Easiest Coconut Pie Ever
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Easiest Coconut Pie Ever! I said it out loud. I mean it.
Quick Hook
Oh my gosh, this Coconut Pie tastes like summer. It is an old-school, sweetened custard that hugs toasted coconut. The key is a silky custard and chewy coconut bits.
Think classic family potluck bliss.
I remember my mum passing a slice. She’d say coconut equals sunshine. That line stuck with me. Pies mean stories and this one has plenty.
Brief Overview
This Classic American coconut pie comes from simple home kitchens. It lives on church socials and family tables. Difficulty is easy.
Active prep is about 15 minutes. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 45 55 minutes . Chill for 2 hours for neat slices.
Yields one 9 inch pie. Serves about eight.
Main Benefits
Top health highlight? Coconut adds healthy fats and fiber. This is still a dessert, though. It works for busy cooks and lazy bakers alike.
It is a true Sweetened condensed milk pie at heart. Perfect for holidays, summer BBQs, and potlucks.
What makes this recipe special is the texture. It’s half custard, half macaroon. You get silky custard and chewy coconut together.
Honestly, that is why I love this Macaroon Pie twist. A simple topping of Toasted shredded coconut topping lifts the flavor.
This recipe is a go-to when I need easy wins. I call it a Simple coconut pie recipe for friends.
It pairs well with coffee or a light dessert wine. Try swapping in lime zest or rum for a twist.
Ready to get hands-on? Next I’ll list the ingredients. Grab a 9 inch crust and a can of sweetened condensed milk. Then we move to the filling and baking steps.
Main Ingredients
Meet the Easiest Coconut Pie Ever! I mean it.
This Coconut Pie tastes like sunshine.
It’s an old-school, Classic American coconut pie.
For the pie shell
-
1 (9 inch / 23 cm)
store-bought pie crust.
For the filling - 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk.
- 3 large eggs, room temperature.
- 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract.
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) fine sea salt.
- 1 cup (80 g) sweetened shredded coconut.
-
1/3 cup (80 ml)
evaporated milk or whole milk (optional).
Topping (optional) - 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, whipped.
- 2 tbsp (10 g) toasted shredded coconut topping.
Quality notes: Use full fat sweetened condensed milk.
Pick fresh coconut with no off smell.
Choose large eggs for stable custard.
A flaky store-bought crust works great.
If you make pastry, keep butter cold.
My grandma used to say: Never skimp on coconut.
That line still makes me laugh.
Seasoning Notes
Vanilla and salt are essential.
They lift the sweetened condensed milk.
Add 1 2 tsp lime zest for brightness.
Try 1 2 tbsp dark rum for depth.
A pinch of nutmeg pairs well occasionally.
For a Macaroon Pie twist, fold in extra coconut.
If you love Coconut Macaroon flavor, add extra shredded coconut.
Quick subs: Unsweetened coconut works fine.
Use same volume if unsweetened.
No evaporated milk? Use whole milk.
No heavy cream? Serve with store-bought whipped cream.
Equipment Needed
Essentials only. No fuss.
- 9 inch (23 cm) pie dish.
- Mixing bowls.
- Whisk and rubber spatula.
- Measuring cups and spoons or kitchen scale.
- Oven set to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Cooling rack.
- Small skillet or baking sheet for toasting coconut.
Household swaps: Use a mug for a 1-cup measure.
A fork can replace the whisk.
A baking sheet works instead of a skillet.
Honestly, the first time I baked this, I overtoasted the coconut.
Lesson learned. Keep it moving in the pan.
This Simple coconut pie recipe is forgiving.
It’s the kind of Sweetened condensed milk pie I always make.
Cooking Method Quick Intro
Oh my gosh, this is the Easiest Coconut Pie Ever!
It tastes like summer in a slice.
Think classic American coconut pie nostalgia.
This simple coconut pie recipe is forgiving.
You can call it a Macaroon Pie cousin.
Prep Steps
Get your mise en place first.
Measure sweetened condensed milk and shredded coconut.
Beat the eggs and set them nearby.
Time saver: use a store-bought 9 inch crust.
Or blind bake a homemade crust for 8 10 minutes.
Safety note: avoid cracking eggs into hot bowls.
Wash hands after handling raw eggs.
Preheat the oven right before filling.
step-by-step Process
- Preheat oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Whisk sweetened condensed milk and eggs.
- Stir in vanilla, salt, and coconut.
- Pour into the prepared crust.
- Bake 45– 55 minutes at 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Cool 1 hour, then chill at least 2 hours .
Visual cues: edges should be set.
The center keeps a gentle jiggle.
An inserted knife comes out mostly clean.
If edges brown too fast, tent with foil.
Critical internal temp: aim for 170 175° F (77 79° C) .
Pro Tips
Use room temperature eggs for a silkier custard.
Toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet first.
It adds crunch and caramel notes.
Shortcut: use evaporated milk for silkier texture.
Common mistake: overbake until rubbery.
Stop when the center still jiggles.
make-ahead: bake tonight and chill overnight.
Slices cut cleaner after long chill.
