Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

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4.99 from 186 votes
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Decadent Coconut Cream Pie with rich, creamy coconut custard topped with pillowy whipped cream and toasted coconut in a flaky homemade pie crust. Delicious dessert perfect for entertaining!

Closeup of blue plate and fork with Coconut Cream Pie covered in toasted coconut on top of thick whipped cream.

If you are a fan of coconut desserts, this Coconut Cream Pie recipe is one you will love! It has a delicious coconut custard and thick, amazing homemade whipped cream topped with tasty, toasty coconut flakes. My flaky pie crust is easy to make and is perfect for this pie. It is better than any I’ve had in any restaurant – and I can say it’s the best I’ve ever had. Not only is there a rich coconut taste in every bite – just look at that “mile-high” whipped cream! I love to serve it for entertaining guests and for special family meals. It’s a classic and a coconut lover’s dream! I am excited for you to try it!

How to Make Coconut Cream Pie

Making this pie is really one of those times where the effort pays off ten-fold when everyone takes their first bite. They begin with, “Oh my gosh, this is the best coconut cream pie I’ve tasted.” And then they ask, “Did you make this? Can I have your recipe?” I love it when that happens.

Here’s how this decadent pie is made.

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Pie Crust – Make this crust according to the recipe and follow the Blind Baking instructions

coconut milk – Use sweetened or unsweetened according to your preference. Use coconut milk in the custard for the most coconut flavor, but you can substitute it with whole milk or half-and-half if you choose. But if you enjoy coconuts, I advise you to use coconut milk.

half-and-half

egg yolks – You use several egg yolks in the custard of this pie. Save the egg whites in a container in the refrigerator to make a meringue or a Pavlova! Yum!

sugar – Granulated sugar

cornstarch

butter – I use salted butter, but you can use unsalted if you wish.

salt – Use kosher salt

coconut flakes – Use sweetened flakes – The amount used for the coconut custard (1 1/2 cups) should be untoasted. There is an additional amount (1/2 cup) of coconut flakes used for the toasted coconut topping.

vanilla extract – I use my homemade vanilla, but you can use another pure vanilla extract if you want.

whipped cream – Use this recipe and the tips I share for perfect whipped cream. I do not advise using a store-bought whipped topping as a substitute for this. It is easy to make in minutes and is a deliciously important part of this coconut cream pie!

Tips for Perfect Whipped Cream

Start COLD and go HIGH.

Chill your mixing bowl and whisk (even the one to your electric mixer) in the freezer for about 20 minutes. Make sure that your heavy whipping cream is as cold as possible, too.

Add all of your ingredients to the super chilled mixing bowl and mix it on HIGH for about a minute – and that’s it! Deliciously perfect whipped cream!

Side view of blue plate holding coconut cream pie, with thick coconut custurd and pillowy homemade whipped cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the pie crust. Make the pie crust according to the recipe and instructions. Then follow the instructions to blind-bake the crust.

Toast coconut for topping. Evenly spread the coconut flakes for the topping on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in oven and toast as directed until the coconut just begins to brown. Watch it closely as it browns quickly once it starts, and you don’t want it to burn. Once toasted, remove from the oven and set it aside to cool.

Begin making the custard. Pour the coconut milk and half-and-half in a large liquid measuring cup. Add the egg yolks and mix well with the milks. Set aside.

Heat the custard. Add sugar and cornstarch to a saucepan over medium heat. After giving the milk/egg mixture another quick whisk, slowly add it to the saucepan and whisk it all together constantly.

Bring to a boil. Switch to a rubber spatula or wooden spoon and continue stirring constantly. Bring to a boil and let boil for one minute, stirring the whole time.

Remove from heat and add ingredients. After one minute of boiling, remove the saucepan with custard from the heat. Add the butter, untoasted coconut flakes, vanilla, and salt.

Pour custard into the pie crust. Spread the custard mixture evenly into the blind-baked pie crust. Cover it lightly with a wrap and refrigerate it until set, about 30 – 45 minutes.

Make whipped cream. While the custard is setting in the fridge, make the whipped cream according to the recipe and instructions. If you have a bit of time left until the custard is finished setting, put the whipped cream in the refrigerator to stay cold.

Top the custard with whipped cream. Once the custard is set, spread the whipped cream on top and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Top with toasted coconut and serve. When ready to serve the pie, top it with the toasted coconut, slice, serve and enjoy.

Storage Tips

To refrigerate – Cover the pie well and store any leftover pie for up to 3 days.

