Coconut Cream Pie is a dessert that brings tropical flair and old-fashioned comfort together in one irresistible slice. With its flaky pie crust, silky coconut custard filling, and billowy whipped cream topping, this pie is a celebration of texture and flavor. Sweet, creamy, and loaded with coconut, it’s the kind of dessert that makes a quiet afternoon feel like a special occasion.
The heart of this pie is the coconut custard – a rich and velvety filling made with milk or cream, egg yolks, sugar, and a generous amount of shredded coconut. It’s smooth and sweet, with just enough thickness to hold its shape when sliced. The coconut brings a chewy texture and subtle nutty flavor that keeps every bite interesting. A flaky, buttery crust provides contrast and structure, balancing the softness of the filling and topping.
Topped with a cloud of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, Coconut Cream Pie feels indulgent but never too heavy. The whipped cream adds lightness, while the toasted coconut enhances both flavor and aroma. It’s a dessert that tastes as lovely as it looks, with a simple elegance that works for everything from summer cookouts to winter gatherings.
Coconut Cream Pie is best served chilled, making it a refreshing choice during warmer months. It pairs well with a cup of coffee or a fruity iced tea and makes a beautiful finish to a light meal or seafood dinner. Leftovers are a welcome treat the next day, and the pie holds up well when stored in the refrigerator.
Whether you’re making it for a holiday celebration, a birthday, or just because you love coconut, this pie never fails to please. It’s comforting, nostalgic, and just tropical enough to transport you with each bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar granulated
- 1/4 cup cornstarch for thickening
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 pieces egg yolks lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract pure
- 1 cup whipped cream freshly made for topping
- 1 piece pie crust pre-baked 9-inch
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and slowly whisk a small amount of hot mixture into the egg yolks; return all to pan.
- Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir 2 minutes longer.
- Remove from heat; stir in 1 cup of coconut and vanilla. Pour into baked pie crust.
- Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Before serving, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with remaining coconut.
Nutrition
This pie was an absolute hit at our family gathering! Super easy to make and the coconut flavor is so rich! Definitely a 5-star dish!
Coconut is life! Love this pie, making it for the 3rd time this month. Yummy!
I dunno… I’ve tried coconut pies before, and they weren’t that great. What’s so special about this one?
Coconut really does make everything better! I’m so glad you love this pie. It’s my favorite too!
I tried making this and ended up with a runny mess. I followed the recipe but it didn’t thicken. Maybe I mismeasured something?
Just okay. I’ve had better coconut pies before. Needs more coconut flavor.
I totally disagree! I thought the coconut flavor was perfect. Maybe just add more coconut next time?
Coconut cream is my favorite! I added a bit of lime zest to give it a kick and it turned out awesome! Yum!
Easy to make. My kids loved helping with the whipped cream. Will definitely try again!
I found this recipe a bit tricky. The custard didn’t thicken for me, ended up running all over the place!
This pie was a hit at our family gathering! So creamy and delicious.
That’s awesome! I love coconut cream pie! Gonna try this recipe soon!
It’s just ok. Didn’t taste like the ones from the bakery. I think it needs more sugar or something… 3/5.
I think 1 cup whipped cream might be too little if you want it extra fluffy. Still delicious though.
Coconut is the best! Might add some chocolate chips next time for extra flavor.
Chocolate chips sound like a great idea! I bet that would make it even more delicious. 🍫
This tastes like classic coconut pie, but I think it’s a bit sweet for me. Next time I’ll reduce the sugar a little and maybe use less coconut in the filling.
Not gonna lie, the “boil for 1 minute” part scared me. Mine started to get lumpy until I kept stirring. Once I got it going, it turned out good and not rubbery.
Hmm, mine always gets lumps with cornstarch if I’m not careful, but “boil for 1 minute” seems short? I might try a longer boil or lower heat next time. Also I think my yolks were too cold—maybe that’s why it seized a bit.
