Old-Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie (Classic Southern Dessert Recipe)

This Old-Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie is a timeless American dessert with a rich, silky coconut custard filling, flaky pie crust, and a cloud of whipped cream on top. Made from scratch with real coconut and simple ingredients, this classic pie is perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, and special occasions.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Coconut Cream Pie

• Classic old-fashioned American dessert

• Creamy coconut custard made from scratch

• Perfect balance of sweet and rich

• Great for holidays, potlucks, and family gatherings

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• 🛒 Ingredients

  For the Crust

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

  For the Coconut Filling

  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 1 cup heavy cream

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • ¼ cup cornstarch

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • 4 large egg yolks

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1½ tsp vanilla extract

  For the Topping

  • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream

  • 3 tbsp powdered sugar

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • Toasted coconut (optional garnish)

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  👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Bake the crust
     Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake pie crust until golden. Let cool completely.

  2. Heat the milk & coconut
     In a saucepan, combine milk, cream, and shredded coconut. Heat until steaming (not boiling).

  3. Whisk the custard base
     In a bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, salt, and egg yolks.

  4. Temper the eggs
     Slowly whisk hot milk into the egg mixture, then pour back into the saucepan.

  5. Cook until thick
     Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thick and bubbling.

  6. Finish the filling
     Remove from heat. Stir in butter and vanilla.

  7. Fill the pie
     Pour custard into baked crust. Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface. Chill for at least 4 hours.

  8. Make whipped topping
     Beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

  9. Top & serve
     Spread whipped cream over pie. Garnish with toasted coconut if desired.

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  🥄 Tips for the Best Coconut Cream Pie

  • Use full-fat dairy for best texture

  • Toast coconut for extra flavor

  • Chill overnight for clean slices

  • Always whisk constantly to avoid lumps