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Home » My Latest Recipes

Old Fashioned Coconut Custard Pie Recipe

May 12, 2022 · 53 Comments

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This old-fashioned coconut custard pie has a creamy egg custard filling, just the right amount of sweetness and is loaded with coconut. This pie is super easy to make, mixes up in just 5 minutes and only requires a whisk, a bowl, a spatula and a few ingredients to create.

coconut custard pie for dessertswithstephanie.com

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Coconut custard pies are often a staple for holiday dinner desserts but it is a refreshing summer dessert also - just drizzle a little mango curd on your serving plates and over the top of the pie! Add a dash of nutmeg if creating for your holiday menu.

This pie is not too fancy and not too complicated to make - so grab your kids and have them help you create it.

Jump to:
  • Ingredient Tips
  • Recipe Tips
  • Pie Crust
  • FAQs
  • More coconut desserts
  • 📋 Recipe
coconut custard pie with espresso maker in background

Ingredient Tips

  • This pie is best baked in a sweet pie dough but a flaky pie dough or graham cracker crust will also work nicely. Alternatively, the pie may be baked without a crust for a crustless coconut custard pie.
  • Bring the eggs and whole milk to room temperature before mixing the custard filling. Cold eggs and milk could cause the filling to separate. If you are in a hurry, simply warm the milk slightly in the microwave and place the eggs in a bowl of warm water for several minutes.
  • Use sweetened and shredded coconut for this pie. You don't need to toast your coconut before mixing the pie filling. We are sprinkling coconut on top of this pie prior to baking to create a crunchy top.
ingredients needed for coconut custard pie

Recipe Tips

  • The ingredients for this coconut custard pie are added one after the other. Whisk gently but thoroughly after the ingredients are added. Fold in the shredded coconut.
  • Bake the pie on a cookie sheet or a pie drip catcher. My preference is to use a pie drip catcher with a hole in the center. This will allow heat to reach the bottom crust more easily.
shredded coconut

Pie Crust

I recommend chilling your pie crust prior to baking the pie. This will reduce the chances the pie crust will shrink or burn. My Sweet Pie Dough works wonderfully with this old-fashioned coconut custard pie. It produces a buttery soft crust and holds it's shape well during baking.

slice of old fashioned coconut custard pie on a plate

FAQs

Can I freeze this pie?

  • Coconut custard pies should not be frozen.  The custard may separate during the defrosting time.

What is a coconut custard pie vs a coconut cream pie?

  • Coconut custard pie is made with an egg and milk filling that sets up and thickens in the oven. Coconut cream pie is a custard, but it's cooked on the stovetop and placed in the refrigerator until set.

How do I know when my pie is finished baking?

  • You will know that the coconut custard pie is done when the center of the pie only wiggles slightly. 

Does coconut custard pie need to be refrigerated?

  • Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature.  This will take approximately three hours.  Once the pie is fully cooled, place in the refrigerator for storage.  Allow the pie to come to room temperature prior to serving (approximately one hour).  Note:  never put a hot pie in the refrigerator.

More coconut desserts

Love coconut and want a few more dessert ideas? Check out the following recipes:

  • coconut macaroon recipe without using condensed milk
    Coconut Macaroons Without Condensed Milk
  • German chocolate frosting on a chocolate cake
    German Chocolate Frosting Recipe
  • mango cream tart with graham crust overhead view
    Mango Tart with a Coconut Graham Cracker Crust
  • stack of cookie bars on a wooden countertop
    Chocolate Coconut Cookie Bars

📋 Recipe

Coconut Custard Pie Recipe

Coconut Custard Pie

This old-fashioned coconut custard pie has a creamy egg custard filling, just the right amount of sweetness and is loaded with coconut flakes.
4.95 from 37 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Cooling time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 55 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 356 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Pie Pan 9"
  • 1 Pie Drip Catcher or
  • 1 Cookie Sheet Pan
  • Hand whisk and rubber spatula
  • Bowls, measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 Pre-rolled pie crust My Sweet Dough recipe works wonderfully for this pie
  • 2 Large Eggs Room temperature
  • ½ Cup Unsalted Butter Melted
  • 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
  • ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg (optional)
  • ¾ Cup Whole Milk Room temperature
  • 1 ½ Cups Shredded Coconut, sweetened (for pie filling)
  • 2 Tablespoons Shredded Coconut (for sprinkling over pie)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉ (180℃)
  • Melt butter and let cool slightly.
  • Add eggs to a bowl and whisk lightly.
  • Add sugar to the bowl and whisk lightly.
  • Add melted butter to the bowl and whisk lightly.
  • Add flour to the bowl and whisk lightly.
  • Optional: add nutmeg to bowl and whisk lightly.
  • Add milk to the bowl and whisk lightly.
  • Stir in 1 ½ cups shredded coconut.
  • Pour filling into pre-rolled 9" pie crust.
  • Sprinkle 2 tablespoons shredded coconut over top of pie.
  • Place on a cookie sheet pan or pie drip catcher. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes. Check pie after 35 minutes and cover crust with a pie shield or wrap loosely in foil if crust is turning too dark.
  • Cool for at least 2 hours before serving. Refrigerate leftovers - if you have any!

Video

YouTube video

Notes

  • Take care to not overbake pie. You may test for doneness by inserting an instant read thermometer into center of pie. The internal temperature should be 170℉.

Nutrition

Calories: 356kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 3gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 84mgPotassium: 133mgFiber: 3gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 314IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 33mgIron: 1mg
Keyword coconut custard pie, coconut custard pie recipe, coconut pies, easy coconut custard pie
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sara says

    May 05, 2025 at 4:43 pm

    Does I need to pre-bake the crust?

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      May 05, 2025 at 6:44 pm

      No, the pie will spend enough time in the oven so you don't have to pre-bake the crust. You do want to keep your crust in the fridge until it's time to fill it.

      Reply
  2. TimW says

    April 19, 2025 at 3:12 pm

    I’m a novice with coconut. Is the coconut in your custard pie supposed to be sweetened or unsweetened? My supermarket has both.

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      April 19, 2025 at 3:58 pm

      Hi Tim, use sweetened coconut. Thank you for pointing out I am missing this clarification in the recipe! If you use unsweetened coconut, just add an an extra teaspoon of sugar to the recipe.

      Reply
      • TimW says

        April 19, 2025 at 6:36 pm

        5 stars
        Thank you. I noticed too late you specified sweetened in the comments above the recipe. I’ve made the pie and it turned out well! Still cooling….

        Reply
        • dessertswithstephanie says

          April 20, 2025 at 10:51 am

          That's great! I hope you enjoy.

          Reply
  3. Della says

    February 10, 2025 at 1:43 pm

    5 stars
    Would make this again....and again. Full of coconut flavor. I substituted brown sugar and it came out fine.

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      February 10, 2025 at 3:39 pm

      Hi Della, thank you for the feedback. I'll have to try the pie recipe with brown sugar sometime soon!

      Reply
  4. Janet says

    October 11, 2024 at 10:45 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious. Used store bought pie crust and it worked out fine. Did cut sugar back to three quarter cup. So simple!

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      October 12, 2024 at 5:40 pm

      Janet, thank you for taking the time to leave some feedback!

      Reply
  5. Tasha says

    October 11, 2024 at 2:51 pm

    This my first time making this pie. Can I use a frozen store bought pie crust ?

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      October 11, 2024 at 3:24 pm

      Hi Tasha, Yes, you may use a frozen pie crust (use a 9" pie crust and not the deep dish crust). You do not need to defrost the crust.

      Reply
  6. Tasha says

    October 11, 2024 at 2:46 pm

    Hello!!! I only have salted butter. Would that be okay to use or do I have to use unsalted?

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      October 11, 2024 at 3:22 pm

      Yes, unsalted is fine.

      Reply
  7. judy womelsdorf says

    October 02, 2024 at 1:14 am

    5 stars
    My my husband loved it!

    Reply
  8. Claudia A Allensworth says

    April 14, 2024 at 9:25 pm

    5 stars
    Just like my grandma made 80 years ago. I added a half a teaspoon of vanilla and a quarter of a teaspoon of coconut extract. when it’s still looks a little jiggly, you stick a silver knife in it. If it comes out clean, it’s done. People tend to overcook custard the trick is to get it out before it gets overcooked. It is delicious recipe. I disagree with the woman that said it was dry. Mine was absolutely delicious, and I did add the nutmeg, freshly grated served it with whipped cream and there’s one little piece left for me

    Reply
  9. Linda UntzRabold says

    April 06, 2024 at 10:43 pm

    5 stars
    This pie is absolutely the best! Great flavor all by itself but adding 1/2 tsp freshly ground nutmeg sends it over the top!!

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      April 07, 2024 at 11:08 am

      Thank you for the feedback, Linda! So pleased you enjoyed the recipe.

      Reply
  10. Brian S says

    March 03, 2024 at 10:00 am

    3 stars
    Didn't work for me. Pie is very thin and quite dry with not much "custard" in the finished product. I toasted the coconut which may have soaked up more liquid than if I had left it untoasted.

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      March 03, 2024 at 1:31 pm

      Thank you for your comment. You are correct - As I explained in my post the coconut should not be toasted.

      Reply
  11. Carl R. says

    January 28, 2024 at 5:11 am

    Whats needed to make a deep dish pie?

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      January 28, 2024 at 2:35 pm

      I have not made this as a deep dish pie - sorry!

      Reply
  12. Lavanda Michelle says

    January 14, 2024 at 8:48 am

    5 stars
    Stephanie, your Old-Fashioned Coconut Custard Pie has become a hero in my dessert repertoire! The creamy egg custard filling and the generous amount of coconut make every bite a delightful experience.

    Reply
  13. Beth says

    January 12, 2024 at 7:50 pm

    5 stars
    This pie is absolutely delicious. I made it for dessert last night, and the flavors and textures are just perfect.

    Reply
  14. Bob says

    December 26, 2023 at 4:22 pm

    Can I just leave the coconut out? I like coconut but wife says, "not for me"

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      December 29, 2023 at 2:18 pm

      Yes, you may leave the coconut out and make just an egg custard pie. Maybe add a little extra vanilla (1 teaspoon) or nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon) for more taste.

      Reply
  15. Elaine says

    December 01, 2023 at 1:39 pm

    5 stars
    I tried this recipe over Thanksgiving. It was delicious. Makes me remember my mom- it was her favorite pie.

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      December 01, 2023 at 1:48 pm

      So nice to know! Thank you, Elaine!

      Reply
  16. Jan Hayes says

    November 04, 2023 at 5:39 pm

    Can I freeze this pie? Need to make several for a wedding and transport.

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      November 05, 2023 at 1:20 pm

      Hi Jan, unfortunately this pie does not freeze well. The custard becomes soggy when defrosting. Thanks for stopping by.

      Reply
  17. Susan JoyAmongChaos says

    September 19, 2023 at 5:55 pm

    5 stars
    I love making this pie almost as much as my family loves eating it! So good!

    Reply
  18. Sharonda says

    August 30, 2023 at 1:14 pm

    5 stars
    This is my absolute favorite pie! I can eat a whole one by myself in one sitting. Thank you for sharing the recipe.

    Reply
  19. Cindy B Morrill says

    July 28, 2023 at 1:52 am

    5 stars
    The best coconut custard pie I have made to date. Does not come out watery like my other pies. Love that you use butter. I've not seen another recipe that uses butter
    This will be my go to recipe, the hubby loves it

    Reply
    • dessertswithstephanie says

      July 28, 2023 at 10:17 am

      Cindy, thank you for your feedback. So pleased to know the recipe was a success for you!

