The Creamiest French Coconut Pie Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Baking a delightful french coconut pie often sparks memories of cozy afternoons in provence.

Sweet aromas drift through kitchen spaces, promising something magical.

Creamy textures and delicate flavors merge into a dessert that whispers comfort.

Coconut’s subtle richness blends perfectly with traditional french pastry techniques.

Home bakers can easily craft this elegant treat without complicated steps.

Each slice tells a story of culinary simplicity and delicious creativity.

Grab your apron and discover a dessert that will make you smile with every heavenly bite.

FAQs

• Where does French Coconut Pie originate from?

Despite its name, French Coconut Pie is actually a Southern United States dessert, particularly popular in Louisiana and Texas, with no direct French origins.

• Is this pie similar to a custard pie?

Yes, French Coconut Pie has a custard-like filling with shredded coconut mixed throughout, creating a rich, creamy texture that’s similar to traditional custard pies.

• Can I use fresh or dried coconut for this recipe?

Dried, shredded coconut works best for this recipe. Fresh coconut might release too much moisture and affect the pie’s consistency.

• How do I know when the pie is fully baked?

The pie is ready when the top is golden brown and the filling is set, meaning it doesn’t jiggle significantly when gently shaken. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean.

French Coconut Pie With a Sweet, Crisp Top

Effortless Baking Delight: Perfect for novice bakers who want a simple yet impressive dessert without complex techniques.

Quick Preparation Magic: Takes just 15 minutes to mix ingredients and 45 minutes to bake, making it an ideal last-minute treat for unexpected guests or sudden sweet cravings.

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a nostalgic, sweet flavor that appeals to all ages – kids love the sugary coconut taste, while adults appreciate its classic homemade charm.

Versatile Serving Option: Equally delightful served warm or chilled, making it flexible for different preferences and suitable for potlucks, family dinners, or casual weekend gatherings.

French Coconut Pie Ingredient Rundown

• Shredded Coconut: Provides sweet, tropical texture and main flavor profile. Fresh, unsweetened coconut works best for authentic taste.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create golden caramelization. White granulated sugar recommended.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and creates smooth custard-like consistency. Large, fresh eggs preferred.
• Milk: Creates creamy, rich base for the pie filling. Whole milk provides best results.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth, silky texture. Unsalted butter recommended.

• Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and complementary sweetness. Pure vanilla extract preferred over artificial.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor. Fine sea salt works well.

• Pie Crust: Provides crisp, flaky base for the filling. Unbaked pie shell is essential for this recipe.

French Coconut Pie Assembly in a Few Easy Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) to create the perfect baking environment for your delightful French Coconut Pie.

Step 2: Mix the Magical Filling

• Shredded coconut
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Milk
• Melted butter
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and completely combined, creating a creamy coconut dream.

Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust

Carefully pour the luscious coconut mixture into an unbaked pie crust.

Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly, making sure it reaches every corner of the pie shell.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and let it bake for 40-45 minutes.

Watch for the telltale signs of doneness – the top should transform into a beautiful golden brown and set perfectly.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack.

Allow it to cool completely, letting the flavors meld and the texture settle.

Serve at room temperature or chilled for an absolutely heavenly dessert experience that’ll make taste buds dance with joy.

Coconut Pie Baking Know-How for a Smooth Finish Every Time

Cover pie edges with aluminum foil if they brown too quickly during baking.

Gently tap the pie dish to remove air bubbles before baking for a smoother filling.

Insert a knife near the center – if it comes out clean, the pie is fully baked.

Substitute coconut milk for regular milk and use plant-based butter for a vegan version.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Chill French Coconut Pie Slices

• Store leftover French Coconut Pie in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture build-up.
• Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to protect the delicate crust.
• Transfer frozen pie to the refrigerator overnight for gradual, safe thawing. Avoid room temperature thawing to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until slightly warm. Avoid overheating to prevent crust from becoming soggy.

What to Pair with French Coconut Pie

• Savor Tropical Sweet Pairing: Creamy coconut rum cocktail perfectly complements the pie's rich, sweet profile with matching tropical notes.
• Refresh with Contrast: Zesty lemon sorbet cuts through the pie's richness, providing a bright, citrusy counterpoint that cleanses the palate.
• Elevate Coffee Experience: Dark roast espresso or cappuccino highlights the pie's caramelized coconut flavor, creating a luxurious dessert moment with deep, roasted undertones.
• Enhance Dessert Wine: Late harvest Riesling delivers subtle sweetness and balanced acidity that harmonizes beautifully with the pie's creamy texture and coconut essence.

French Coconut Pie Sweet Variants

• Gluten-Free Coconut Pie: Replace traditional pie crust with a gluten-free almond flour or coconut flour crust, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy this sweet treat.
• Vegan Coconut Custard Pie: Swap eggs with silken tofu or chickpea flour, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and replace butter with coconut oil for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Coconut Pie: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the pie's rich, creamy texture.
• Tropical Fruit Coconut Pie: Add diced pineapple or mango to the coconut mixture for an extra burst of tropical flavor and natural sweetness.

French Coconut Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy French coconut pie nestles perfectly between sweet indulgence and rustic charm, bringing tropical notes to classic dessert traditions. Silky custard and toasted coconut create a luxurious experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust (9-inch, unbaked, homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter (melted)

Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal environment for achieving a perfectly golden and crisp crust.
2. In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded coconut, sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture reaches a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
3. Transfer the coconut filling into an unbaked pie shell, carefully spreading it to ensure an even distribution across the entire surface.
4. Position the pie in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, monitoring its progress to achieve a beautifully caramelized and set top.
5. Once baking is complete, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire cooling rack, letting the filling set and flavors meld.
6. Serve the French coconut pie at room temperature or chilled, depending on personal preference, to enjoy its rich, creamy texture and delightful tropical essence.

Notes

• Check coconut freshness by ensuring it’s moist and fragrant, avoiding any rancid or stale smell before mixing ingredients.
• Enhance flavor by toasting coconut flakes lightly in a dry skillet before adding to the mixture, creating deeper, nuttier undertones.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother blending and more consistent pie texture, preventing lumpy or separated filling.
• For gluten-free version, swap traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free pastry crust to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg