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Grandma’s Coconut Cream Pie

A delightful dessert bringing back warm family memories, featuring a creamy coconut filling and fluffy whipped cream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pre-baked pie crust
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Whipped cream for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Start by combining milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently but continuously until it thickens. This may take around 5 to 10 minutes. You want it to feel slightly pudding-like. Make sure not to let it boil; keep stirring to avoid burning the bottom.
  2. Temper the Egg Yolks: While you’re waiting for the mixture to thicken, prepare a separate bowl for your egg yolks. Whisk them together until they are smooth. Once your milk mixture has thickened, take a ladleful of it and gradually pour it into the egg yolk bowl while whisking constantly. This step prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly (which can lead to scrambling!) by bringing them up to temperature slowly.
  3. Combine and Cook Again: After tempering the egg yolks, pour the combined egg mixture back into the saucepan with the thickened milk mixture. Cook on medium heat for an additional 2 minutes while stirring. This step ensures that your filling is evenly combined and helps achieve a lovely rich texture.
  4. Add Flavor and Coconut: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract, butter, and sweetened shredded coconut. The butter adds a touch of richness, while the coconut provides that signature flavor you’re looking for.
  5. Fill the Crust: Now pour the creamy coconut filling into the prepared pre-baked pie crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, smoothing the top.
  6. Chill the Pie: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 240 minutes or overnight. This chilling time helps the filling to set properly, making slicing easier and more enjoyable.
  7. Serve with Whipped Cream: Before serving, top the pie with a generous amount of whipped cream and sprinkle some more shredded coconut on top for added texture and presentation.

Notes

Optional: Toast the shredded coconut for added flavor and consider adding toppings like chocolate shavings or fresh fruit.

Nutrition

Keywords: coconut cream pie, dessert, Grandma's recipe