Personal note: I once brought this to a potluck.
People asked for the recipe twice.
Honestly, the toasted shredded coconut topping won hearts.
If you love a sweeter bite, call it a sweetened condensed milk pie.
Try a coconut lime riff for brightness.
This simple coconut pie recipe plays well with additions.
Fun fact: coconut pie often tops vintage dessert lists.
Serve with whipped cream or fresh berries.
Enjoy your homemade slice and the applause.
Recipe Notes
If you want the Easiest Coconut Pie Ever! this is for you. Oh my gosh, this pie is so simple. It tastes like summer on a plate.
Serving Suggestions for this Classic American coconut pie
Keep slices chilled for clean edges. Add a dollop of whipped cream. Sprinkle a toasted shredded coconut topping. Try fresh pineapple or macerated berries alongside.
For drinks, strong coffee or a Moscato work. For a boozy vibe, serve with coconut rum.
Storage Tips for your Coconut Pie Recipe
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Chill for up to 4 days. Freeze slices wrapped tightly for up to 1 month.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheat gently in a low oven if desired. Heat at 325° F ( 160° C) for 8 10 minutes.
Do not microwave too long. Microwaving makes the custard soggy.
Variations and swaps
Try a vegan version using canned coconut condensed milk. Use cornstarch to thicken instead of eggs. Swap to a gluten-free crust for dietary needs.
Add 1 2 teaspoons lime zest for Coconut Lime flair. Fold in chopped macadamia nuts for crunch. Turn it into a Macaroon Pie by adding extra shredded coconut.
Honestly, my first attempt used macadamias. It tasted like a seaside picnic.
Nutrition Basics
Each slice has about 370 calories. Expect roughly 20 grams fat per serving. Sugar ranges near 28 35 grams. Protein sits around 8 grams.
This sweetened condensed milk pie is rich and satisfying. Coconut brings medium chain fats and some fiber. The custard supplies calcium and protein from eggs and milk.
Quick tip: room temperature eggs blend better. Don’t overbake; center should gently jiggle. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 45– 55 minutes . Tent edges if they brown too fast.
A little stat to impress guests: pies are a staple at many American tables. My gran used to say, "A pie fixes everything." It usually did.
Conclusion Go make this Simple coconut pie recipe. It’s forgiving and crowd pleasing. Slice, serve, and bask in compliments. You got this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the "Easiest Coconut Pie Ever!" so easy can a total beginner really pull it off?
Yes this recipe is intentionally simple: a store-bought 9" crust (or an easy homemade one), a whisked custard of sweetened condensed milk and eggs, and a single bake step. The trickiest parts are whisking the filling until smooth and judging doneness, but with room temperature eggs and the doneness cues in the recipe, a beginner will have great results it’s the kind of thing even a first time baker can bring to a summer potluck and impress Grandma.
How do I know the pie is done without overbaking?
Look for set, lightly puffed edges and a center that still has a gentle jiggle not liquid and use the knife test (a clean or mostly clean knife near the center). The custard will finish setting as it cools, so remove it as soon as those cues appear; overbaking makes the filling rubbery.
If the crust edges brown too fast, tent them with foil halfway through baking.
Can I substitute ingredients unsweetened coconut, different crusts, or make a vegan version?
You can use unsweetened shredded coconut 1:1 (the pie will be less sweet), and graham-cracker or gluten-free crusts work well as a crunchy alternative. For a vegan/dairy-free pie you’ll need a vegan condensed-milk substitute and a thickener (cornstarch or agar) this changes texture and takes more technique but is doable.
Keep in mind that changing the sweetened condensed milk will affect sweetness and how the custard sets.
How should I store leftovers from the Easiest Coconut Pie Ever! and can I freeze it?
Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 4 days; chilling before slicing gives the cleanest pieces. You can freeze the baked pie (without whipped cream topping) for up to about a month wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge, then finish with fresh whipped cream and toasted coconut.
Avoid freezing pies with dairy whipped toppings, which separate on thawing.
Any quick tips to boost flavor or texture like toasting coconut or adding rum?
Toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden; it adds a toasty crunch and bright flavor. For variations, stir 1 2 tsp lime zest for a coconut-lime twist, or 1 2 tbsp dark rum (or rum extract) for warm, boozy notes; folding in chopped toasted macadamias adds crunch.
Also use evaporated or whole milk for a silkier custard and always chill the pie before slicing for neat portions.
Is this pie very rich and what are the nutrition considerations or lighter swaps?
One slice (1/8 of the 9" pie) is roughly 370 kcal with about 20 g fat and 28 35 g sugar, though values vary by crust and toppings. To lighten it, use unsweetened shredded coconut, swap evaporated or lower-fat milk for some of the richness, choose a lighter crust (graham-cracker or thinner pastry), and serve smaller slices with fresh fruit to cut the sweetness.
Remember that sweetened condensed milk is the main calorie and sugar driver, so reducing it will change texture and may require recipe adjustments.
Easiest Coconut Pie Ever
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 370 calories |
|---|---|
| Protein | 8 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbs | 44 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 30 g |
| Sodium | 325 mg |