French Coconut Pie

Have you ever tried French coconut pie? If not, you’re in for a treat! This pie is sweet, creamy, and filled with coconut—every bite is like a little piece of heaven.

I love making it because it’s so simple, yet everyone always asks for the recipe. The golden, crisp top and creamy coconut filling will have you coming back for more. Let’s dive into how easy it is to whip up this delicious pie!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like sugar, eggs, and coconut.
• Easy to Make: No need for fancy equipment—just mix, pour, and bake!
• Rich & Creamy Texture: The custard filling melts in your mouth, with a delicious coconut chewiness.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it warm, cold, or at room temperature. Great for holidays, potlucks, and everyday desserts!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: This pie stores well, so you can bake it in advance.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before starting, gather these tools:

✔️ Mixing Bowls – For combining the ingredients.
✔️ Whisk or Hand Mixer – To blend the custard filling smoothly.
✔️ Pie Dish (9-inch) – A standard-size pie dish works best.
✔️ Spatula – Helps evenly spread the filling.
✔️ Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate measurements.
✔️ Baking Sheet (Optional) – To prevent spills while baking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and flavorful pie (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• White Sugar: Sweetens the pie and balances the coconut flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: A small amount helps stabilize the custard filling.
• Eggs: Provides structure and gives the pie its creamy texture.
• Buttermilk: Adds slight tanginess, enhancing the pie’s flavor.
• Flaked Coconut: The star ingredient, bringing tropical sweetness and chewiness.
• Chopped Pecans: Adds crunch and a nutty depth (optional but highly recommended).
• Margarine (Melted): Helps create a smooth, buttery filling.
• Prepared Pastry Shell: A pre-made or homemade pie crust holds the luscious filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using a homemade pie crust, roll it out into a 9-inch pie pan and set aside.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together sugar and flour until well combined. This ensures the sugar distributes evenly in the custard.

3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Then add buttermilk, melted margarine, and vanilla extract (if using). Whisk until smooth.

4. Combine and Add the Coconut

Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking continuously to create a smooth batter. Stir in the flaked coconut and chopped pecans.

5. Assemble the Pie

Pour the prepared custard filling into the unbaked pie shell. Use a spatula to evenly distribute the coconut and pecans so that every bite is packed with flavor.

6. Bake to Perfection

Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is just set but still slightly jiggly.

Baking Tips:
✔️ Check at 30 minutes – If the crust is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
✔️ Don’t overbake – The pie will firm up as it cools. Overbaking can make it dry.
✔️ Use a toothpick test – Inserted near the center, it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

7. Cool Completely

Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This allows the custard to set properly.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve French Coconut Pie

This pie is delicious warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Here are some ways to elevate your serving:

• Classic Style: Serve plain with a cup of coffee or tea.
• With Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds a creamy contrast.
• A La Mode: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream takes this pie to the next level.
• Drizzle It: Add a light drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
• Toasted Coconut Garnish: Sprinkle toasted coconut on top for added crunch.

Storing French Coconut Pie

This pie stores beautifully and is great for making ahead!

• At Room Temperature: If serving within 24 hours, loosely cover with plastic wrap and leave it at room temperature.
• In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing Instructions: Wrap the completely cooled pie in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Variations for French Coconut Pie

Want to customize your pie? Try these delicious variations:

• Chocolate Coconut Pie: Stir in ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Coconut Almond Delight: Replace pecans with sliced almonds for a nutty variation.
• Citrus Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon or orange zest to brighten up the flavor.
• Boozy Coconut Pie: Mix in 1 tablespoon of rum or bourbon for a rich, decadent upgrade.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free pie crust and replace the flour with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Tips and Tricks for Success

✔️ Use Fresh Eggs – Fresh eggs provide the best texture and help the custard set properly.
✔️ Shred Your Own Coconut – If using unsweetened coconut, try lightly sweetening it for better flavor balance.
✔️ Let It Cool Completely – The custard needs time to firm up after baking. Don’t rush the slicing!
✔️ Use a Pie Shield – If the crust browns too fast, cover the edges with aluminum foil or a pie crust shield.
✔️ For Extra Toasty Coconut Flavor – Lightly toast the shredded coconut before adding it to the filling.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	380
Carbohydrates	45g
Protein	5g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	10g
Cholesterol	85mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	35g
Sodium	150mg

French Coconut Pie FAQs

1. Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of flaked coconut?

Yes! If using sweetened coconut, the pie will be slightly sweeter. You may want to reduce the sugar by 2 tablespoons.

2. Can I substitute buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! French Coconut Pie stores well and can be made 1-2 days in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve.

4. Can I freeze French Coconut Pie?

Yes! Wrap the cooled pie in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

5. How do I know when the pie is done baking?

The pie is done when the edges are set and golden brown, but the center has a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools.

Conclusion

French Coconut Pie is a simple yet irresistible dessert that brings together the rich, creamy texture of custard with the sweet chewiness of coconut. Whether you enjoy it warm, chilled, or at room temperature, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its buttery crust and nutty coconut filling make it a perfect treat for family gatherings, holidays, or just a sweet indulgence on a regular day.

With easy-to-find ingredients and a fuss-free preparation, this pie is an effortless way to impress your guests. Plus, it stores well, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert for any occasion.