French Coconut Pie Recipe

The Dreamy French Coconut Pie Recipe Everyone Adores

Delightful french coconut pie whispers sweet promises of tropical indulgence from the moment you slice into its golden, flaky crust.

Memories of sunny coastlines dance across each creamy bite.

Warm vanilla and rich coconut meld together in a perfectly balanced dessert that feels both comforting and elegant.

Crisp, toasted coconut flakes add a delightful crunch to the silky custard base.

Southern bakers have long treasured this simple yet spectacular treat that comes together with just a few humble ingredients.

Baking this pie fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone to the table.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable forkful of this classic southern treasure.

All The Reasons For French Coconut Pie

  • Celebrate Tropical Simplicity: This French Coconut Pie brings island vibes to your kitchen with minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend treats, this pie satisfies sweet cravings with its rich, creamy coconut filling.
  • Beginner Baker's Delight: Novice bakers can confidently create this recipe without advanced pastry skills, making it an approachable and rewarding baking experience.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy the pie chilled or at room temperature, offering flexibility for different preferences and occasions like summer parties or cozy dessert nights.

What You’ll Need For French Coconut Pie

Pie Base:
  • Pie Crust: A buttery and flaky foundation that holds the creamy coconut filling.
Coconut Filling Ingredients:
  • Shredded Coconut: Provides the signature tropical texture and rich coconut flavor.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized golden top.
  • Eggs: Bind the filling together and create a smooth, custard-like consistency.
  • Milk: Contributes to the creamy and rich texture of the pie.
  • Melted Butter: Enhances the richness and adds a smooth, silky mouthfeel.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the coconut flavor.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors in the pie.

French Coconut Pie Directions Made Simple

Step 1: Preheat Oven to Toasty Warmth

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350°F, getting it ready for a delightful coconut pie adventure.

Step 2: Create Magical Coconut Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these dreamy ingredients:
  • Shredded coconut
  • Granulated sugar
  • Fresh eggs
  • Creamy milk
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 3: Embrace the Pie Crust

Pour your luscious coconut mixture directly into a waiting pie crust, making sure it’s evenly spread.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and let it transform for 40-45 minutes. Watch for a gorgeous golden top and a firm center that jiggles just slightly when touched.

Step 5: Cool Down and Relax

Remove the pie from the oven and let it chill out at room temperature. This helps the filling set beautifully.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Slice into this tropical treasure and serve it either at room temperature or slightly chilled. Each bite promises a creamy, coconutty escape that’ll transport your taste buds to paradise.

Smart Ideas For French Coconut Pie Success

  • Toast Coconut First: Lightly toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet for enhanced nutty flavor and deeper golden color before mixing into the pie filling.
  • Choose Quality Pie Crust: Use a homemade or high-quality store-bought butter pie crust for the best flaky texture and rich taste.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a knife near the center – if it comes out clean and the top is golden brown, the pie is perfectly baked.
  • Prevent Soggy Crust: Brush pie crust edges with egg wash before adding filling to create a protective barrier against moisture.
  • Serve with Flair: Top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes to elevate the presentation and add extra texture.

Creative Takes On French Coconut Pie

  • Tropical Almond Pie: Replace shredded coconut with sliced almonds and add almond extract for a nutty flavor profile.
  • Vegan Coconut Custard Pie: Substitute eggs with silken tofu, use coconut milk, and replace butter with coconut oil for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie: Use a gluten-free pie crust made from almond flour or graham cracker crumbs to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
  • Low-Sugar Coconut Pie: Swap sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia and reduce overall sweetness for a diabetic-friendly option.

Pairing Picks For French Coconut Pie

  • Sip Sweet Muscadine Wine: The fruity, honeyed notes of muscadine wine complement the pie's rich coconut sweetness, creating a delightful Southern-inspired pairing.
  • Pair with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream adds a luxurious contrast to the warm, toasty coconut pie, enhancing its tropical texture and flavor profile.
  • Enjoy with Dark Roast Coffee: A bold, robust coffee cuts through the pie's sweetness, providing a perfect balance and highlighting the dessert's complex coconut nuances.
  • Serve with Caramel Cream Liqueur: The smooth, buttery caramel liqueur echoes the pie's rich butter and sugar notes, elevating the overall dessert experience with a decadent touch.

Storing French Coconut Pie The Right Way

  • Store the pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, keeping its delicious coconut flavor fresh and texture intact.
  • Wrap the cooled pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring no freezer burn affects its taste.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or place in a preheated 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and crispy.
  • Transfer the frozen pie to the refrigerator overnight, then warm gently in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes to restore its original texture and taste.

Questions People Ask About French Coconut Pie

  • What ingredients make French Coconut Pie unique?

Shredded coconut, eggs, milk, and butter create a rich, creamy filling that gives this pie its distinctive tropical taste and smooth texture.

  • Is this pie considered a traditional French dessert?

Despite its name, French Coconut Pie is more of an American Southern recipe, likely inspired by French culinary techniques but developed in the United States.

  • Can I use fresh or dried coconut for this recipe?

Dried shredded coconut works best for this pie, as it provides the right consistency and helps the filling set properly during baking.

  • How do I know when the pie is fully baked?

The pie is done when the top turns golden brown and the filling is firm, with minimal jiggle when you gently shake the pie dish.

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French Coconut Pie Recipe

French Coconut Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky French coconut pie brings tropical bliss straight from Louisiana’s heartwarming kitchens. Sweet custard layers and toasted coconut create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with pure southern comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup melted butter

Crust:

  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Seasoning and Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a warm 350°F, creating the perfect environment for baking this tropical-inspired dessert.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded coconut with granulated sugar, cracking fresh eggs and incorporating them alongside creamy milk and richly melted butter.
  3. Enhance the mixture with a splash of aromatic vanilla extract and a delicate pinch of salt, whisking until all ingredients meld into a smooth, cohesive filling.
  4. Carefully transfer the luscious coconut mixture into a prepared pie crust, ensuring an even distribution that promises consistent flavor in every slice.
  5. Place the pie in the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 40-45 minutes until the surface transforms into a golden-brown landscape and the filling sets with a gentle firmness.
  6. Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest, allowing the intense heat to gradually dissipate and the filling to stabilize completely.
  7. Once cooled to room temperature, slice and serve the French Coconut Pie, revealing its tender, creamy interior and inviting golden-kissed surface.
  8. For an extra refreshing experience, chill the pie briefly before serving, intensifying its delightful coconut essence and creating a sublime dessert perfect for any occasion.

Notes

  • Toasting coconut beforehand enhances the nutty, rich flavor profile and adds delightful crispness to the pie’s texture.
  • Use unsweetened shredded coconut for better control of overall sweetness and more natural coconut taste.
  • Gluten-free option: Replace traditional pie crust with almond flour or graham cracker crust made from gluten-free crackers.
  • Reduce butter slightly and substitute with coconut oil for an extra intense tropical coconut experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 303 kcal
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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