That makes total sense—coconut/eggs + a fast boil can definitely cause lumps if the stirring slows down. I always keep the whisk going the whole time and it comes out silky too. Glad yours turned out not rubbery!
This is NOT how you make a pie! Real pies use apples, not coconuts! 🤦♂️
Not sure what went wrong. My pie crust was soggy and the filling was too sweet. Wouldn’t make again.
I’m not sure about this recipe. The cornstarch seems too much for me, it might be too thick.
Y’all, this was like a tropical vacation in my mouth! Sooo good! Highly recommend it to everyone. Yum!
I think I messed it up somewhere. It came out too runny. What did I do wrong?
Maybe you didn’t cook it long enough? The cooking part is really important for thickening.
Yum! I love coconut! This is like a tropical vacation on a plate!
1/4 cup cornstarch feels like a lot? I’m skeptical but it actually thickened fast. Might be even more foolproof than I expected.
Coconuts are not good for health. Why are we making pies with them? I don’t get it.
I tried this and it was a disaster! The filling didn’t set right.
Easy to make! Just used a store-bought crust, made my life easier. Yum!
I followed the recipe step by step and it turned out perfect! My family loved it!
I have a coconut allergy, so I can’t eat this. But my husband loved it!
That’s great to hear your husband enjoyed it! Coconut allergy sounds tough though. Maybe you can try a different pie?
Yum! Just like my grandma used to make! Easy to follow recipe.
This pie is really delicious! Super creamy and that coconut flavor is amazing.
Way better than boxed pudding. I used toasted coconut on top and it tasted like a bakery dessert.
It was ok, but I think I added too much sugar. Next time I’ll cut back.
Yum! So good! 😍 I added a little lime zest and it was the perfect twist!
Lime zest? Really? I don’t think that goes well with coconut. Stick to the basics! 🥴
That sounds amazing! Lime zest is a genius idea for this pie. I’ll have to try it out! 🍰
I dunno about pies, but this is too sweet for me. Maybe I just don’t like coconuts?
Not sure how I feel about this one. I mean, coconut is kinda weird.
Delicious but I added some lime zest for a twist. Really nice!
Why do you need to cook it for that long? Mine curdled, so sad. 🙁
This pie was a hit at our family dinner! So delicious and creamy. Will make again!
I found the filling way too sweet for my taste. Maybe reduce the sugar next time?
Followed the recipe exactly but it just didn’t thicken for me. What did I do wrong?
This pie is fantastic! The coconut flavor is so rich and creamy. I made it for my family and they loved it! Definitely a keeper!
Coconut pie?? Isn’t it the same as coconut pudding? I don’t get it…
What’s with the cornstarch? Can I use flour instead? Asking for a friend!
This turned out exactly like a classic coconut cream pie—smooth, thick, and not overly sweet. The 3 hours in the fridge is key!
Yes!! Mine also came out super smooth and thick—those 3 hours made all the difference. I used toasted coconut on top and it was so good.
I followed it, but mine set kind of soft. Maybe I didn’t boil it long enough? Still tastes coconutty tho. Next time I’ll try cooking 1-2 minutes more.
I tried this recipe but the filling turned out too runny. Didn’t thicken like it should have. Maybe I skipped a step?
This is just pie. Who needs coconut? Its ok but like… bland.
Way too sweet for my taste. I think next time I will cut the sugar down. But it’s pretty easy to make.
My kids devoured this! I barely got a piece myself. Super yummy and easy!
So glad to hear your kids loved it! It really is a hit at our house too!
Great recipe but I added a pinch of salt and used coconut milk instead of whole milk for a twist. Just wow!
I love the idea of using coconut milk! Sounds delicious! 😍
Followed the recipe exactly and it turned out great! My fam loved it.
So glad to hear that! Coconut cream pie is a family favorite. What a treat!
