French Coconut Pie Recipe

This French Coconut Pie is pure southern comfort with a French twist—think golden, toasty coconut on top, silky-smooth center, and a crisp, buttery crust that melts in your mouth. If you’re searching for a pie that wins hearts and invites second slices, this family-favorite delivers all that and more. An easy classic bursting with coconut goodness, it’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself after a long day. With simple pantry staples, you’ll create a treat that looks humble but tastes like sheer magic. There’s a reason French Coconut Pie keeps making appearances at tables generation after generation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a few everyday ingredients to create something truly special—each one adds a distinct layer of flavor, richness, and that irresistible texture that makes French Coconut Pie a standout. Grab these and let’s turn simple into sensational!

• Eggs: The backbone of the custard, giving the filling its luscious structure and silky finish.
• Sugar: For balancing the tang and coconut, as well as giving the top that classic golden crunch.
• Flaked Coconut: Delivers chewiness, sweet coconut flavor, and a beautiful, toasty topping.
• Butter (melted): Adds rich, decadent flavor and keeps the filling moist and tender.
• White Vinegar: The secret ingredient that gently brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract: Infuses the pie with warmth and depth, perfectly complementing the coconut.
• Salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
• Uncooked 9″ Pie Shell: Your blank canvas—a simple pastry base that crisps up beautifully beneath all that coconut filling.

How to Make French Coconut Pie

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Shell

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, get your uncooked 9-inch pie shell ready—place it on a baking sheet for easy handling, and set aside. A chilled pie shell will bake up extra crisp beneath the rich filling.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, crack in your eggs and beat them well. Add sugar, flaked coconut, melted butter, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and a good pinch of salt. Whisk it all together until the mixture is smooth and the coconut is well distributed—don’t stress about perfection, a few coconut clumps here and there just mean extra texture in your French Coconut Pie.

Step 3: Fill the Pie Shell

Pour the coconut custard mixture directly into your prepared pie shell. Use a spatula to gently smooth out the top, ensuring the coconut is spread evenly—this will help it toast to golden perfection without any dry patches.

Step 4: Bake

Slide the pie onto the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for one hour, or until the top is a gorgeous, deep golden brown and the center appears set when you gently jiggle the pan. The house will fill with the most inviting, buttery coconut aroma—prepare for anticipation!

Step 5: Cool Completely

Once baked, remove your French Coconut Pie from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This cooling time is essential for the custard to firm up, making clean, lovely slices that hold together beautifully once cut.

How to Serve French Coconut Pie

Garnishes

The classic charm of French Coconut Pie stands alone, but a little garnish goes a long way. Try a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few fresh berries for color. If you’re feeling truly indulgent, a dollop of softly whipped cream on each slice is simply divine.

Side Dishes

Pair your pie with a cup of strong coffee or black tea to balance its sweetness. For a full dessert spread, fresh seasonal fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream are both lovely accompaniments—each bite feels like a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, cut the French Coconut Pie into mini tartlets or serve in mason jar parfaits with layers of whipped cream and toasted coconut between slices. Individual servings with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce also make an elegant, unexpected twist for your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover pie loosely covered with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—though it rarely lasts that long in our house!

Freezing

French Coconut Pie freezes surprisingly well. Simply wrap the completely cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Store flat in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

If you like to enjoy your pie warm, slice and reheat in the oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes. This brings back the crunch to the topping and releases all those buttery, coconutty aromas once again. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the crust.

FAQs

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of flaked coconut?

Absolutely! Sweetened shredded coconut works well and will make the filling a touch sweeter and chewier. You might want to slightly reduce the sugar if you prefer your French Coconut Pie less sweet.

Do I need to blind-bake the pie shell first?

No blind-baking needed! The custard filling prevents the crust from puffing up, and it bakes up beautifully and evenly along with the filling.

What’s the best way to tell if the pie is done?

The top should be golden brown, and the center should feel set but not overly firm when you gently jiggle the pie. If you insert a toothpick near the center, it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I make this French Coconut Pie dairy-free?

Yes—you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut oil or a vegan butter. It will add a slightly different flavor but will still yield delicious, coconut-forward results.

Can I make French Coconut Pie ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! This pie is actually best when allowed to cool and set, so making it a day ahead works perfectly. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried French Coconut Pie, now’s the perfect time to bring its melt-in-your-mouth magic into your kitchen. With just a handful of humble ingredients, you’ll create a stunning dessert that tastes like old-fashioned hospitality in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll soon understand why this pie has become a beloved classic!

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