How to Make Outrageously Good Coconut Cream Pie

Test cook Christie Morrison shows Bridget the secrets to reimagining a retro dessert, Coconut Cream Pie.
Get the recipe for Coconut Cream Pie: cooks.io/3i5eGu9
Buy our winning food processor: cooks.io/2Nji0pD
ABOUT US: Located in Boston’s Seaport District in the historic Innovation and Design Building, America's Test Kitchen features 15,000 square feet of kitchen space including multiple photography and video studios. It is the home of Cook’s Illustrated magazine and Cook’s Country magazine and is the workday destination for more than 60 test cooks, editors, and cookware specialists. Our mission is to test recipes over and over again until we understand how and why they work and until we arrive at the best version.
If you like us, follow us:
cookscountry.com
/ cookscountry
/ testkitchen
/ cookscountry
/ testkitchen

[@johnboyd7158]

Just made it and WOW! First time for making a custard and was positive that I had messed up. But the at 178 degrees it started to thicken and then at 180 degrees --- perfect! So glad that even though I'm 70 years old, still learning new things. Thanks

[@e.conboy4286]

John, good for YOU! These girls are such wonderful teachers, I’m going to make one too! I’m 84y/o and better get started! Times flies! Except when you’re at the dentist! ❤️ 🇺🇸 ❤️

[@philaphobic]

Christie is charming. Great addition to the team. This looks great!

[@momcat14]

Isn't she though!!!

[@berghorst]

A good coconut cream pie simply can’t be beat. I can’t wait to make this.

[@jakethemedic1]

Wasn't expecting a Tina Fey reference, "I want to go to there" made my day!

[@kallen868]

😊

[@susansesnovich565]

I made this pie yesterday. It was relatively easy, and it tasted great. My cream cooked to slightly above 180 (184), but didn't seem to have an adverse effect. Great job America's Test Kitchen!!!!

[@jerryvalencia3668]

First of all I bet this taste great! The only thing I would change would be to use some coconut milk, like a cup or two, for the filling and not just all whole milk.

[@grammyb5216]

I do just love Christie. She does fit in really well. This pie looks wonderful 💗

[@cindirevelle4100]

I followed you and prepared my first coconut creme pie ever and it was perfect! Best tasting pie ever. Thank you!

[@lynnkerr9204]

I just finished making my first, made from scratch, pie. I’ve always used boxed mixes for puddings in this type of stuff. I had no idea it was this easy to do until I watched your video. Thank you! Just eating the pudding scraps from the pan tastes great. We can’t wait to have a slice tonight.

[@Thommadura]

Suggestion - TO Cut the Pie - Cut 3 consecutive slices and then take out the Center one first - it will come out easier.

[@howward4071]

I thought everyone knew that.

[@Daisy-vv2je]

@@howward4071 I didn't, but I do now!

[@julieb7785]

I love a useful tip, thanks...my first slice usually comes out in a heap....

[@lottatroublemaker6130]

@@julieb7785 Maybe you have a really good pie knife (as well as great technique), that makes quite a difference too... 😊

[@garypostell5268]

Gotta try this Lady’s love coconut absolutely delicious!

[@InspiringMealtimewithLaTonya]

Now I want pie! Lol. But I really like the added coconut to the crust! Great idea!

[@charlottepopham1206]

P Ppp. P ,p , Pp

[@ceciliamercedpacheco2567]

Coconut pie, my favorite and this recipe looks delish. Definitely making it for the Holidays. 😊

[@ralphhooker6019]

"And I can do this!" Gosh, I love Bridget!

[@robertmcdannold3757]

Hi Christie- I saw a tip to avoid the “first slice trauma”, which is to cut two pieces right off the bat. Somehow the first slice magically lifts away with minimal damage. It really works.

[@Lucky4991]

I personally like to use the old America’s test kitchen recipe for coconut cream pie that you guys did many years ago… That one uses coconut cream in the custard…But this looks good too

[@nailahasabi8716]

Coconut cream sounds like a great idea 💡 to me. Does it whip up into soft peaks like the heavy whipping cream?

[@e.conboy4286]

@@nailahasabi8716 : No, dear. I believe the coconut cream refers to its use in the coconut custard which is the pie filling. Use heavy cream for the topping.

[@michellenguyen6206]

Thank “ Wgu

[@ondinadelmar2108]

You would use coconut cream instead of the milk for the custard. Whipped cream goes on top.@@nailahasabi8716

[@Dojababe42]

I just saw that one and went to find it and ended up here. I’m also more interested in that one with the toasted desiccated coconut but I didn’t get to write the recipe down! Hope it comes on again so I can try it!