Waste of time! I don’t understand the hype. Just tastes like sugar and milk to me. 🤷
This is the best coconut cream pie I’ve ever made! Super easy and delicious! My family loved it.
Coconut is my favorite! I used unsweetened coconut by mistake but it was still good.
The instructions say “boils for 1 minute” and “gentle boil” again—kinda confusing. I mashed through it and it worked, but I’m not sure I followed perfectly.
This pie is AMAZING! Tastes just like summer!
I absolutely agree! This pie is like a tropical vacation on a plate! 🌴🥥
ok
I tried this but it didn’t set properly. What did I do wrong? 🤔
This pie is a hit at every family gathering! I can’t believe how easy it was to make. Definitely 5 stars!
OMG this is my new favorite dessert! Thank you so much for sharing! Will make this again for my next party!
You’re welcome! Enjoy making it, and I bet it will be a hit at your party! 🌴
Looks good, but is it really that easy? I struggle with pies. 🤔
The instructions are straightforward and the method makes sense. I love that you add coconut after cooking—keeps it from getting weirdly wet.
Coconut pie? Isn’t that just a fancy pudding in a crust? 🤔
Could be just me, but “3 pieces egg yolks” sounds weird—like… how many eggs is that? I used 3 yolks and it worked, but I had to guess.
I skipped the whipped cream because I don’t like it. Still tasted fine!
Question: do you really mean 3 pieces egg yolks? Like… 3 yolks? Seems small for 2 cups milk, but maybe it works with the cornstarch.
Do you really need to refrigerate it for 3 hours? Can’t I just eat it right away? 😂
I’ve tried many coconut cream recipes and this one is among the best! I can’t believe how easy it was! Yum! 😋
So glad you loved it! It’s super easy, right? I added a bit of lime zest and it was even better! 🍈
I don’t know, it seems a bit too simple. Can it really be that good? 🤔
Just made it. But my cream deflated and it looked ugly. Taste was okay, but my sister was making fun of me! 😂
Don’t worry! It happens to the best of us. Just need to practice a bit more with the whipped cream. At least it tasted okay! 😅
Your sister sounds mean! 😂 The look of food isn’t everything; as long as it tastes good, that’s what matters!
I don’t know.. it turned out really runny. Maybe I messed up the cornstarch part? Followed all the steps exactly but it didn’t set.
Not gonna lie, I used low-fat milk and it didn’t set as nicely. With whole milk it probably would’ve been perfect.
DELICIOUS! Best pie ever!!!
I totally agree! This pie is like a slice of heaven. 😍
Best pie? Really? I tried it and it was okay but not that great. A little too sweet for my taste.
I tried making this, but it was too runny. What did I do wrong? 🙁
I’ve had that happen too! Sounds like the cornstarch didn’t activate. I just add more cornstarch next time.
Maybe you didn’t cook it long enough? It needs to thicken when you boil it. Don’t worry, you’ll get it right next time!
Had to refrigerate twice as long and it still didn’t set right. Sad.
Coconut pie? Really? Sounds weird to me. Not my thing.
This coconut cream pie is AMAZING! So creamy and delicious. My kids love it!
kinda too much sugar for my taste, but my kids devoured it anyway lol. Next time I’ll cut it a bit.
I made this but my “boils for 1 minute” part got away from me and I think it scorched. Still tasted okay though—just kinda caramel-ish.
It’s ok. My grandma’s recipe is better tho. She uses less sugar.
So simple to make! My kids had a blast helping me. Will make it again for sure.
Looks good, but I don’t really get why you would choose coconut pie over chocolate pie. 😒
I love that your kids helped! Cooking together is such a great way to bond. Can’t wait to try this recipe myself!
Coconut? no thanks. I replaced it with chocolate chips, still yummy tho!
I messed up and forgot to sprinkle the remaining coconut on top. Still, everyone asked for seconds lol.
