If you love a rich, custardy dessert with that irresistible tropical touch, this French Coconut Pie Recipe is going to become your new favorite slice of heaven. It’s a beautiful blend of creamy, coconut-infused filling nestled inside a flaky pie crust that perfectly balances sweetness and texture. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy night dessert, this pie delights with every bite, carrying that warm, comforting aura of a lovingly baked southern classic with an elegant French twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential because each plays a key role in creating the luscious texture and deep coconut flavor that makes this pie so memorable. From the velvety eggs to the classic vanilla and the star of the show, shredded coconut, everything works together in harmony.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: This provides a flaky, buttery base that holds all the creamy filling perfectly.
- 1½ cups granulated sugar: Adds the right level of sweetness to balance the custard’s richness.
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut: The signature ingredient offering chewy texture and tropical flavor.
- 3 large eggs: They give the filling structure and that classic custard creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps to slightly thicken the custard for a smooth result.
- 1 cup whole milk: Provides moisture and richness to the pie’s filling.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Brings a luscious buttery taste and silky softness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm vanilla notes.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make French Coconut Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the pie will bake evenly, and the crust will turn golden and flaky while the filling slowly sets to perfection.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, flour, and salt together. Getting this done first makes sure the custard ingredients combine smoothly without lumps.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Combine
Crack in the eggs and beat the mixture until completely smooth. The eggs are key to creating the custardy texture, so ensure they blend well with the dry ingredients before moving forward.
Step 4: Stir in Liquids and Flavor
Next, pour in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until well combined. These ingredients bring richness, moisture, and aroma that define the pie.
Step 5: Fold in Shredded Coconut
Gently fold in the shredded coconut. This adds the crucial chewy texture and bursts of coconut flavor that make this French Coconut Pie Recipe stand out.
Step 6: Pour and Bake
Pour the creamy filling into your unbaked pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top glows golden and the center sets with a slight jiggle.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the pie to cool fully on a wire rack before slicing. This rest time lets the custard firm up a bit for clean slices and the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve French Coconut Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top adds a charming visual appeal and extra crunch. Fresh whipped cream pairs wonderfully if you want a rich, airy finish.
Side Dishes
This pie shines on its own but pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a bright berry compote complements its creamy texture and sweet coconut notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices on pretty dessert plates garnished with edible flowers or alongside a drizzle of caramel sauce for a fancy twist. For a party, individual mini versions of this French Coconut Pie Recipe in tartlet pans will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover slices covered in the refrigerator up to four days. The pie stays moist and flavorful, so just cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie after it has completely cooled by wrapping it tightly in foil and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture before serving.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy this French Coconut Pie Recipe warm, gently reheat slices in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or microwave briefly. Warm pie brings out the custard’s softness beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use sweetened or unsweetened coconut?
For this French Coconut Pie Recipe, sweetened shredded coconut works best as it adds extra sweetness and moisture, enriching the flavor and texture. Unsweetened can be used but might need a bit more sugar to balance.
Is it necessary to bake the pie crust before filling it?
This recipe uses an unbaked pie crust, and the filling bakes along with it. The crust turns golden and flaky as the custard cooks, so no pre-baking is required here.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
You can substitute whole milk with a full-fat coconut milk or almond milk and use dairy-free butter alternatives to adapt this pie for a dairy-free diet, although the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
What does the slight jiggle in the filling mean?
The center having a little jiggle indicates the custard is perfectly set but still creamy inside, avoiding overbaking which can cause dryness or cracking.
How can I intensify the coconut flavor?
Try toasting the shredded coconut lightly in a dry pan before folding it into the filling; this technique brings out a deeper, nuttier coconut aroma that elevates the entire pie.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this French Coconut Pie Recipe that makes it a standout dessert with its comforting custard and tropical coconut charm. I encourage you to try it soon—it’s simple, rewarding, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
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French Coconut Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This French Coconut Pie is a luscious Southern dessert featuring a rich custard filling loaded with sweetened shredded coconut, baked to golden perfection in a flaky unbaked 9-inch pie crust. The pie boasts layers of soft, custard-like texture with a delightful coconut flavor, perfect for serving at room temperature or chilled.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and salt thoroughly.
- Add Eggs: Crack the eggs into the bowl and beat the mixture until smooth and fully combined, ensuring a consistent custard base.
- Add Liquids: Stir in the whole milk, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing well to create a creamy, cohesive filling.
- Incorporate Coconut: Fold the sweetened shredded coconut into the mixture gently, distributing it evenly without overmixing.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the filling mixture into the unbaked 9-inch pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top turns golden and the center is set but may still have a slight jiggle.
- Cool Completely: Remove the pie from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let it cool completely to allow the custard-like layers to set properly.
- Serve: Slice and serve the pie at room temperature or chilled, according to preference.
Notes
- This pie forms its own soft, custard-like layers as it bakes, creating a unique texture.
- For a deeper coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut lightly in a dry pan before folding it into the filling.
- Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
