If you are on the hunt for a delightful dessert that brings tropical sunshine to your table, you absolutely must try this French Coconut Pie Recipe. This pie boasts a wonderfully rich and creamy coconut filling nestled inside a flaky pie crust, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just indulging yourself, each bite promises a little taste of paradise that’s both comforting and irresistibly charming.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This French Coconut Pie Recipe is wonderfully simple, relying on a handful of essential ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component plays a key role—from the shredded coconut adding chewy bursts of flavor to the vanilla extract enhancing the overall sweetness with a warm aroma.
- 1 9-inch pie crust, unbaked: The foundation that brings buttery flakiness and structure to the pie.
- 1 cup shredded coconut: Adds texture and authentic coconut flavor that defines the pie.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the coconut.
- 2 eggs: Bind the ingredients and create that silky, custard-like filling.
- 1/2 cup milk: Contributes creaminess, making the pie luscious and smooth.
- 1/4 cup butter, melted: Adds richness and depth of flavor for a decadent bite.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor profile with a sweet, fragrant hint.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
How to Make French Coconut Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial to ensure your pie bakes evenly, resulting in that perfect golden crust and nicely set filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Coconut Filling
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the shredded coconut, sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is blended smoothly. This mixture creates a luscious filling packed with authentic coconut goodness and a creamy texture that will set just right.
Step 3: Pour Into the Pie Crust
Carefully pour the coconut mixture into your unbaked pie crust, making sure to spread it evenly. This helps the pie bake uniformly and ensures every slice has that delightful balance of crust to filling.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye out for the filling to set and the top to develop a lovely golden brown hue—that visual cue means it’s time to take it out and let it cool.
Step 5: Cool Before Serving
Allow the pie to cool fully before slicing, which helps the filling thicken up and slice beautifully. You can enjoy it at room temperature or pop it in the fridge for a cooler, refreshing treat.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
This French Coconut Pie Recipe shines splendidly on its own, but if you want to take it up a notch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top. Each bite delivers a dreamy combination of creamy coconut flavor and buttery crust that will keep you coming back for more!
How to Serve French Coconut Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To make your pie presentation truly pop, consider garnishing with lightly toasted shredded coconut or a dusting of powdered sugar. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, add a lovely pop of color and a gentle tartness that balances the sweet coconut filling beautifully.
Side Dishes
French Coconut Pie pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or tea to complement its sweetness. For a more indulgent dessert experience, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a scoop of coconut sorbet to amplify those tropical vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices of this French Coconut Pie Recipe on elegant dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache for a decadent twist. Alternatively, cut the pie into small squares and serve as bite-sized treats at a party or afternoon gathering for a crowd-pleasing addition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the texture and flavor while preventing the crust from becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to save the pie for later, wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It will stay delicious for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes to warm through without drying out. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crust soft and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened shredded coconut in this French Coconut Pie Recipe?
Yes, sweetened shredded coconut works well, but consider reducing the sugar slightly to avoid the pie becoming too sweet.
Is it necessary to bake the pie crust beforehand?
This recipe uses an unbaked pie crust that bakes along with the filling, resulting in a beautifully crisp bottom and edges.
What can I substitute for milk in this recipe?
You can use coconut milk to boost the coconut flavor or any other milk alternative such as almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
The filling should be set with a slight wobble in the center when you gently shake the pan and the top should be golden brown.
Can I make this pie ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! It’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Bake the day before, refrigerate overnight, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
This French Coconut Pie Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a little tropical magic to your dessert table with very little fuss. Its delightful texture and flavor bring comfort and joy that everyone will rave about. If you love coconut and crave a sweet, home-baked treat, give this recipe a go—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
French Coconut Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
This French Coconut Pie is a delightful dessert featuring a flaky pie crust filled with a rich, creamy coconut custard. The combination of shredded coconut, eggs, and vanilla creates a luscious tropical flavor profile, baked to golden perfection. Perfect for those who love a sweet, nutty, and comforting treat with a hint of buttery richness.
Ingredients
Pie Base
- 1 9-inch pie crust, unbaked
Filling
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the pie evenly.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded coconut, sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully blended to create a smooth coconut custard mixture.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the coconut filling evenly into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, making sure it is spread uniformly to avoid uneven baking.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the middle rack of the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The pie is done when the filling is set and the top turns a golden brown color.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely to allow the filling to firm up. You may serve it at room temperature or refrigerate for a chilled dessert.
- Serve: Slice and serve the pie as is, or add a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra creamy touch. Enjoy the sweet, nutty coconut flavor in every bite!
Notes
- Ensure the eggs and milk are well beaten with the other ingredients to achieve a smooth custard.
- Using freshly shredded coconut can enhance the flavor but desiccated coconut works as well.
- If the pie crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking to prevent burning.
- This pie can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on your preference.
- For a richer pie, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or cream.
