Decadent Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie: Your New Favorite Dessert
Indulge in a slice of pure heaven with our incredible Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie. This show-stopping dessert features a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures: a luxurious, silky smooth chocolate layer, followed by a sweet and dreamy coconut custard, all crowned with a generous swirl of homemade whipped cream, golden toasted coconut flakes, and a sprinkle of rich chocolate shavings. It’s not just a pie; it’s an experience – truly decadent, rich, and utterly irresistible, promising to be the star of any dessert table.
If you’re a pie enthusiast always on the hunt for your next favorite recipe, you might also enjoy exploring other delightful options like our refreshing No Bake Candy Cane Pie for a festive treat or the vibrant Star Spangled Berry Sheet Pan Pie for patriotic gatherings. These offer different, yet equally delicious, takes on classic pie indulgence.
Celebrating the Sweet Side of Pi Day
Today marks the much-anticipated #PiDay, a delightful occasion for mathematicians, foodies, and everyone in between to celebrate the mathematical constant Pi (π ≈ 3.14159…) with a delicious pie! The beauty of Pi Day lies in the sheer variety of pies one can choose from – savory to sweet, fruity to creamy, traditional to innovative – making the selection for this special day truly exhilarating. For years, I’ve dreamed of contributing a show-stopping recipe to the Pi Day festivities, and I couldn’t be happier to finally share a dessert that truly stands out.
While my heart often leans towards a hearty, savory delight like a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza – undeniably my favorite kind of “pie” in a broad sense – it was the unexpected discovery of this magnificent Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie recipe in a magazine that truly captured my attention. I knew instantly that this was the decadent showstopper I needed to bring to our Pi Day celebration. Perhaps next year, I’ll dive into the glorious, cheesy world of deep-dish! But for now, let’s savor the sweet side of life. I’m curious, when it comes to pies, do you find yourself drawn to a sweet indulgence or a savory sensation? Share your thoughts and pie preferences in the comments below – I always love hearing from fellow food enthusiasts!
My Confession: A Cream Pie Enthusiast at Heart
Let me be completely honest and transparent with you: I don’t frequently bake pies from scratch, especially those with a traditional, labor-intensive flaky crust. More often than not, my pies make their convenient way out of the freezer section of the grocery store. My wonderful husband, for instance, has a particular fondness for Razzleberry Pie – you know, the one in the iconic green box that brings back childhood memories for many! And if he’s truly lucky, I might whip up a homemade strawberry rhubarb pie during peak season, but even then, it’s highly probable it comes with a little help from the store. My aversion isn’t to pie itself, but rather, a deeply rooted preference away from traditional flaky crusts.
Indeed, I’d happily choose an Oreo cookie crust over a classic pastry crust any day. Even during the autumn holidays, while I’ll gladly enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie, you can bet your bottom dollar that the crust remains untouched on my plate. This might, understandably, make my current enthusiasm for this particular post seem a bit, well, unauthentic. So, allow me to rephrase and clarify my stance: if given the choice, I will *always* opt for a cream pie. This profound love for all things creamy, smooth, and custardy is precisely why this stunning Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie immediately caught my eye and captured my baking spirit.
The combination of rich chocolate and sweet coconut is pure magic – it’s like my favorite Almond Joy candy, but in decadent pie form! Beyond its incredible, harmonious flavor profile, this pie is simply gorgeous, a true feast for the eyes before you even take the first bite. So, while this particular recipe does feature a flaky pie crust, the sheer deliciousness and creamy perfection of its sweet layers completely transcend any crust reservations I might have. It’s a sinfully delicious masterpiece that demands to be made and savored, regardless of personal pie crust preferences!
The Secret to Effortless Excellence: Embracing Store-Bought Crusts and Homemade Fillings
And now, for another candid revelation, which truly highlights the “easy” and approachable aspect of this decadent dessert: yes, the pie crust for this magnificent creation came straight from the freezer section. Indeed, I embraced a little help from the iconic “Doughboy” himself on this occasion! Sometimes, convenience is key, especially when you’re aiming for spectacular results without added stress. Why complicate things with scratch-made pastry when you can achieve fantastic results and save valuable time with a simple shortcut? The undeniable beauty of a pie like this truly lies in its spectacular, rich, and flavorful fillings, and there’s absolutely no shame in focusing your culinary energy where it counts most for maximum impact.
However, the true stars of this pie – the luscious, velvety chocolate, the dreamy, sweet coconut custard, and the airy, homemade whipped cream layers – are all proudly made from scratch in my kitchen. This intelligent balance of convenience (with the crust) and from-scratch goodness (with the fillings) is what makes this recipe so achievable for home bakers of all skill levels and incredibly satisfying. By perfecting these indulgent, homemade fillings, you still claim a significant triumph in the kitchen, delivering a dessert that tastes utterly bespoke and impresses everyone, all without the added stress and time commitment of a homemade crust. It’s a delightful win-win in every single bite, proving that deliciousness doesn’t always require hours of complex baking!
A Tribute to Culinary Genius: Dorie Greenspan
This exquisite recipe, which has quickly become a household favorite, hails from the brilliant mind of Dorie Greenspan. If her name doesn’t immediately ring a bell, you might find yourself in one of two categories: either living blissfully under a culinary rock, or perhaps you haven’t yet delved deeply into the enchanting world of professional baking. For those unfamiliar, Dorie Greenspan is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning cookbook author and culinary icon, celebrated globally for her meticulously crafted, consistently reliable, and utterly delicious recipes. Her extensive body of work is a true testament to the art and science of baking, making even seemingly complex creations accessible and enjoyable for home bakers around the world.
I wholeheartedly recommend taking a moment to perform a quick online search for “Dorie Greenspan” and explore her impressive collection of recipes and cookbooks. You’ll quickly understand why her reputation precedes her and why she is so revered in the culinary community. This Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie is a prime example of her genius: a recipe that is both achievable for the home cook and breathtakingly delicious, embodying her philosophy of joyful, rewarding, and exceptionally tasty baking. Her ability to combine classic flavors with a touch of elegance is simply unparalleled.
Deconstructing Perfection: The Layers of Decadent Flavor
Every single bite of this Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie is an exquisite exploration of perfectly balanced flavors and luxurious textures, meticulously crafted to deliver an unforgettable dessert experience. It all begins with the foundational layer: a rich, velvety chocolate filling. This isn’t just any chocolate; it’s a deep, intense, and exquisitely smooth custard that sets the stage for the true decadence to come. Prepared with high-quality bittersweet chocolate, it offers a sophisticated sweetness and a profound cocoa flavor that is both comforting and exhilarating, melting deliciously on the tongue.
Next comes the sweet and intensely creamy coconut layer, a dreamy custard generously infused with real sweetened shredded coconut. This ensures a delightful chew and an authentic, tropical essence that permeates every spoonful. This layer is a masterpiece of texture and flavor, providing a gentle sweetness and a beautiful, light contrast to the robust, dark chocolate beneath. It’s truly a coconut lover’s dream, elevated to an art form that perfectly complements its chocolate counterpart.
Finally, the pie is sumptuously topped with a generous, cloud-like swirl of homemade whipped cream. Light, airy, and delicately sweet with a hint of vanilla, it acts as the perfect, ethereal counterpoint to the rich, dense fillings below. To further elevate both the presentation and add another layer of delightful texture, we adorn this masterpiece with golden toasted coconut flakes and, because one can truly never have too much chocolate, a final elegant sprinkle of extra chocolate shavings or curls. The harmonious combination of these three distinct layers creates a symphony of taste and texture that is simply irresistible and guarantees to elicit delighted sighs with every forkful.
Print Recipe
Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie Recipe
Prep Time
Cook Time
Chill Time
Total Time
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 8 servings
This Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie combines layers of smooth, rich chocolate and sweet, dreamy coconut custard, all finished with fluffy whipped cream, toasted coconut, and extra chocolate. It’s a decadent, rich, and sinfully delicious dessert that’s perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 6 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons corn starch, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, melted
- 2 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces, room temperature
- 1 1/3 cups heavy cream (for coconut layer)
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for coconut layer)
- 1/2 (12-ounce) package refrigerated piecrusts, baked and cooled
- 1 cup heavy cream, well chilled (for topping)
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for topping)
- Toasted coconut, chocolate shavings, etc. for topping the pie.
Instructions
Prepare the Chocolate Custard: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, bring the whole milk to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, sifted cornstarch, and salt until the mixture is well blended and noticeably thick. Whisking constantly to prevent curdling, gradually pour the hot milk into the egg yolk mixture in a slow, steady stream over medium heat. Continue to whisk as the mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes, then immediately remove the saucepan from the heat.
Whisk in the melted bittersweet chocolate until it is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and glossy. Let this rich chocolate custard stand undisturbed for 5 minutes. Next, stir in the room-temperature unsalted butter pieces until completely melted and evenly incorporated, resulting in a perfectly smooth filling. To prevent a skin from forming, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the chocolate custard. Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled and firm (this step is crucial for perfect setting and clean slices).
Prepare the Coconut Cream: In a separate small saucepan, combine 1 1/3 cups of heavy cream, 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients together over medium-low heat and gently bring the mixture to a boil. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, until the mixture reduces by about half and thickens slightly, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool completely to room temperature before assembling the pie.
