Let’s go through the detailed steps to create this delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
- For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup ice water
- For the Filling:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, stirring until the mixture forms a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place crust in pie plate, and press the dough evenly into the bottom and sides.
- Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Remove the paper and weights, and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until crust is golden brown. Cool on a wire rack.
- Make the Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, half-and-half, eggs, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and boils. Remove from heat and stir in shredded coconut and vanilla extract.
- Pour the hot filling into the baked pie crust. Cover with plastic wrap, placing the wrap directly on the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Spread over the cooled pie.
- Garnish:
- Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the whipped cream just before serving.
Nutritional Information
Coconut cream pie is rich in flavor and calories. A detailed breakdown of its nutritional content, including calories, fats, carbohydrates, and sugars, will help you understand how it fits into your dietary needs.
Variations of the Recipe
For those looking to tweak the classic recipe, variations such as using a graham cracker crust, adding a layer of chocolate beneath the custard, or incorporating a meringue topping instead of whipped cream offer delightful alternatives to suit different tastes and occasions.
Conclusion
Coconut cream pie is a wonderfully indulgent treat that combines simple ingredients to create a dessert that’s much greater than the sum of its parts. Whether for a holiday, special occasion, or as a treat for yourself, this pie is sure to satisfy. Through careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a coconut cream pie that’s sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.