To freeze – If you wish to freeze coconut cream pie, do not add the whipped topping or toasted coconut topping to the top of the pie yet. After the custard has cooled and it has completely set in the pie, you can wrap it well and store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze it for 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the whipped topping and toasted coconut just prior to serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does coconut cream pie need to be refrigerated?

Yes. This pie contains many dairy ingredients that require refrigeration. If not refrigerated, bacteria can grow if kept at room temperature. Once you’ve served the pie, if there is any leftover, wrap the pie and promptly store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to make sure my pie isn’t “watery”?

Make sure to follow all of the directions when making the pie. Don’t skip the cornstarch in the custard – it helps to thicken the custard when used as instructed.
The time the pie sits in the fridge for the custard to set is important – because not only is it important for the custard to set, it’s important for it to be completely cooled before adding the whipped cream.

Other Favorite Pie Recipes

Classic Peach Pie – always a hit with those juicy peaches!

Best Pecan Pie – heirloom family recipe!

Apple Pie – what a classic!

Peanut Butter Pie – so easy and no bake!

…and so many more pies to try!

So many of my readers love this pie as much as my family does! I can’t wait for others of you to try it.

Here’s my Coconut Cream Pie recipe. I hope you love it as much as we do!

Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

4.99 from 186 votes
Decadent Coconut Cream Pie with rich, creamy coconut custard topped with pillowy whipped cream and toasted coconut in a flaky homemade pie crust. Delicious dessert perfect for entertaining!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the Toasted Coconut Topping

  • 1/2 cup (60 g) flaked, sweetened coconut

For the Coconut Custard

  • 1 1/2 cups (362 g) coconut milk
  • 1 1/2 cups (341 g) half-and-half
  • 5 (70 g) egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup (149 g) sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (28 g) cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon (14 g) butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) kosher salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (180 g) flaked, sweetened coconut
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (7 g) vanilla extract
  • Whipped Cream

Instructions 

  • Prepare pie crust according to blind-baking instructions of recipe.

For the Toasted Coconut Topping

  • Spread coconut evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Place into 350º F oven for 8-10 minutes until coconut has just begun to turn brown.
  • Set aside to cool.

For the Coconut Custard

  • Pour coconut milk and half-and-half into a liquid measuring cup. Add egg yolks and whisk together with milks. Set aside.
  • Add sugar and cornstarch to a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Whisk egg and milk mixture together once more and then slowly begin to add to the sugar and cornstarch, whisking together constantly.
  • Bring custard mixture to a boil. Switch to a rubber spatula or wooden spoon and continue to stir constantly. Boil one minute.
  • Remove from heat and add butter, coconut, vanilla and salt.
  • Spread custard into pie crust. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until set, about 30-45 minutes.
  • Spread whipped cream on top of coconut custard. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • When ready to serve, top with toasted coconut.

Notes

For the coconut milk in this recipe, you can use sweetened or unsweetened according to your personal preference. 

Storage Tips

To refrigerate – Cover the pie well and store any leftover pie for up to 3 days.
To freeze – If you wish to freeze coconut cream pie, do not add the whipped topping or toasted coconut topping to the top of the pie yet. After the custard has cooled and it has completely set in the pie, you can wrap it well and store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze it for 2-3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the whipped topping and toasted coconut just prior to serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 518kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 27g | Cholesterol: 142mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 300mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 365IU | Vitamin C: 1.1mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Enjoy!
Robyn xo

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About Robyn

Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

4.99 from 186 votes (24 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Review




647 Comments

  1. Amy L Milton says:

    5 stars
    I made this for our fishing club potluck and now I’ve got to this every month! Good thing I love to bake. Lol I was wondering if you might have a recipe for coconut cream pie that is sugar free?

    1. Robyn Stone says:

      So happy to hear that you and your friends enjoy the pie, Amy! It’s one of my favorites too!
      I love that you’re in charge of baking this every month for your monthly potlucks! 🙂
      I don’t have a recipe for a sugar free coconut cream pie.
      Thanks so much for sharing this with me – I’m happy to have you here! xo

  2. Amanda Carmichael says:

    Hi, I was looking to alter the flavour slightly by adding lime zest and some lime juice. When would be the best time to add the juice without getting the custurd to curtle? After it has finished cooking? Let me know your thoughts!

    1. Robyn Stone says:

      Hi Amanda,
      I’ve not made my recipe with those additions. Thanks!

