Sugarless Coconut Cream Pie
A rich, sugarless coconut cream pie with a fluffy meringue topping, perfect for coconut lovers and those seeking a healthier dessert option. Creamy, crunchy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the pie shell as directed and set aside to cool.
- Combine milk, flour, egg yolks, and NutraSweet in a saucepan.
- Cook over the top of a double boiler until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Add coconut, vanilla, and margarine to the thickened mixture and mix well.
- Pour the filling into the baked pie shell.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add some NutraSweet to the egg whites and continue beating.
- Optionally, fold in about 1 teaspoon of marshmallow cream into the egg whites.
- Spread the meringue over the pie filling.
- Sprinkle coconut on top of the meringue.
- Bake at 350°F until the meringue is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier filling, use full-fat coconut milk instead of regular milk. If you're looking to reduce calories further, consider using a sugar substitute like Stevia in place of NutraSweet. Ensure the egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when beating. Additionally, for added texture, sprinkle crushed nuts over the filling before adding the meringue.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled, garnished with additional shredded coconut or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. This pie pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside savory dishes like almost fat-free zucchini bread for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain the meringue's texture, avoid stacking layers directly on top of each other. If reheating, do so gently in the oven at a low temperature to avoid melting the meringue.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sugarless Coconut Cream Pie contains roughly 284 calories, with 5g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of iron (15% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% 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 fresh coconut instead of packaged?
Yes, fresh coconut can enhance the flavor and texture of your pie. Just ensure to finely grate the coconut and toast it lightly for added depth. Keep in mind that fresh coconut may have a higher moisture content, so adjust your recipe accordingly.
How can I make this pie dairy-free?
To make this pie dairy-free, substitute the milk with almond, soy, or coconut milk. Ensure that the margarine used is also dairy-free. This variation maintains the creaminess while keeping it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
What can I use instead of NutraSweet?
If you're looking for alternatives to NutraSweet, consider using monk fruit sweetener or erythritol as they are both sugar substitutes that can provide sweetness without the calories. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference, as some sweeteners can be sweeter than sugar.
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).