Mile High Pink Pie
A light, coconut-flavored pink dessert with a creamy texture, perfect for summer gatherings or special occasions, combining sweet coconut, pink lemonade, and toasted coconut crunch.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 1 1/2 c. sweet flake coconut ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 (1/4 oz.) envelope unflavored gelatin ⓘ
- 1/4 c. cold water
- 1/4 c. sugar ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can frozen pink lemonade concentrate ⓘ
- red food color, if desired ⓘ
- additional toasted coconut for garnish ⓘ
- maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add coconut and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown.
- Press toasted coconut evenly on the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate to form the crust.
- Chill the crust until set.
- Pour milk into a large bowl and freeze for 1 hour, until crystals form.
- Dissolve gelatin in cold water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine evaporated milk, gelatin mixture, sugar, pink lemonade concentrate, and red food color if desired.
- Fold in the frozen milk mixture and toasted coconut.
- Pour filling into the prepared crust.
- Chill until set, about 4 hours or overnight.
- Garnish with additional toasted coconut and maraschino cherry before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, be sure to fold the frozen milk mixture gently into the gelatin mixture to maintain airiness. If you can't find pink lemonade concentrate, you can substitute with an equal amount of lemonade or citrus juice mixed with a few drops of red food coloring for the desired hue. Adjust the sugar to taste if using a sweeter lemonade.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mile High Pink Pie chilled for the best flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. Consider serving it alongside light and refreshing salads, such as a spinach salad, to balance the sweetness. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings and celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the crust crisp, avoid covering it tightly. This pie does not freeze well due to its creamy texture, so it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you need to re-chill, allow it to set in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mile High Pink Pie contains roughly 241 calories, with 3g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 the crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the toasted coconut crust a day in advance. Just ensure you store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and crisp until you're ready to add the filling. This saves time and helps you manage your baking schedule, especially if you're preparing for a gathering.
What can I use if I don't have evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk, you can use a combination of whole milk and cream, using equal parts to replace the evaporated milk. Alternatively, you can make your own evaporated milk by simmering regular milk over low heat until it reduces by half, which concentrates the flavor and thickness.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the pie?
To adjust the sweetness of the Mile High Pink Pie, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling mixture. Taste the mixture before pouring it into the crust, and add sugar in small increments until you achieve the desired sweetness. Remember, the frozen milk will also add some sweetness, so taste accordingly.
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).