  3. Lorri says:

    5 stars
    I initially made this pie for my husband who adores coconut cream pie.  Now it is my go to choice for a treat for him.  Along the way, I’ve made it to bring to get togethers with friends.  Now, it is what I’m requested to bring every time.  It’s that good.  I need to bring 2 pies to an upcoming dinner.  Can I make and cook a doubled filling recipe, or does each need to be cooked separately?  It would sure save time to double it, but I’m not sure if it will thicken properly.

    1. Robyn Stone says:

      Hi Lorri,
      I’m so happy to hear that you and your husband – and friends – enjoy the pie! It’s one of our favorites too.
      I really don’t think I would double it as I’m not sure it will thicken as it should. I hope this helps. Thanks! xo

  4. Bill H. says:

    One of my New Years Resolutions was to drop a few pounds. This looks so good that I will take one for the team in order to provide my feedback within the next couple of weeks.

  5. Michele says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is wonderful!  My son never had coconut cream pie and the day after we had it for a family dinner he asked me to make another one.  I just made my 3rd pie in less than a week (taking one to my friends tomorrow).  I have made it with a can of coconut milk and also a can of coconut cream (from Trader Joe’s) and while both are good, I think I like the coconut cream just a little better.

    1. Robyn Stone says:

      Wow, I’m so happy you are enjoying it, Michele!

    2. Crystal says:

      So could I make it using Coco Lopez Real Cream of Coconut instead coconut milk?

    3. Robyn Stone says:

      Crystal,
      I have not made the pie with cream of coconut, only coconut milk so not sure how it would turn out.

  6. Larry Clark says:

    5 stars
    I’m not much of a coconut fan, but I had been thinking about coconut cake when my wife asked me to make a dessert for a lunch date with her friends. I found this recipe and had to try it. When my wife returned home, she was off the ground saying, “That the best coconut cake I’ve ever eaten and everyone thinks it’s the best they’ve ever had, too.” So a sampled a slice of what little was left and I agree. This pie is outstanding. Give it a try, you won’t be disappointed.

    1. Robyn Stone says:

      I’m so happy that you and your wife enjoyed the Coconut Pie, Larry! Thanks so much! 🙂

  7. Ann says:

    My daughter-in laws birthday was yesterday so of course her favorite pie is coconut cream. I have never made one & am known to make the best banana cream pie so thought I ca do this! Followed directions exactly except for I had bought sweetened condensed coconut milk so used a whole can of that & added enough coconut milk from a carton to equal 1&1/2 C. It was absolutely delicious!! Perfect texture, perfect sweetness, perfect taste of coconut! Only thing when toasting coconut for topping, keep a close watch! Thank you for the recipe. Will be a keeper! Ann

    1. Robyn Stone says:

      I’m thrilled that you enjoyed it and hope your daughter in law had a happy birthday! Thanks so much, Ann! xo

  8. Lisa A Blair says:

    5 stars
    I never leave feedback, never ever. This time I had to. My daughter turned 20 this year and she has never been a fan of birthday cake. For years I went to a local bakery and bought her favorite pie, coconut cream. This year I decided to try and make one myself. Not that I couldn’t have gone to the bakery, I could have. I wanted it to be more than just a birthday pie. I wanted it to be special, to be made with love. I am SO GLAD I chose your receipe, out of all of the options on the internet I chose yours. She LOVED it!! I want you to know that I have kept it in a special place and every year on January 7th, we will celebrate her birthday with this pie, your pie. Thank you!!!!

    The Blair Family

    1. Robyn Stone says:

      Oh my Lisa! I am so touched by your comment – thank you so much!
      I am happy that your daughter and your family enjoyed the pie and so honored that it was a part of your special time together as a family. Thank you!
      Robyn xo

  9. Angela says:

    Do you toast the coconut that goes into the filling as well?

    1. Robyn Stone says:

      I just toast the coconut for the topping and don’t toast what gets mixed into the coconut custard. I hope you enjoy it Angela! xo

  10. Laurel Sedlacko says:

    5 stars
    I made this pie as one of the Christmas dinner desserts. Ive made many pies in my many years as a home baker but never a coconut cream. My husband was talking to his brother one day about favorite desserts……..he said that he likes chocolate cake and brownies but his favorite is coconut cream pie. Who knew??
    As you know, there are MANY recipes out there;  I narrowed it down to two and I am sooooo glad I chose yours. The other contender did not use coconut milk. The flavor of the custard was so very delicious and the pie as a whole? Over the top!!  Thank you