      Reply
  20. Maryanne says

    July 26, 2023 at 11:34 am

    5 stars
    This is a favourite of mine - I find it so refreshing. Your recipes are very clear and easy to follow - thank you!

    Reply
  21. Jess says

    June 22, 2023 at 10:59 pm

    5 stars
    LOVE a good coconut dessert and this custard pie is perfect!

    Reply
  22. Renee says

    June 22, 2023 at 10:06 pm

    5 stars
    Huge coconut fan here! This pie is so easy to make - and it tastes simply delicious! Love your tip about dressing it with mango curd, too. Coconut and mango is such a refreshing combo. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  23. Anjali says

    June 22, 2023 at 9:04 pm

    5 stars
    This pie was filled with coconut flavor! It was rich, sweet and totally delicious!

    Reply
  24. Elizabeth says

    June 22, 2023 at 6:57 pm

    5 stars
    I really enjoy the flavor of coconut, so I'm glad I came across this recipe! Adding the optional nutmeg gives it that extra touch of flavoring.

    Reply
  25. Janie says

    June 22, 2023 at 5:07 pm

    5 stars
    Loved this coconut custard pie! It was the perfect dessert to have. My kitchen smelled so good while it was baking too!

    Reply
  26. vidya says

    May 17, 2023 at 6:38 am

    another delish recipe from you.. i am someone who loves desserts with coconut so this one really is calling out to me

    Reply
  27. Hari says

    April 13, 2023 at 12:50 am

    5 stars
    Awesome recipe! This Coconut pie is soooo tempting. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  28. Amy Liu Dong says

    March 14, 2023 at 11:26 am

    5 stars
    I love coconut so much and this dessert is so easy and delicious!

    Reply
  29. Nanny says

    February 24, 2023 at 5:31 pm

    5 stars
    Tried this with a bit more coconut than in the recipe. It turned out delish - hope to make it again using your pie dough recipe.

    Reply
  30. Jill says

    November 09, 2022 at 6:36 pm

    5 stars
    love this coconut custard pie recipe! The perfect amount of coconut flavor and so delicious!

    Reply
  31. Linda says

    November 09, 2022 at 12:05 pm

    5 stars
    I so prefer this to coconut cream pie. Beautiful texture, delicious and I absolutely love how the top gets so golden!!!

    Reply
  32. Natalie says

    October 07, 2022 at 7:53 am

    5 stars
    Loved the flavor and how simple I made this coconut pie! I'll be sure to make it again soon, thanks!

    Reply
  33. Emily says

    October 06, 2022 at 11:40 pm

    5 stars
    I love this nostalgic pie, it had just the right amount of sweetness with just the right amount of coconut flakes! It's so much better than anything store-bought!

    Reply
  34. Nancy says

    October 06, 2022 at 8:41 pm

    5 stars
    Wow. I’m addicted to this coconut custard pie. Store bought are usually to sugary for me. This was on awesome.

    Reply
  35. Audrey says

    October 06, 2022 at 3:09 pm

    5 stars
    Such a delicious and classic recipe.

    Reply
  36. Alexandra says

    October 06, 2022 at 11:42 am

    5 stars
    I am a huge coconut lover, and this pie is just perfection. The perfect creamy texture and lovely flavour of coconut - one to make regularly!

    Reply
  37. KelliAn says

    September 19, 2022 at 3:25 pm

    5 stars
    Wonderful pie recipe! Just the right amount of coconut.

    Reply
  38. CanGee says

    September 15, 2022 at 12:42 am

    5 stars
    I love anything coconut. I added an extra cup of coconut and the pie was really good.

    Reply
4.95 from 37 votes (30 ratings without comment)

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Pastry Chef Stephanie

Welcome to Desserts With Stephanie. I hope you enjoy your visit. All the recipes and techniques I discuss on this site have been fully tested in my bakery for more than 15 years. Let's have some fun in the kitchen and put a smile on someone's face with a little sweetness.

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