Ingredients
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1 (9-inch) baked pie crust – Homemade or store-bought, baked and cooled
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2/3 cup sugar – For sweetening the custard
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1/3 cup cornstarch – Helps thicken the filling
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Adds additional structure
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1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor
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3 eggs – Whisked into the custard for richness
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3 cups milk – Whole milk works best for creaminess
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1 tablespoon butter – For a silky finish
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Adds warm, floral depth
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1 1/4 cups sweetened flaked coconut – The tropical star of the show
Optional Toppings:
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Whipped cream – Fresh or stabilized
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Toasted coconut flakes – Adds crunch and visual flair
Instructions
Making this Coconut Cream Pie is a breeze if you follow a few simple steps. You’ll need a saucepan, a whisk, and a pre-baked pie crust.
1. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, stir together:
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2/3 cup sugar
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1/3 cup cornstarch
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2 tablespoons flour
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1/4 teaspoon salt
2. Add Eggs and Milk
Crack the 3 eggs into the pan and stir until smooth and well blended. Slowly whisk in the 3 cups of milk until the mixture is fully combined.
3. Cook the Custard
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a whisk, making sure to scrape the bottom and corners of the pan. This step requires patience—don’t turn the heat too high. The custard will begin to thicken and bubble.
Once it reaches a boil, continue to whisk and boil for 1 minute. This ensures the starches are fully cooked and your filling will set properly.
4. Finish with Flavor
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in:
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1 tablespoon butter
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
These ingredients add gloss, richness, and warmth to the filling.
5. Add the Coconut
Stir in 1 1/4 cups sweetened flaked coconut until evenly distributed. The filling should now be thick, creamy, and speckled with coconut.
6. Fill the Pie Shell
Pour the hot filling into your pre-baked 9-inch pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Cover and Chill
Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours, or until the pie is fully set.
Notes
🎂 Before Serving
Just before serving, top your Coconut Cream Pie with a layer of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. This not only adds texture but also gives the pie a gorgeous, bakery-quality appearance.
To toast coconut:
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Spread sweetened flakes on a baking sheet
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Bake at 325°F for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown