If you’re searching for a dessert that’s blissfully simple yet brimming with cozy, nostalgic flavor, French Coconut Pie is about to become your go-to favorite. Imagine a golden, custard-filled pie that magically forms layers in the oven: a buttery crust, a creamy coconut filling, and a beautifully caramelized top. This classic treat combines the lush richness of coconut with a silky base and a delightful sweetness that’ll win over everyone at the table. Trust me, one slice of French Coconut Pie feels like a little piece of Southern hospitality shared right from my family table to yours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of French Coconut Pie is that a handful of pantry staples come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient plays an important role, adding unique flavor, texture, or color to make every bite memorable.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The foundation for your pie, either homemade or store-bought, for a tender, buttery bite.
- 1½ cups granulated sugar: Brings the perfect amount of sweetness and helps form that crackly, golden top.
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut: The star of the show, offering chewiness, flavor, and a hint of tropical flair.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the filling together and lend a luscious, custard-like texture.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Just enough to help stabilize the custard without making it dense.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creamy richness that makes the filling silky and moist.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled: Infuses the pie with buttery flavor and keeps it tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the coconut with warm, aromatic sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens all the flavors.
How to Make French Coconut Pie
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Mixing Bowl
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your French Coconut Pie will bake evenly and develop its iconic golden top. Grab a large mixing bowl — you’ll be combining nearly all your ingredients here, so give yourself plenty of space to whisk and fold comfortably.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
Add the granulated sugar, flour, and salt directly to your mixing bowl. Whisk them together thoroughly so any lumps disappear and the mixture is perfectly uniform. This will prevent clumps and guarantee a smooth, tender custard.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs to the bowl and beat until fully incorporated. The mixture should be glossy and unified. Next, stir in the milk, melted butter (make sure it’s cooled slightly so you don’t scramble your eggs!), and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is beautifully blended — the whole kitchen will start to smell absolutely divine!
Step 4: Fold in Coconut
Gently fold in the sweetened shredded coconut. This is where the magic happens: the coconut will subtly float as the pie bakes, creating a light chew and the signature look and flavor French Coconut Pie is loved for.
Step 5: Fill the Pie Crust and Bake
Pour the filling into your unbaked pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop the pie in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden and set, though the center may still have the faintest jiggle. As it bakes, the filling organizes itself into soft layers — no complicated steps required!
Step 6: Cool Completely
Remove your French Coconut Pie from the oven and set it on a wire rack. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing; this helps the custard set for neat, picture-perfect pieces. Enjoy your pie at room temperature or chilled, depending on your mood!
How to Serve French Coconut Pie
Garnishes
This pie is lovely on its own, but you can make it extra special with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. For a little color, a few fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar add charm without distracting from the signature coconut flavor.
Side Dishes
Balance out the sweetness of French Coconut Pie with simple sides. Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast in texture, or serve with a mug of hot coffee or tea to round off the experience. Some even enjoy it alongside tropical fruit like pineapple or mango for a sunny twist.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or looking for a fresh presentation, try baking mini pies in individual tart pans, or cut the finished pie into petite bars for a sharable dessert platter. French Coconut Pie also shines in a trifle, layered with whipped cream and berries in elegant glass cups for a playful, parfait-style treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
French Coconut Pie keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store for up to 4 days. The custard stays soft, and the flavors actually meld and intensify after the first day — if you can resist eating it all at once!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole pie securely in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving; the pie retains its creamy texture beautifully after thawing.
Reheating
If you prefer your French Coconut Pie slightly warm, place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 10-second increments until just warmed through. You can also reheat in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes to restore a hint of that fresh-baked aroma.
FAQs
Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?
You can swap in unsweetened coconut if you prefer a less sweet pie or want a more pronounced coconut flavor. You may wish to add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to make up the difference, as sweetened coconut adds both flavor and moisture.
Does French Coconut Pie need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of its custard-style filling, it’s best to store French Coconut Pie in the refrigerator for freshness and food safety. Just bring it to room temperature before serving if you prefer the filling extra soft.
Can I make this pie crustless?
Absolutely! You can pour the filling into a greased pie plate without a crust and bake as directed. The pie will still form its own subtle layers, though it may be even softer and more custardy throughout.
How do I know when my French Coconut Pie is done?
It’s ready when the top is deeply golden and the center is set with just a tiny wobble in the middle. The filling will continue to firm up as it cools, so don’t overbake. If the edges brown too quickly, loosely cover them with foil.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Certainly! A pinch of lemon zest, a splash of almond extract, or even a handful of chopped pecans can complement the coconut beautifully. Just don’t go overboard — the beauty of French Coconut Pie is in its simplicity.
Final Thoughts
There’s something endlessly welcoming about a slice of French Coconut Pie — it’s the perfect ending to any meal or a sweet surprise for afternoon coffee breaks. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and share it with the people you love. If coconut is your thing, I promise this pie will earn a permanent spot in your dessert rotation!
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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
Indulge in the rich, custard-like goodness of this French Coconut Pie, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and coconut flavor in every bite.
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 the oven to 350°F.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and salt.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the eggs and beat until smooth. Stir in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine coconut: Fold in the shredded coconut.
- Fill pie crust: Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set. Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- This pie forms its own soft, custard-like layers as it bakes.
- For a deeper coconut flavor, toast the shredded coconut before mixing it in.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
