Martha'S Mile High Coconut Pie
Martha's Mile High Coconut Pie offers a rich, creamy coconut filling topped with fluffy meringue and toasted coconut, perfect for coconut lovers and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix 1 1/2 cups sugar, cornstarch, and 1 cup milk together in a large pan.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture is dissolved and thickened, stirring constantly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup milk, well beaten egg yolks, and oleo (butter).
- Add this mixture to the first and cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Stir in coconut flavoring and 1 cup coconut, then cool.
- Pour the filling into a cooked pie shell.
- Beat 4 large egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gradually add 4 tablespoons sugar and continue beating until glossy.
- Spread the meringue over the pie filling.
- Sprinkle coconut over the meringue.
- Bake in a 300°F (150°C) oven until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a perfectly smooth filling, ensure that your cornstarch is well dissolved before adding the egg yolks. If you prefer, you can substitute the coconut flavoring with vanilla extract for a different flavor profile. For a lighter meringue, make sure your egg whites are at room temperature before beating. Additionally, consider using sweetened shredded coconut for a richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Mile High Coconut Pie is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. It pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added richness. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Cranberry Walnut Apple Bread for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered loosely with plastic wrap or foil to prevent the meringue from becoming soggy. Consume within 2-3 days for the best texture. If you need to reheat, use a low oven to warm the pie, but be cautious not to over-bake the meringue.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Martha'S Mile High Coconut Pie contains roughly 906 calories, with 30g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), iron (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 597mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
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 make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and meringue a day in advance, but it's best to assemble and bake the pie the day you intend to serve it to maintain the meringue's texture. Store the filling in the refrigerator and cover it well to prevent a skin from forming.
What can I do if my meringue weeps?
Weeping meringue occurs when moisture escapes from the meringue. To prevent this, ensure that your pie filling is completely cooled before spreading the meringue on top. Also, avoid overcooking the meringue in the oven. If it happens, serve the pie promptly after baking to minimize moisture loss.
How can I modify this recipe for a healthier version?
To make a healthier version, consider using a whole grain pie crust or a crust made from oats. You can reduce the sugar in the filling and use a sugar substitute if desired. Additionally, using light coconut milk instead of regular milk can lower the calorie count while still providing a creamy texture.
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).