This pie is absolute heaven! It tasted divine. Thank you for sharing! 😊
I dunno, sounds kinda sweet for me. Maybe too much coconut? 🤔
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorites, too! ❤️
Sounds amazing but 3 hours is not enough in my fridge—mine was still soft. I left it overnight and it was finally set. Worth it!
Totally agree—3 hours can be way too short depending on how cold your fridge runs and how deep the pie is. Overnight is the sweet spot for me too. Love that it still tastes great even after the extra chill!
Love the recipe, but the crust burned a little. Need to watch that next time!
Crust burned? Just eat the filling, it’s the best part anyway! 🙃
I’ve had that happen too! Maybe try lowering the oven temp next time? Still love this recipe!
Did anyone else think this was way too sweet? More like candy than pie! 😝
I totally get what you mean! I like my desserts a bit less sweet too. Maybe try cutting down the sugar next time?
Kinda complicated for a pie. I think I’ll stick to store-bought next time. 😒
I get it, it does seem tricky. But once you make it, you’ll feel like a pro! Maybe give it a shot? You might surprise yourself! 😊
My pie didn’t set as well as expected after 3 hours. I think my cornstarch measurement was off (oops). Flavor is on point, though.
Ugh, that’s frustrating—but your hunch about the cornstarch is totally plausible. If it was a little light (or flour/cornstarch got mixed up), it won’t gel. Also make sure it actually comes to a full boil and cooks the full time. Glad the flavor still hits!
Maybe you didn’t cook it long enuf? I had this happen when I rushed step 2–4. Mine needed closer to that ‘boil’ part before it would set. Next time, try measuring cornstarch by weight if you can. Good job noticing the cause though.
Coconut cream pie? More like coconut cream dream! I make this every holiday, it’s a hit! 🌴🥥
So glad to hear you love it! It’s my go-to too! Hope everyone enjoys it as much as you do! 🥥😊
Can’t believe I wasted all that milk. Can I use almond milk instead?
I don’t think almond milk will taste the same. Is it even a pie without whole milk? Just saying!
Almond milk should work fine! Just make sure to use unsweetened so it doesn’t throw off the flavors! 😄
My egg yolks scrambled when I tempered them too fast 😭. I still ate it but the texture was off. Could be totally my fault for rushing.
Pie!!! Yummy!
It was okay, but too sweet for my taste.
I don’t get why you say “boil” twice. Wouldn’t that overcook the eggs? I might try lower heat next time because it felt like it got too thick too quickly.
Made this for a family dinner and it was gone fast. The custard set up perfectly after chilling—so creamy. I used toasted coconut on top and it tasted even better.
I added some lemon zest and it was a game changer! Can’t go back now. 🍋
So easy and quick! I added a bit of lemon zest for a twist! Yum!
Very basic recipe. I was expecting more flavors. Kinda underwhelmed.
I totally get it! It’s a pretty simple pie. You could add some lemon zest or a hint of almond extract to give it a kick!
I thought it was delicious! Not everything has to be super fancy. Sometimes simple is better.
Whipped cream topping made it feel bakery-level. I toasted the coconut a bit before sprinkling and wow—so much better.
This sounds dangerously good—coconut + custard is my weakness. I’d maybe toast the coconut a bit for extra flavor.
Dangerously good indeed 😅 But I’m confused—when you say “3 pieces egg yolks,” is that really just 3 yolks? I always use like 4–5. Still, coconut custard pie… I’ll try it lol.
Oh wow, this is exactly my kind of pie. Toasting the coconut sounds like a great upgrade—will definitely do that for extra depth.
Delicious! I think I could eat the whole thing in one go hahaha.
This pie is AMAZING! So creamy and coconutty. My family devoured it in one sitting!
This turned out so creamy and not overly sweet! I used full-fat milk like the recipe says and it thickened beautifully. The coconut + vanilla combo is perfect.
I was nervous about tempering the egg yolks, but whisking a little hot mixture first saved it. Texture was super silky.
Perfect coconut pie. 😋