[@annhutcheson5770]

I think I just found the Mother of all Coconut Pie recipes. Thanks to my favorite Cook’s Country Chef! She’s never steered me wrong. Not once! Don’t you just know her parties are the most coveted invitation in town? ❤️

[@Kman.]

While this crust may taste just fine, a "TRADIONAL" coconut pie would take a "tradional" pie crust, not a cookie based crust. It even comes off as pre-fabricated...box...generic, and just not as good, in *MY* opinion.

[@anthonychen8870]

Try Bon Appetit’s coconut cream pie. I think that one has this one beat.

[@kareninalabama]

@@anthonychen8870, BA's "best" coconut cream pie uses graham crackers for their crust. Don't see much difference in the 2 recipes other than BA's addition of coconut extract, which I agree would be a good way to increase the coconut flavor.

[@SisterShirley]

@@kareninalabama A few months ago I wanted to amp up some cookies I was making thinking I could add coconut extract instead of the vanilla. The grocery I went to was Kroger and the only extract they sold was imitation flavoring. Aside from Amazon, do you know of a brand that is not imitation extract? The same goes for lemon flavoring too. The brand name was McCormick's

[@raghavkarpal2545]

Love these ladies and the channel.... country style full of warmth!

[@semco72057]

I love coconut creme pies so much and Christie made the most perfect coconut creme pie and I could eat up that whole pie in one day.

[@havingalook2]

The tempered egg mix should be poured back into the remaining milk through a sieve!!!! That removes those white egg membrane bits that you don't want in the custard. Always run such a mixture though a sieve. Additionally - skip the vanilla and use pure coconut extract. That truely enhances the true coconut flavour. Cheers

[@ljbasgall]

I like the chef. She’s a positive person.

[@rachellcary6236]

I just saw this video a few weeks ago and knew i had to make it for Easter. It did NOT disappoint! I have never made a cooked custard pie before. It was easy, delicious and pretty. I have never had a poor result from any of the ATK/CI/CC recipes i have prepared over the years. This one is a definite keeper.

[@davidcruger2237]

I have watched a ton of these videos for coconut cream pie and this looks like the absolute best. I have everything on the shopping list. This WILL BE DONE. :-)

[@bwmarineconst]

She makes the BEST desserts!

[@janusjoplin3987]

This is absolutely the best coconut cream pie. My husband loves it.

[@logwynne3359]

Yes I made this and I would say outrageously the best is pure truth. My family (hogs) lol. Loved it. Left me a sliver. Gotta make another and hide it lol. So very easy and delish. Ty

[@ChristyLam-pp6fn]

This video has me drooling over that coconut cream pie! 😋 When it comes to making desserts like these, the quality of ingredients truly makes a difference. Maha Organic coconut products are my go-to for recipes like this. Their coconut cream adds such a velvety texture and authentic flavor to the filling. Plus, knowing it's organic and sustainably sourced just makes it even better. Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe and highlighting fantastic brands like Maha Organic!

[@e.conboy4286]

Oh Lawdy, that looks soooo goooood! Yum!

[@Stella42942]

I will definitely make this recipe, I love coconut cream pie!!❤😋

[@rosemarienin9823]

I love the idea of a pie crust. I think I will do that next time I make Puertorican tembleque, which is mostly coconut milk and cornstarch and sugar, no eggs. Tembleque means tremblant, which turns into a jello consistency. Whipped cream sounds great. Sometimes I use raspberries in homemade sauce. Makes a great valentine dessert if I pour it into a heart shaped pan.

[@beckysisterinchrist4151]

Wow no eggs! Please share recipe! Thank you!!

[@lycheesack]

It is like Hawaii haupia?

[@ironmaiden3751]

This is an amazing pie, glad to finally find one. The only complaint is the lack of coconut flavour in the filling. I will add a bit of coconut rum next time. Thank you for the recipe. Update: I also use coconut rum in the whipped cream instead of vanilla extract!

[@kareninalabama]

That would be delicious. I was wondering why they didn't use coconut extract - either instead of or in addition to the vanilla.

[@ThestuffthatSaralikes]

I always look up recipes- and I always end up on this channel!!

