Great Grandma’s Coconut Cream Pie

Great Grandma’s Coconut Cream Pie 🥥🥧

This Coconut Cream Pie is a timeless classic that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with tropical coconut flavor. With its buttery crust, luscious coconut filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping, it’s the ultimate dessert for coconut lovers. Passed down through generations, this recipe is a true labor of love—perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for something sweet and special.

Let’s dive into how to make this dreamy pie step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich & Creamy : The coconut custard filling is silky smooth and packed with flavor.
2. Nostalgic Comfort : A classic recipe that brings back memories of family traditions.
3. Customizable : Add toasted coconut or chocolate shavings for extra flair.
4. Perfect for Sharing : Serves a crowd and is sure to impress at any gathering.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly : Assemble ahead of time and chill until ready to serve.

Ingredients

(Serves 8–10)

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 graham crackers, crushed )
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted

For the Coconut Filling:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (plus extra for garnish )
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 large egg yolks , beaten
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract (optional, for extra coconut flavor )

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) .
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs , sugar , and melted butter . Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan .
4. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes , or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Coconut Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar , flour , and salt .
2. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and egg yolks until smooth.
3. Cook over medium heat , stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil (about 10–12 minutes ).
   • Tip : The filling is ready when it coats the back of the spoon and you can draw a line through it with your finger.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut , vanilla extract , and coconut extract (if using ). Mix until well combined.
5. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream , powdered sugar , and vanilla extract with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form.
   • Tip : Chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand for best results.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Once the filling is set, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top of the pie.
2. Sprinkle additional shredded coconut over the whipped cream for garnish. For a toasted touch, toast the coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes before sprinkling.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy every bite of this creamy, coconutty delight!

Tips for Success

1. Toast the Coconut : Toasting the shredded coconut before adding it to the filling enhances its flavor. Simply toast in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients : Fresh eggs and high-quality coconut extracts make a noticeable difference in flavor.
3. Prevent Curdling : Stir the filling constantly while cooking to ensure it thickens smoothly without curdling.
4. Storage : Store leftovers in the fridge, covered with plastic wrap or foil, for up to 3 days .
5. Freeze for Later : Freeze the pie (without whipped cream) for up to 1 month . Thaw in the fridge overnight and add the whipped cream before serving.

Perfect Pairings

This Coconut Cream Pie pairs beautifully with:

• Coffee or Tea : Serve with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing contrast.
• Ice Cream : Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 10 servings)

• Calories : ~320 kcal
• Protein : ~5g
• Carbohydrates : ~35g
• Fat : ~20g
• Fiber : ~2g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Great Grandma’s Coconut Cream Pie is a true labor of love, combining a buttery crust, rich coconut filling, and light whipped cream topping into one irresistible dessert. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply craving a taste of nostalgia, this pie is sure to bring joy to everyone who tries it. The combination of creamy texture and tropical coconut flavor creates a dessert that’s both comforting and exciting.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the toppings, adjust the sweetness, or pair it with different beverages to make it your own. So grab your ingredients, whip up that filling, and get ready to enjoy a pie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.