French Coconut Pie

If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that’s simple yet absolutely unforgettable, let me introduce you to French Coconut Pie. This pie has a rich, buttery, and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the chewy texture of toasted coconut. It’s just the right balance of indulgence without being overly sweet, and the best part? It’s crazy easy to make! This is the kind of dessert that you can throw together in no time, but it’ll taste like it came from a bakery. You know the kind of treat that makes everyone’s eyes light up when they take the first bite? Yup, this is it!

Trust me when I say, this pie is a game-changer. The golden, crisp crust paired with that rich coconut filling? You’ll be scraping the last crumbs off the plate and wishing you’d made two!

Why You’ll Love French Coconut Pie

Deliciously Simple: No complicated ingredients, no endless prep—just a few pantry staples that come together to create something extraordinary.

Perfectly Balanced: It’s rich and sweet, but not overwhelming. The coconut adds texture and depth to the creamy filling, making each bite a little moment of joy.

Versatile: Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or even a casual weeknight dessert. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser.

Low Effort, Big Reward: With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can serve up a homemade pie that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for French Coconut Pie

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this delicious pie:

For the Pie:

• Pie Crust: The base of your pie. You can use a store-bought pie crust or make your own from scratch. The buttery crust will perfectly complement the sweet coconut filling.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: This is the heart of the recipe! 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut adds that signature texture and flavor to the pie filling.
• Sugar: The sweetener for the filling. 1 cup of sugar gives the pie just the right amount of sweetness without being overwhelming.
• Butter: 1/2 cup of melted butter gives the pie that rich, decadent flavor, creating a perfect harmony with the coconut.
• Evaporated Milk: 1 cup of evaporated milk is used to make the filling creamy and smooth. It helps thicken the pie while keeping it light and delicious.
• Eggs: 3 large eggs act as the binding agents, giving the pie its structure and ensuring it sets properly as it bakes.
• Flour: 1 tablespoon of flour helps thicken the filling and gives it the right texture, ensuring it holds up beautifully once it’s baked.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract adds warmth and enhances the overall flavor of the pie, creating a perfect balance with the coconut.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Time to get your baking on! Here’s how to create this coconut pie magic:

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the pie will bake evenly and give you that beautiful golden crust.

2. Prepare the Pie Crust:

• Place your pie crust in a 9-inch pie pan, and if it’s store-bought, you don’t need to do much. If it’s homemade, make sure to press the edges and form it to fit snugly in the pan.

3. Mix the Filling:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, and eggs until well combined.
• Add in the melted butter, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract, and stir until smooth.
• Finally, fold in the shredded coconut. This is where the coconut gets to shine and bring texture to the pie.

4. Assemble the Pie:

• Pour the coconut filling into the prepared pie crust. Spread it out evenly, and then smooth the top with a spatula.

5. Bake:

• Place the pie in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the pie is set and golden brown on top. The center should be firm, but a little jiggle is okay.
• You can check doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center—it should come out clean when the pie is ready.

6. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes it easier to cut clean slices.
• Once it’s cool, slice and enjoy! For an extra indulgence, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

(Note: The full instructions, including times and temperatures, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 120mg
Carbohydrates: 47g

• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 34g
  Protein: 5g
  Vitamin A: 12%
  Vitamin C: 0%
  Calcium: 6%
  Iron: 6%

(Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.)

How to Serve French Coconut Pie

This French Coconut Pie is rich and flavorful on its own, but here are a few ways you can dress it up:

Whipped Cream: A simple dollop of fresh whipped cream on top is the perfect contrast to the rich coconut filling. You could even sprinkle a little extra shredded coconut for added texture.

Vanilla Ice Cream: For those who love the classic pie à la mode, scoop some creamy vanilla ice cream alongside a slice of pie. It’s a perfect combo of hot and cold.

Fresh Berries: A handful of fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries adds a light, tart contrast to the sweet richness of the pie.

Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle a little caramel sauce over the top for a decadent touch. The sweet and slightly salty flavor will complement the coconut wonderfully.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: This pie is great for making ahead of time! Bake it a day or two in advance, and just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
• Use Unsweetened Coconut: If you prefer a less sweet pie, you can use unsweetened coconut flakes. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a little less rich.
• Store Leftovers: Any leftovers should be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.
• Freezing: This pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to serve.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of coconut?
A1: Yes! While sweetened shredded coconut is traditional, you can also use unsweetened coconut flakes for a less sweet pie. The texture may be a bit different, but it will still taste delicious.

Q2: How do I know when the pie is done?
A2: The pie should be golden brown on top, and when you insert a knife or toothpick into the center, it should come out clean. A little jiggle is okay, but it should be mostly set.

Q3: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can make this pie up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It will actually taste even better after sitting for a day or so, as the flavors have time to meld.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover pie in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil, for up to 3 days. It’s just as delicious the next day!

Q5: Can I freeze this pie?
A5: Yes! To freeze, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q6: Can I make this pie without eggs?
A6: You can substitute the eggs with a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer, though the texture may vary slightly.

Q7: Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
A7: Absolutely! A store-bought crust makes this recipe even quicker and easier, but feel free to make a homemade crust if you prefer.

Q8: What other toppings can I add?
A8: You can top this pie with a scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for a little extra flair.

Q9: Can I use light evaporated milk?
A9: Yes! You can substitute light evaporated milk for the regular kind, but the pie may be slightly less rich in flavor.

Q10: How long does it take to bake the pie?
A10: The pie usually takes about 45-50 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C). You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set.

Conclusion

This French Coconut Pie is a treat you’ll want to make again and again. With its rich, coconut-filled custard and flaky pie crust, it’s a dessert that will impress without causing stress in the kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch how fast it disappears—your family and friends will be begging for the recipe!

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