[@saderyan2286]

This is the BEST version of this coconut cream I'm so gonna try this again... My favorite dessert 😍

[@curtriceennis2924]

One thing I feel needs to be mentioned about the whipped cream - DON'T OVERBEAT IT or you will likely end up having sweetened butter. 😄 This recipe looks so scrumptious and easy to make. 😋

[@95SLE]

My favorite pie!

[@CookingworldofLin]

I’m definitely going to try this ❤❤❤❤ thank you chef 👩🏻‍🍳🔪

[@patriotamerican62]

Looks so simple, got to try it.

[@johnellis3076]

Brava!!!!!! I made the pie yesterday and love it. Thank you for sharing this recipe...........John Ellis.....Aldie, Va.

[@TM-nu5vd]

Great recipe -- very similar to mine. Surprised they didnt use any unsweetened coconut milk?? I make mine with all coconut milk and it's a very intense coconut flavor.

[@kvnsns82]

That sounds amazing. Could you share the recipe?

[@Kman.]

...try using *TOASTED* coconut with the filling too!

[@TM-nu5vd]

@@Kman. For sure!! Can't have TOO MUCH coconut!!!

[@kareninalabama]

You can also add cream of coconut to the heavy whipping cream and make coconut whipped cream.

[@saderyan2286]

I love coconut... Can you sure how you made yours 🤩

[@lesliebrickey8357]

Oh, man! That looks delicious!

[@TerrySprey]

Made this yesterday wonderful

[@lorchid23]

My mouth is watering!! 😛😋

[@laurabarre8694]

So fantaastic..love this

[@nancycrabtree6312]

This is going on my TO DO list!

[@margaretmcneil7182]

Looks delicious . Yummmmmmmmm!

[@jaredjlinden]

I love coconut cream pie but i do not like it in a traditional pie crust. I love that they used a cookie crust (I’ve also done it with shortbread cookies - also good).

[@jamesgossett3850]

I received rave reviews when I made this pie today. Thanks for the recipe.

[@stephaniemiller8229]

Would this be good with a homemade GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST? I don’t have vanilla wafers, and I’d really like to make this tonight!🥰😋

[@GeorgeCMcRae]

crazy good!!!!! Coconut cream and banana cream are my go to pies. THIS pie...... Coconut everywhere!!! How about using coconut milk in the custard? Would that work. Would it "custard up" as it were?

[@LinA-it9vd]

GeorgeCMcRae It does and has a much nicer mouth feel than chunks of coconuts.

[@GeorgeCMcRae]

@@LinA-it9vd Thank you!!

[@rosemarywalker2815]

I’m trying this tomorrow

[@bigdw9545]

Is whipped cream better on it than meringue? I always use meringue and slide it back into the oven until the peaks and ridges brown.

[@Brianna-qq1oc]

Looks good

[@amynunez4186]

Omg that looks so yummy 😋 I can even taste it

[@davidcruger2237]

I made this last night. Amazing; Thank you; Two simple questions. Would using some coconut milk help or over the top? Also instead of butter for the crust, would coconut oil help or again too much? Thanks; amazing results from doing exactly what you have here.

[@deborah2214]

This looks so delicious! What size pie plate did you use, please? Thank you!

[@tinam4353]

Probably a 9” deep pie pan

[@LALIKITHALI]

Wonderful recipe

[@pius_xiv]

This is great but I’m wondering what would happen if you used coconut oil instead of butter, coconut milk instead of regular milk. Quantities would have to be adjusted, I’d imagine. But would it be *too* coconut-y? Would it even work? ☺️

[@ironmaiden3751]

Coconut oil is a completely different beast, I don't recommend it. Also, milk makes your coconut cream pie creamy. I think coconut milk is not only too watery but yes too coconut-y and unnecessary and it won't set well when you're cooking the custard. Coconut cream pie is light and fluffy and the amounts in this recipe are perfect, not overpowering.

[@mazdaishpahan]

yes, you could. The butter in this recipe is just to moisten the crumbs to get them to form together. Any oil can be used. I've tried Stella Parks' recipe using all coconut milk in the custard. It works fine. As long as there's enough eggs and they're cooked enough it will set. We're talking about the stuff in the can, not the kind that comes in cartons like almond milk.

[@goodgrieflouiser5807]

I think the 5 egg whites left over would make a perfect Italian meringue to top off this great recipe. That’s what I’ll do to mine.

[@terideyo836]

I would think this custard would not be coconut enough for me. My recipe adds 1 cup coconut milk and 1/2 tsp coconut extract with the vanilla. The rest is about the same.

