This old fashioned coconut custard pie is a comforting, nostalgic dessert that tastes like it took way more effort than it actually does. The rich egg custard bakes right in the oven alongside the crust, with no stovetop tempering or constant stirring required. Sweetened shredded coconut settles into a soft, golden top while the inside stays silky, smooth, and perfectly set after a chill in the fridge. Made with simple pantry staples, this easy pie is a cozy favorite for holidays or any day of the week.
9-inch glass pie dish Lets you see how golden the bottom crust is getting
Large mixing bowl
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Pie crust shield Prevents over browning of the edges
Wire cooling rack
Ingredients
1unbaked 9 inch pie crusthomemade or store bought
4large eggs
1cupgranulated sugar200g
1/4cupunsalted butter57g, melted and slightly cooled
1/4cupall purpose flour31g
2cupswhole milk480ml
1teaspoonvanilla extract5ml
1/2teaspooncoconut extract2.5ml, optional, for extra coconut flavor
1/4teaspoonsalt
1 1/2cupssweetened shredded coconut150g, plus extra for garnish
ground nutmegpinch, for the top
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare the pie crust in a 9 inch dish, crimping the edges, then chill while making the filling.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy, then whisk in the sugar until pale and smooth. Pour in the melted butter and whisk to combine.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk until no lumps remain. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously, then whisk in the vanilla, coconut extract (if using), and salt.
Gently fold the shredded coconut into the custard mixture using a spatula until evenly distributed.
Pour the custard filling into the chilled pie crust, filling almost to the top. Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg evenly over the surface.
Bake on the middle rack for 45 to 55 minutes, covering the crust edges with a shield after 20 minutes if browning too fast. The pie is done when the top is golden and puffed and the center jiggles only slightly.
Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set before slicing and serving.
Notes
Tip: Whisk the eggs and sugar until the mixture is pale and smooth to create a silky custard texture.
Tip: Add the milk slowly while whisking so the custard does not separate.
Substitution: For a less sweet pie, use unsweetened desiccated coconut and add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to balance it.
Variation: Toast the shredded coconut before adding for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
Variation: Swap half the milk for coconut milk to intensify the coconut flavor, or use a graham cracker crust for a sweeter base.
Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap individual slices tightly to keep fresh longer.
Freezing: Freeze the fully cooled, unsliced pie wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Make-Ahead: This pie is a great make-ahead dessert; bake it up to two days in advance and keep refrigerated.