Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 1 package store-bought pie crust, thawed if frozen
For the Coconut Cream Filling:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 3 ¼ cups whole milk
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 ⅔ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups flaked coconut
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 2 cups heavy cream, cold
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- Toasted coconut flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the perfect crust-baking temperature.
- Create the Creamy Base: In a large saucepan, combine unsalted butter and whole milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Mix the Filling Components: While the milk mixture heats, use an electric mixer to beat together eggs, granulated sugar, and cornstarch for 4-5 minutes until well combined and slightly lightened in color.
- Master the Tempering: Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the egg mixture in a slow, steady stream while beating constantly. This careful tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Cook the Filling: Transfer the combined mixture back to the saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for 10-12 minutes until thickened to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Cool the Filling: Pour the hot filling into a large bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Prepare the Crust: Meanwhile, place your pie crust in the pie plate, crimping the edges decoratively. Line with parchment and fill with pie weights. Blind bake for 10-15 minutes, remove weights, then bake an additional 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Whip the Topping: In a clean mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy cream and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Pie: Once the filling is chilled, fold in the flaked coconut. Spread this mixture evenly in the cooled crust, top with the whipped cream, and garnish with toasted coconut.
- Final Setting: Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 1 hour before serving to ensure clean, beautiful slices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes Chilling time: 3 hours