[@lynnshellyjunck117]

I've noticed you guys are using a gold pie plate, instead of a glass pyrex. Would you do an updated Gear Heads on Pie Plates?

[@kareninalabama]

Really shocked they didn't use cream of coconut in the whipped cream. It's a very easy way to make coconut-flavored whipped cream. I'm not a huge coconut fan, but it's delicious; it's what I make to top my mango Pavlova.

[@rudeboymon3177]

That looks perfect 😋

[@josephinegaeta9373]

yum

[@peacenow4456]

Such nice gals and so fun, love this show... and you learn something wonderful!

[@mikeb6389]

Nice

[@ldenorio]

what do you think about using browned butter to add to crust?? also can you make this with coconut cream for dairy free?

[@emeraldson2023]

Also, what about cutting in some virgin (unrefined) coconut oil with the butter in the crust layer?

[@Sam-ef3bj]

Famous Coconut Cream Pie Recipe - from the Tavern Restaurant in Newark, NJ (circa 1930 - 1960) Former New York City Mayor (and Congressman ) Ed Koch, who had once lived in Newark's Third Ward and graduated from South Side High School, wrote in his 1992 autobiography: "The Tavern was famous for its coconut cream pie and even after 50 years I still remember it as the best I've ever eaten." Coconut Toasted Cream Pie 8 servings 1 envelope gelatin 1/3 cup cold milk 3 eggs, separated 1/2 cup sugar 2/3 cup milk Pinch salt 1/2 pint whipping cream 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 (10 inch) pie shell, baked and cooled 1 can coconut, toasted Dissolve gelatin in 1/3 cup cold milk. Let stand Separate eggs; to yolks, add 1/2 cup sugar and beat together. Scald 2/3 cup milk; add egg and sugar mixture to milk. Cook until slightly thickened. Remove from stove and add gelatin. Put in refrigerator until set (about 1/2 hour). Beat egg whites with pinch of salt. Fold whites into mixture. Whip cream; add vanilla. Fold into mixture. Fill the pie shell. Toast the coconut until golden; sprinkle on pie. Refrigerate for a few hours * * * newarkmemories.com/memories/553.php#:~:text=Former%20New%20York%20City%20Mayor,I've%20ever%20eaten.%22

[@beatriceschoeweis759]

Boy does that look good

[@smp101998]

I want to go to there!!

[@robertnixon4640]

About 18 yrs. ago ATK had Coconut Cream pie made with Original Graham Cracker crust and coconut milk in custard. Six moves, one divorce, and three years overseas have lost the recipe. I've tried this one and it does not match up with the old one. Anyone know where the old recipe can be found?

[@ashleybankscoaching]

I hope you see this !! I was looking for that recipe too and found this. I never made it but, I think the old recipe will be better

[@emeraldson2023]

Could I substitute coconut extract for the vanilla extract in the whipped cream layer?

[@kikigamble4315]

Hi. Great recipe n visual video. I have a question concerning the pot it was cooked in, what is wrong with the outside texture n how did it get that way? Thanks. Peace to you and yours

[@chrisdickson1813]

Did you try swapping coconut milk for the milk in the custard?

[@cheryldurkee840]

It would be great if the recipes were available without having to pay for the website. 😢

[@williamowens5542]

The recipe is available free. Write it down while you're watching and listening to the video.

[@cheryldurkee840]

Of course we can manually write it down, but if they provide a link to the recipe it would be nice if it wasn’t behind a paywall. The America’s Test Kitchen videos and subsequent recipes are typically free, while these are not.

[@myloflex]

Oddly enough I love coconut cream pie, but I don't prefer the texture of coconut in the filling. I think I'm going to steep the coconut in the milk prior and strain them out. Looking forward in doing this recipe though!

[@lottatroublemaker6130]

Why don’t you try using full fat coconut milk (or coconut cream) instead? Coconut milk is so much more delicious and creamy than dairy milk, IMO (and it is great to not use dairy, for several reasons)... I tried making a custard sauce with it recently, and it was the best custard I have ever had, sooo creamy & rich! I used vanilla powder in it too, so the vanilla flavour was heavenly (I make the powder myself, I just take whole vanilla beans and blend them, but you can buy powder too, if you prefer that).

[@kareninalabama]

I'm the same. Could handle the coconut in the crust and the toasted coconut on top, but not a fan of mixing it in the custard. I would do as Lotta suggested above: sub coconut milk for the regular milk, or make it as is and add coconut extract at the end instead of vanilla. Would also make the whipped cream with cream of coconut, which makes a lovely coconut flavored whipped cream.

