Oh, let me tell you about my grandma’s coconut cream pie! Just thinking about it brings back the sweetest memories of family gatherings, laughter, and that heavenly aroma wafting through the kitchen. There’s something so special about that creamy coconut filling, perfectly nestled in a flaky crust that just melts in your mouth. I can still see my grandma effortlessly whisking together the ingredients, her smile lighting up the room. Every slice was like a hug on a plate, bringing everyone together around the table. Trust me, every bite of this pie is pure nostalgia, evoking warmth and love that only a grandma’s recipe can provide. It’s not just dessert; it’s a cherished memory, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Ingredients List
Gather these ingredients for a delightful slice of grandma’s coconut cream pie. Trust me, you’ll want to have everything ready before you start!
- 1 pre-made pie crust – You can find this in the freezer section or bake your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- 1 cup coconut milk – This adds that rich coconut flavor. Make sure it’s the canned variety for the best results.
- 1 cup whole milk – This balances the creaminess of the coconut milk.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetness is key here; adjust to your liking if you prefer it less sweet.
- 1/3 cup cornstarch – This will help thicken your filling, giving it that luscious texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all those sweet flavors!
- 3 large egg yolks – These will give your pie a rich, custardy filling. Make sure to separate them carefully!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – For that warm, comforting flavor that ties everything together.
- 1 cup shredded coconut – Use sweetened or unsweetened based on your taste preference. I love a good sprinkle of sweetness!
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – This will be whipped into luscious peaks for topping your pie.
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar – This is for sweetening the whipped cream just a touch.
Now that you have everything, you’re one step closer to creating this delicious masterpiece!
How to Prepare *Grandmas Coconut Cream Pie*
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful process of making grandma’s coconut cream pie! It’s simpler than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect golden crust!
- Next, take your pre-made pie crust and place it in a pie dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, just until it’s slightly golden. Set it aside to cool.
- While that’s baking, grab a saucepan and combine the coconut milk, whole milk, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth. This is where the magic begins!
- Now, heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. You want to keep stirring until it thickens up nicely—this could take about 5-7 minutes. Be patient; it’s so worth it!
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the egg yolks and vanilla extract until fully combined. This is going to make your filling rich and delicious!
- Stir in the shredded coconut, letting it mingle with that lovely filling. Pour this luscious mixture into your baked pie crust.
- Now, it’s time for the waiting game! Chill your pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it’s set. Trust me, this step is a game changer!
- Just before serving, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Spread this heavenly whipped cream over the chilled pie, and you’re done!
And there you have it! A beautiful, creamy coconut pie that’s sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your grandma’s coconut cream pie turns out absolutely perfect every time. Follow these, and you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills!
- Chill well: Don’t rush the chilling process! Allow the pie to set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This will help the filling firm up beautifully.
- Whisk constantly: When heating the milk mixture, keep whisking to prevent lumps. It makes all the difference in achieving that silky texture.
- Use fresh coconut: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using fresh shredded coconut for an even more intense flavor.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste your filling before pouring it into the crust. You can always add a little more sugar if you like it sweeter!
- Top it right: For a special touch, consider toasting some coconut flakes to sprinkle on top of the whipped cream. It adds a lovely crunch!
With these tips in hand, you’re all set to create a pie that would make grandma proud!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deliciously Creamy: The combination of coconut milk and whole milk creates a filling that’s rich, smooth, and utterly indulgent. You’ll find yourself savoring every bite!
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this pie is perfect for bakers of all skill levels. You don’t have to be a pro to whip up this delight!
- Nostalgic Flavor: Each slice is a trip down memory lane, bringing back warm feelings of family gatherings and cherished moments spent with grandma.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: You can easily adjust the sweetness to suit your taste, making it just right for you and your loved ones.
- Impressive Presentation: The fluffy whipped cream topping and glossy filling make for a stunning dessert that will wow your guests at any gathering.
- Versatile Treat: This pie is great for any occasion—whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just a cozy night in with friends. It’s bound to be a hit every time!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving grandma’s coconut cream pie, I love to keep it simple yet delightful! Here are a few ideas that pair beautifully with this creamy treat:
- Fresh Berries: A handful of juicy strawberries or tart raspberries on the side adds a refreshing contrast to the rich pie.
- Coconut Macaroons: For the coconut lover, serve some chewy coconut macaroons for an extra dose of that delicious flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream complements the pie’s creaminess while adding a cool touch.
- Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that brightens every bite!
Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create the perfect dessert spread that everyone will enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your grandma’s coconut cream pie fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay good for up to 3 days, but trust me, it rarely lasts that long in my house!
If you find yourself with some leftover pie, there’s really no need to reheat it. This pie is best enjoyed chilled right from the fridge. The creamy filling and whipped topping are at their absolute best when served cold. Just slice yourself a piece, and you’re ready to go! If you want to add a little extra flair, whip up some fresh cream or sprinkle on a few toasted coconut flakes right before serving.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a little breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for a slice of grandma’s coconut cream pie. Keep in mind these are approximations, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re indulging in!
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 4g
Enjoy this delicious pie knowing it’s a wonderful treat, perfect for sharing with family and friends! Just remember, moderation is key when it comes to indulgent desserts like this one!
FAQ Section
Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of a pre-made one?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust can add a personal touch and flavor that’s hard to beat. Just make sure it’s fully baked before adding the filling.
What can I substitute for coconut milk?
If you can’t find coconut milk, you can use almond milk or another non-dairy milk, but the flavor will be different. For the closest match, use a mixture of regular milk and a bit of coconut extract!
How do I know when the filling is thick enough?
The filling should coat the back of a spoon and have a pudding-like consistency. If it’s still runny, keep cooking while stirring until it thickens.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and it’s perfect for serving chilled. Just cover it well in the refrigerator.
What if I don’t like shredded coconut?
No worries! You can simply omit the shredded coconut from the filling. The pie will still be deliciously creamy and coconut-flavored!
Grandmas Coconut Cream Pie: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore It
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic dessert made with creamy coconut filling and a flaky crust.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the pie crust in a pie dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, whole milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk until smooth.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat until it thickens, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and whisk in egg yolks and vanilla.
- Stir in shredded coconut.
- Pour the filling into the baked pie crust.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Spread whipped cream over the chilled pie before serving.
Notes
- Use unsweetened coconut for a less sweet pie.
- Top with toasted coconut for added texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: grandmas coconut cream pie, coconut pie, dessert recipes
