Introduction:
Coconut Cream Pie is a classic dessert that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with coconut flavor. With a flaky crust, a velvety coconut custard filling, and a topping of whipped cream and toasted coconut, this pie is sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes
Instructions:
- Make the Crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
- Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Bake the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
- Transfer the dough to the pie dish, trim any excess, and crimp the edges.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper, and bake for another 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the crust to cool completely.
- Make the Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks.
- Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the egg yolks, whisking constantly, to temper them.
- Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the shredded coconut, butter, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust and spread it evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Make the Topping:
- In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie filling.
- Sprinkle the top with toasted coconut flakes.
- Serve:
- Slice the Coconut Cream Pie and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy coconut goodness with each bite!
Tips:
- Toast the coconut flakes for the topping by spreading them on a baking sheet and baking at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown.
- For an extra coconut flavor, consider adding a few drops of coconut extract to the filling.
Nutritional Estimate (per serving, assuming 8 servings):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 22g
Recommendation:
This Coconut Cream Pie pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s an excellent dessert for holidays, special occasions, or simply when you’re in the mood for something indulgent and tropical.