[@em20245]

What about substituting milk with coconut milk and coconut cream?

[@jamesmontgomery1785]

Can I use a ready made crust instead of a homemade crust to make coconut cream pie please reply

[@JimmiAlli]

Can one use coconut milk / cream and also coconut sugar?

[@rosiesaunders3334]

Wondering if we can use 1/4 tsp of coconut extract and 3/4 tsp of the vanilla? 🤔

[@njo7913]

Do you have one for a lemon merengue pie?

[@daveklein2826]

If i use a premade graham cracker crust does it need to be baked?

[@kristinj8271]

Could you have used coconut cream and coconut milk for this specific recipe?

[@suzettebavier4412]

I would use coconut milk instead & just add a little of an unflavored thickener, such as tapioca. Tapioca goes deliciously with coconut, btw

[@karenpinson759]

Can full fat coconut cream be whipped? If so, wouldn't that be better to top the pie?

[@joeymama4666]

Yup. My sister uses that because she's vegan. She uses the hardened part after separating the water from it. It needs a sweetener of some kind. Depending which sweetener is used, it can be keto friendly too.

[@karenpinson759]

Joey Mama, thank you. I am diabetic anyway, so would need to use sucralose or stevia. I would think to use coconut cream as the whipped topping in a coconut cream pie would be even more delicious than just regular whipped cream from a cow.

[@jhwilliams6550]

Karen Pinson refrigerate the can of coconut milk beforehand. I sometimes put my whisk attachment and bowl in too. Not sure why it helps but it does.

[@donaldparlettjr3295]

Where's Mary-Ann, she IS the true coconut queen. That is a great looking pie though👍

[@badmintongrrl]

I wish they had gone into why they didn’t use coconut milk or coconut cream

[@irishredrose5145]

To me you just made a plain old custard with shredded coconut added in. I always use my rich full fat coconut milk with 1/4 cup of whole milk 1 Tbsp. of coconut extract, with a splash of coconut rum. Oh man it melts in your mouth. I have been a professional baker for 40+ years and I would never make my coconut creme pies the way you are making them.

[@kimstrow5552]

I agree with you. Would you share your recipe?

[@TheRyu981]

🎵I WILL SHOWER YOU WITH COCONUT CREAMPIES!🎵

[@radley3924]

🎵A LOVE LIKE OURS DONT GROW ON TREES OUR LOVE IS LIKE A SUMMER BREEZE CANT YOU SEE WE’RE MEANT TO BE OUR LOVE IS STRONGER THAN A GOLDEN BANANA🎵

[@jade8568_VR]

OOOMMMGGGGG🤤

[@cjinasia9266]

Did you try making the custard with coconut milk? This is simple in that all of the coconut comes from the same bag.

[@stuuuporman]

I can't decide my favorite: Coconut Cream, Lemon Meringue or Key Lime? Then there's Pecan, Mincemeat and Pumpkin. Guess I'll just have to keep eating all until I can come to a conclusion.🤪

[@tomellis5168]

Have you ever tried to make whipped cream from coconut cream for your pie?

[@mooneymonahan-hl6sh]

Where could I find the recipe?

[@tnone7873]

Yummo

[@venusreena2532]

I can do this.. getting a new KitchenAid first

[@candicewaller403]

So good! Too bad so many in my family don't like coconut. Oh, well more for ME! I have the full access membership to the website and it's the best money I've ever spent to support this amazing work you guys do. I've never had an ATK or Cook's Country recipe fail on me and you're always releasing better and better content. Keep it coming!

[@PhrygianCat]

What do you think about modifying this recipe and swapping the coconut with banana? Would it work? How much banana to use?

[@Zennina]

ATK has a recipe for Banana Cream Pie. No need to swap anything. It is just as easy to make. I did it today

[@PhrygianCat]

@@Zennina Cool! Mind sharing the link?

[@jb6050]

Humm... I would have use home-made coconut milk (or at least in part like 1-1,5 cups) in the custard also.

[@WoodshavenPatriot]

J B make your own recipe and video then.

[@Thommadura]

@@WoodshavenPatriot Actually - Alton Brown(Food Network) did exactly that - and that pie really comes out wonderful too -As I recall - he had to use some sharp detective Skills to get that recipe together too!

[@ruthcowley8849]

Yummy!,