Silky, smooth, and filled with creamy coconut, this gluten-free coconut cream pie is encased in a giant macaroon crust!
Let me tell you, and I have told you before, there was a time in my life that I did not like pies. None. Nothing could convince me to eat them. I would ask for a plate of whipped cream to eat (still ask for extra whipped cream wherever I go!) The most common pies that appeared were pumpkin and apple. I mean, apple would be alright, but still to this day I will not eat pumpkin pie... Blah.
Thankfully I can say I pushed those feelings aside and now have no problem eating pies! Lemon meringue, chocolate, strawberry-rhubarb, you name it! But one pie I probably like the most, and that is definitely a tough call, is coconut cream pie. It is just so silky and light, but with that wonderful coconut flavor. Sigh, wish I had one in front of me right now. Let's just talk about this gluten-free coconut cream pie and get it over with!
I made this gluten-free coconut cream pie for Canadian Thanksgiving this year. Mother-in-law deals with celiac so I try to create recipes that include everyone. One thing I always worry about with gluten-free recipes is the taste. Some recipes are really, really good, and then others have that tell-tale hint of gluten-free in them. Luckily, this recipe was a hit and really, if I had not said anything, no would know it was gluten-free. The crust was anything but traditional, but it pulled off perfectly and everyone seemed to enjoy the change.
Converting this recipe to gluten-free was really simple! If you have a favorite gluten-free crust recipe, you are all set as the filling was gluten-free to begin with! I know some prefer to make their filling with flour, but I have never had trouble with this cornstarch method and don't plan to change the recipe any time soon (read: never!) When I set about making this crust, I had a ton of egg whites leftover that needed to be used up. I started throwing things together and hoping for the best. In the end I realized I had basically made a coconut macaroon recipe. Not identical, but close. Heck, I think any traditional coconut macaroon recipe would work here so give it a shot! The one plus being that you always pre-cook your crust for a coconut cream pie so if it doesn't turn out right, you aren't wasting much. For people with no gluten-free persons in their lives, any ole crust recipe will do.
📖 Recipe
Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie
I only had sweetened coconut on hand, but I highly suggest using unsweetened coconut as you can control the sugar content!
Ingredients
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 4 egg whites
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp. almond extract
- Pinch of salt
Filling
- 1 (400mL) can coconut milk (about 1 ¾ cups)
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups toasted sweetened shredded coconut (unsweetened would work here and I actually prefer it but had none on hand!)
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp. butter
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- ¼ tsp. almond extract
Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp. granulated sugar
Instructions
Crust
- Add egg whites to a large mixing bowl and whip until stiff peaks form (I use a hand mixer!) Stir in coconuts, sugar, almond extra, and salt.
- Pour into 9-inch pie pan and push up sides, forming a macaroon crust. Place into 350F oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until browned and cook through. Remove and set aside. If the crust is really poofy, you can use your hands to gently flatten the middle part like I did.
Filling
- Place egg yolks into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk until yolks are paler in color and look creamy. In another bowl, whisk the cornstarch and ½ cup milk together
- Mix together the coconut milk, ¾ cup milk, and sugar together in a large pot over medium-heat. Stir until sugar has dissolved, but never let the mixture boil. When nice and hot, slowly and carefully pour into the egg yolks, whisking CONSTANTLY so not to scramble the eggs. If you are concerned about any egg chunks (if you do this slowly it should not be an issue,) strain the mixture before pouring back into saucepan.
- Return to heat and stir in cornstarch mixture. Heat until nice and thick. Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla, almond extract. and toasted coconut.
- Allow the mixture to cool for a bit, stirring every so often, before pouring into pie crust. Cover and chill in refrigerator until ready to serve.
Topping
- Whip cream until soft peaks form. Add in sugar and whip a bit longer until stiff peaks form. Dollop on top of pie and smooth. Garnish with toasted coconut or coconut chips if desired
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 574Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 30gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 196mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 5gSugar: 41gProtein: 8g
Love this gluten-free coconut cream pie?! Try some of these recipes:
Barrett @dirtylaundrykitchen.com
Love the coconut in the crust. Sounds delicious.
Kacey
Thank you!
Amy Stafford
Coconut + cream + pie= yes please. One of my all time favs and you made it GF, thank you!
Kacey
You are very welcome, Amy! It turned out so well!
heather @french press
oh boy, I think a slice of this pie would be perfect with my coffee right about now 🙂
Kacey
That is my husband's favourite combination 🙂
jenna @ just j.faye
I am obsessed with anything coconut, but haven't had coconut cream pie in forever! (what is wrong with me?!) I think this needs to change soon. Thanks for sharing the recipe! It looks delicious.
Kacey
Ahaha, I used to say the same thing before I began making it every year... or even twice a year!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts
What a great pie! I love a cream pie, I kind of have a soft spot for whipped cream 🙂 Looks amazing!
Kacey
Another whipped cream lover! Thanks, Erin 🙂
Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence
YUM!! I make a coconut cream pie each year for Thanksgiving. My mom's recipe 🙂 The crust here is really inventive, and sounds delicious!
Kacey
How wonderful you have your mom's recipe, Brandon!
Elena
I love the idea of a coconut crust! Yum!
Serene @ House of Yumm
I LOVE coconut cream pies! And this one looks fantastic! Most of my family is gluten free, I'm so happy to find recipes that I can make for them when they visit! This one is getting pinned for later 🙂
Kacey
Oh, wow, Serene! We only have one gluten-free family member, but I still don't mind making GF recipes 🙂 This will be perfect for your family!
Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen
Pies have always been the highlight of our holiday dessert tables, and this looks like one I need to add this year since my mom needs a gf option - it looks so good!
Kacey
Yay! Glad I could help, Heather.
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life
Your pie looks so good, and I love that it is gluten free! I could go for a slice (or two) right now!
Kacey
No shame with two slices 🙂
Kristyn
I love pie and I love coconut so this looks like a winner! I'll have to give this one a try!