French Coconut Pie Recipe

The Best French Coconut Pie Recipe for Sweet Cravings

Whipping up a delectable French coconut pie can transport you to a tropical paradise with minimal effort.

Sweet memories of creamy coconut dance across your taste buds.

Nestled in a buttery, flaky crust, this dessert promises pure indulgence.

Bakers seeking a simple yet impressive treat will adore this recipe’s straightforward approach.

coconut rich, velvety texture blends perfectly with classic French pastry techniques.

Mediterranean sunshine seems to sparkle through each golden, delicate slice.

Let’s uncover the magic that makes this pie an irresistible culinary adventure.

French Coconut Pie Classic With Tropical Twist

  • Conquer Baking Bliss: No complex techniques required, making this French Coconut Pie perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novices to seasoned pros.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Guaranteed to delight everyone from kids to grandparents with its rich, sweet coconut flavor and creamy texture that sparks joy at any gathering.
  • Versatile Treat: Adapts seamlessly to multiple occasions – whether it's a casual family dinner, potluck, holiday celebration, or weekend dessert craving, this pie delivers pure deliciousness.
  • Simple Ingredient Magic: Uses basic pantry staples you likely already have, eliminating last-minute grocery runs and transforming everyday ingredients into an extraordinary dessert.

Ingredients List To Prepare French Coconut Pie

Pie Crust:
  • Pie Crust: A foundational base that holds the delicious coconut filling and provides a crisp, flaky texture.
Filling Base:
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy filling.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps balance the coconut's flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the pie's structure.
  • Flour: Helps thicken the filling and gives a slight density to the pie.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a silky filling consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides a warm, sweet background flavor that complements the coconut.
  • Shredded Coconut: The star ingredient that gives the pie its signature tropical taste and texture.

How To Bake French Coconut Pie Stepwise

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gently place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, creating beautiful crimped edges around the rim.

Step 2: Create the Magical Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Melted butter
  • Sugar
  • Eggs
  • Flour
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Shredded coconut

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 3: Pour and Spread

Transfer the luscious coconut filling into the prepared pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, ensuring a consistent layer across the entire surface.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the pie on the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling sets completely.

If the crust begins to darken too quickly, shield the edges with aluminum foil around the 30-minute mark.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.

For an extra special touch, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Slice and savor each delightful bite of this tropical-inspired dessert.

Tips To Perfect French Coconut Pie Every Time

  • Brush the pie crust with a thin layer of beaten egg white before adding the filling to create a protective barrier that keeps the crust crisp and flaky.
  • Rotate the pie halfway through baking to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration and consistent texture across the entire surface.
  • Toast the shredded coconut lightly before adding to the filling for enhanced nutty flavor and a more complex taste profile.
  • Allow the melted butter to cool slightly before mixing with other ingredients to prevent accidentally scrambling the eggs and maintain a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Insert a knife near the center of the pie – if it comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs, the pie is perfectly baked and ready to cool.

Flavor Variations To Refresh French Coconut Pie

  • Gluten-Free Coconut Pie: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Vegan Coconut Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of butter, and select plant-based milk like almond or coconut milk for dairy-free version.
  • Tropical Rum Coconut Pie: Add 2 tablespoons of dark rum to filling for enhanced flavor complexity and subtle Caribbean-inspired taste profile.
  • Low-Sugar Coconut Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional sugar, reducing overall calorie and carbohydrate content for health-conscious bakers.

Pairing Ideas To Serve With French Coconut Pie

Craft refreshing coconut mojitos or piña coladas that echo the pie’s tropical coconut notes, creating a delightful flavor harmony.

Serve rich, smooth beverages like cold brew coffee with cream or chai latte to balance the pie’s sweet, dense texture.

Offer light lemon sorbet or orange-infused tea to cut through the pie’s richness and provide a bright, zesty counterpoint.

Select sweet dessert wines like Moscato or late harvest Riesling that will beautifully complement the pie’s sugary, coconut-rich profile.

Storage Advice To Preserve French Coconut Pie

  • Store the cooled pie in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Enjoy within this timeframe for best taste and texture.
  • Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Warm individual slices at 325F for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and maintain moisture.
  • Heat slice for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and avoid overheating to prevent texture loss.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for French Coconut Pie?

The key ingredients include butter, sugar, eggs, flour, milk, vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and a pie crust.

  • Is this pie similar to a custard pie?

Yes, it shares similarities with custard pies because of its creamy, smooth filling made with eggs, milk, and sugar.

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

The pie is done when the top turns golden brown and the filling is set, which typically takes 45-50 minutes in the oven.

  • Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.

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French Coconut Pie Recipe

French Coconut Pie Recipe


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4.9 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Southern comfort meets tropical delight in this French Coconut Pie, a creamy, luscious dessert that whispers sweet tales of culinary tradition. Silky custard and toasted coconut nestled in a flaky crust promise a slice of pure indulgence you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup whole milk

Crust:

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pie dish by positioning the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pan, carefully crimping the edges for a decorative finish.
  2. Create the pie filling by whisking melted butter and sugar until fully integrated, then incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
  3. Mix in flour, milk, vanilla extract, and shredded coconut, stirring until the mixture achieves a smooth, consistent texture without lumps.
  4. Transfer the coconut mixture into the prepared pie crust, distributing the filling evenly across the surface to ensure uniform baking.
  5. Position the pie in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, placing it on the center rack for optimal heat circulation.
  6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring the pie’s progress. If the crust edges darken too quickly, shield them with aluminum foil around the 30-minute mark.
  7. Confirm doneness by checking for a golden-brown top and a set filling that doesn’t jiggle when gently shaken.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, which helps the filling stabilize and set properly.
  9. Slice and serve the pie as is, or enhance the dessert with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.

Notes

  • Swap out regular flour for gluten-free flour blend to make this pie suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Toast the shredded coconut before adding to the filling for an enhanced nutty flavor and deeper golden color.
  • Use a pie shield or aluminum foil strips to prevent over-browning of the crust edges during the longer baking time.
  • Chill the pie for a few hours before serving to help the filling set more firmly and develop a richer taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 387 kcal
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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