Martha'S Coconut Cream Pie

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A creamy coconut custard pie with toasted coconut topping, perfect for coconut lovers and special occasions, offering rich flavor and a smooth, satisfying texture.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1/2 stick margarine
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 (9-inch) baked pastry shell
  • 1 cup coconut

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, milk, and egg yolks in a saucepan.
  2. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla, and coconut.
  4. Cool the mixture slightly and pour into the baked pastry shell.
  5. Top with your favorite topping, such as Cool Whip or meringue.
  6. Garnish with toasted coconut.

Tips & Substitutions

To thicken the filling properly, ensure you constantly stir the mixture while it cooks to prevent sticking and burning. If you want a richer flavor, consider using whole milk instead of low-fat. For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with coconut milk and use a dairy-free margarine. Toasted coconut can be added for an extra crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the coconut cream pie chilled for the best flavor. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or Cool Whip on top. For a delightful contrast, serve with fresh fruit like berries or a tropical fruit salad. This pie is an excellent dessert option for summer gatherings or holiday dinners.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. To serve, simply slice it cold; if you prefer it slightly warm, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Martha'S Coconut Cream Pie contains roughly 512 calories, with 5g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1025mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).

512 kcal 26% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.1g 10% DV
Total Fat 25.1g 32% DV
Carbs 62.5g 23% DV
Fiber 2.2g 8% DV
Sugar 1.5g 3% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1024.6mg 45% DV
Potassium 129mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 288.4mg 96% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 61.6mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 8.5mg 9% DV
Vitamin D 1.3mcg 7% DV
Calcium 48mg 4% DV
Iron 1.9mg 10% DV
Contains Milk Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use unsweetened coconut in this recipe?

Yes, you can use unsweetened coconut to control the sweetness of the pie. If using unsweetened coconut, you may want to slightly increase the sugar in the recipe to balance the flavors.

How do I make the pie crust from scratch?

To make a pie crust from scratch, combine 1 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cold butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix until crumbly, then add cold water one tablespoon at a time until a dough forms. Roll out and fit into a 9-inch pie pan, then bake until golden.

Can I use a different type of milk?

Absolutely! You can use almond milk, oat milk, or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute for regular milk. Just keep in mind that this may alter the flavor slightly, so choose a milk that complements the coconut well.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →