Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (9-inch) pre-baked deep-dish pie crust
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure alcohol-free vanilla extract
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, divided (1 1/2 cups for filling, 1/2 cup for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, whole milk, and heavy cream until fully combined. Gradually pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Step 2: Cook the custard mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, scraping the bottom and sides of the pan frequently. Once the mixture thickens significantly and comes to a gentle boil, continue to boil for 1 full minute to ensure the cornstarch is cooked out.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the alcohol-free vanilla extract and 1 1/2 cups of the sweetened shredded coconut. Pour the hot filling immediately into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with the spatula.
- Step 4: Cover the surface of the pie filling directly with plastic wrap (to prevent a skin from forming) and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the filling is completely set and chilled.
- Step 5: Just before serving, prepare fresh whipped cream and spread it over the chilled pie. Toast the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded coconut until golden brown, then sprinkle evenly over the whipped cream topping.
Notes
- For optimal freshness, store the pie (covered loosely) in the refrigerator for up to three days, remembering that it should not sit at room temperature for longer than two hours.
- This pie cannot be reheated; always serve chilled directly from the refrigerator to maintain the perfect custard consistency and food safety.
- To guarantee a perfectly set filling without any starchy aftertaste, make certain the custard mixture comes to a full, rolling boil and cooks for 1 minute while stirring vigorously.
- Elevate the visual appeal by grating a little fresh lime zest over the toasted coconut topping just before serving; the slight acidity beautifully complements the creamy sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American