Sally – it’s truly delicious!!
★★★★★
Not sure how this will turn out, it was my grandpas favorite food and we’re honoring him tomorrow, hopefully it tastes good!