Name: French Coconut Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut; 3 large eggs; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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If you dream in coconut and go weak at the knees for custardy goodness, let me introduce you to the irresistible delight that is French Coconut Pie. This southern classic is impossibly easy to make, featuring a crispy, golden top and a rich, gooey coconut filling nestled in a buttery crust. Every forkful is pure nostalgic comfort, equal parts sweet, creamy, and delightfully chewy. It’s the kind of dessert that always disappears first at family gatherings, and after one bite, you’ll understand why this pie has charmed generations.

French Coconut Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simple lineup fool you—each ingredient in this French Coconut Pie elevates the final flavor and texture. Classic pantry staples work their magic here, coming together to create a dessert that’s more than the sum of its parts.

Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: The perfect crisp and sturdy base for all that luscious coconut filling; use store-bought or homemade!
Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the custard and helps create that gorgeous caramelized top.
Sweetened shredded coconut (1 cup): Brings chewiness, big coconut flavor, and a touch of texture with each bite.
Large eggs (3): These bind everything together and add that signature custardy softness.
Unsalted butter, melted & cooled (1/2 cup): Adds rich, buttery flavor and keeps the filling moist.
All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Helps set the filling and prevents it from becoming too runny.
White vinegar (1 tablespoon): The secret weapon! It subtly balances the sweetness and deepens the flavor.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Just a pinch to sharpen all the other flavors and keep the sweetness in check.

How to Make French Coconut Pie

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prep. Starting with a hot oven ensures your French Coconut Pie bakes up with a beautifully golden, crisp top and a perfectly set center.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, and your cooled, melted butter until smooth. This combination forms the sweet, rich backbone of your pie. Whisking well now means a silky, custard-like consistency after baking.

Step 3: Add the Flavor Boosters

Stir in the flour, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is completely combined. The vinegar might sound odd, but trust me—this small splash makes the pie uniquely bright and prevents it from being overly sweet.

Step 4: Fold in the Coconut

With a gentle hand, fold in the shredded coconut. This step ensures those precious coconut flakes are evenly distributed, giving every bite lots of texture and sweet coconut flavor.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the filling into your unbaked pie crust and smooth the top. Slide your pie into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Resist the urge to cut right in—let it cool completely to set the filling just right!

How to Serve French Coconut Pie

Garnishes

This pie absolutely glows with simple touches. Dust the French Coconut Pie with a flurry of powdered sugar, add a dollop of freshly whipped cream, or crown each slice with a cloud of toasted coconut flakes. For a retro nod, maraschino cherries are always a fun pop of color!

Side Dishes

Pair your French Coconut Pie with something cool and creamy like vanilla bean ice cream to balance the richness. For a light touch, a fresh fruit salad brightens the plate. Want to sip alongside? A cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk is always the classic way to go.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try cutting the pie into bite-sized squares and dusting with coconut—or present individual slices in parchment-lined boxes tied up with twine for gifts. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate over each piece is unexpectedly delicious and turns this humble pie into a dinner-party stunner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover French Coconut Pie in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap, tucked safely in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, and the flavor only gets better as it sits!

Freezing

Packed properly, the baked pie can be frozen whole or in individual slices for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

While French Coconut Pie is marvelous cold, you can gently rewarm slices in a low oven (300°F for about 10 minutes) if you crave that fresh-baked warmth. Cover the pie loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning.

FAQs

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that sweetened coconut adds not only sugar but also moisture and chewiness. If you use unsweetened flakes, consider adding a couple of extra tablespoons of sugar and keeping a close eye on the texture.

Is vinegar really necessary in French Coconut Pie?

Yes! The vinegar is a subtle but essential ingredient. It balances the sweetness, lends gentle tang, and gives the custard a brighter, more distinctive flavor—don’t skip it!

Can I make French Coconut Pie gluten-free?

You can! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and use a gluten-free pie crust. The filling is otherwise naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any texture or flavor.

Why does my pie sometimes crack on top?

This can happen if the pie is overbaked or if it cools too quickly. To prevent cracks, bake just until the center is set and let it cool slowly on the counter. Small cracks are normal and just add to the pie’s homespun charm.

Can I make French Coconut Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie actually tastes even better the next day, making it a dream for entertaining. Chill it in the fridge overnight, and bring to room temperature before slicing for that extra special, creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s rich with nostalgia and big coconut flavor, French Coconut Pie is calling your name. It comes together with pantry basics yet tastes like pure homemade magic. Pull out your favorite pie plate, share a slice with someone you love, and create new sweet memories one bite at a time.

French Coconut Pie Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the decadent and classic French Coconut Pie, a delightful dessert that pairs the sweetness of coconut with a flaky pie crust. This easy-to-make pie is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Filling:

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
3 large eggs
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and melted butter until smooth. Stir in the flour, vinegar, vanilla extract, and salt until fully combined. Fold in the shredded coconut.
Fill the crust: Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust and spread evenly.
Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean.
Cool and serve: Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving.