Rich Coconut Cream Pie By Wanda Smith
A luscious coconut cream pie featuring a rich, creamy filling infused with toasted coconut, perfect for coconut lovers. Its smooth texture and sweet flavor make it an ideal dessert for gatherings or a special treat after dinner. Topped with whipped cream or meringue for added indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, salt, and cornstarch in a saucepan.
- Stir in egg yolks.
- Turn heat on medium and slowly stir in evaporated milk.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- When mixture thickens, remove from heat.
- Add butter, coconut, and vanilla; stir until well combined.
- Pour mixture into the baked pie shell.
- Chill for 2 hours.
- Top with meringue or whipped topping.
- Sprinkle with 1/4 cup coconut before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the evaporated milk with coconut milk. If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the sugar to 2/3 cup. Make sure to stir constantly while cooking to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan. To enhance the coconut flavor, toast the coconut before adding it to the filling. This Rich Coconut Cream Pie pairs beautifully with Chewy Macaroon Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor. Garnish each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added visual appeal. This pie is delightful on its own or alongside a refreshing fruit salad. For a complete dessert menu, consider pairing it with Old Fashioned Rhubarb Pie for a contrasting tartness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. If you need to reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, just until slightly warm. Avoid reheating the whole pie to prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rich Coconut Cream Pie By Wanda Smith contains roughly 526 calories, with 11g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (22% of the Daily Value) and iron (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 932mg per serving (41% 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 use a different type of milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with regular whole milk or even coconut milk for a creamier consistency. However, using coconut milk will enhance the coconut flavor even more, making it a great choice for this Rich Coconut Cream Pie.
How do I prevent the pie crust from getting soggy?
To avoid a soggy crust, consider pre-baking the pie shell until it's lightly golden before adding the filling. You can also brush the crust with a thin layer of melted chocolate or egg wash before filling it, which creates a barrier against moisture.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and cover it well to maintain freshness. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious when served.
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).