Assemble the Pie: Once both the chocolate custard and coconut cream mixture are perfectly cooled and chilled, you are ready to assemble your magnificent pie. First, evenly spread the cooled coconut cream mixture into the bottom of your pre-baked and completely cooled pie crust. Next, quickly whisk the chilled chocolate custard to loosen its consistency slightly, then carefully pour it over the coconut layer, spreading it into an even, smooth layer. If you are not serving the pie immediately, place a piece of plastic wrap directly against the chocolate filling to prevent a skin, and refrigerate for up to 6 hours to ensure it sets perfectly.
Prepare and Add Topping: When you are ready to serve, pour 1 cup of well-chilled heavy cream into the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (alternatively, use a large bowl and a hand mixer). Whip the cream on high speed until soft peaks begin to form, usually about 2-3 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to low, then add the powdered sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Increase the speed again and continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Spread this luxurious, fluffy whipped cream evenly over the top of the pie. Finally, garnish generously with golden toasted coconut flakes, elegant chocolate shavings, or any other desired toppings to make it truly spectacular and visually appealing!*
*For the best taste, texture, and structural integrity, this Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie is best served within 2 hours of its full assembly and topping.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Dorie Greenspan’s exquisite Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie, with minor adjustments for home baking ease and enhanced flavor.
Courses Dessert
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 8 servings
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 595 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 43 g | 66% | |
Saturated Fat 26 g | 130% | |
Cholesterol 183 mg | 61% | |
Sodium 244 mg | 10% | |
Total Carbohydrates 51 g | 17% | |
Dietary Fiber 4 g | 16% | |
Sugars 31 g | ||
Protein 8 g | 16% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Tips for a Perfect Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie Every Time
Achieving pie perfection is simpler than you think with a few key considerations. Here are some invaluable tips to ensure your Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie turns out flawlessly:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: For the most exquisite flavor, always opt for high-quality bittersweet chocolate. It truly makes a significant difference in the depth and richness of the chocolate layer, elevating the entire pie.
- Don’t Rush the Chill: Patience is a virtue, especially in pie making! Both the chocolate and coconut custards require ample time to chill and set properly. This crucial step ensures clean, distinct layers and a firm pie that holds its shape beautifully when sliced. Rushing this can unfortunately lead to a runny or messy pie.
- Plastic Wrap Protection: To prevent an unsightly “skin” from forming on your custards as they cool and chill, always press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the warm fillings. This keeps them wonderfully smooth and silky.
- Toasting Coconut for Flavor: For an extra layer of nutty flavor and delightful texture, do not skip toasting the shredded coconut that goes into the filling and onto the topping. A quick toast in a dry skillet or a brief bake in the oven brings out its aromatic oils and deepens its taste beautifully.
- Homemade Whipped Cream is Best: While store-bought whipped topping can be convenient, homemade whipped cream offers a superior light, airy texture and a fresher, more balanced sweetness that perfectly complements the rich fillings. Ensure your heavy cream is very well-chilled before whipping for the best, most stable results.
- Embrace Presentation: A beautifully garnished pie is half the delight! Don’t be shy with generous amounts of toasted coconut and elegant chocolate shavings. They not only add visual appeal but also contribute wonderfully to the overall flavor and textural experience.
Beyond Pi Day: A Decadent Dessert for Any Occasion
While this Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie proved to be the absolute perfect centerpiece for our Pi Day celebration, its universal appeal and irresistible charm extend far beyond a single holiday. This decadent dessert is truly ideal for a myriad of occasions, making it a fantastic choice for birthdays, elegant dinner parties, casual potlucks, or simply as a special treat to brighten any ordinary day. Its stunning visual appearance and utterly irresistible flavor profile combine to make it a memorable and much-anticipated conclusion to any meal, guaranteed to impress your guests.
The timeless beauty of cream pies, and particularly this exquisite combination of chocolate and coconut, lies in their ability to evoke a comforting sense of nostalgia while simultaneously feeling exceptionally gourmet and sophisticated. It’s a dessert that caters to almost every palate, seamlessly combining the timeless allure of rich chocolate with the sweet, tropical charm of coconut. So, even if Pi Day has passed, there’s no need to wait for a special event! Don’t hesitate to whip up this amazing pie to share with your loved ones or to savor all by yourself – because truly, every day is a good day for a slice of Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie!
Join the Pi Day Celebration: More Irresistible Pie Recipes
I’ve always wanted to participate wholeheartedly in the #PiDay festivities, and after nearly three years of dedicated blogging, I’ve finally achieved that exciting goal! But the celebration doesn’t have to end with our decadent Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie. To keep the pie party going, I’ve also gathered an awesome roundup of other delicious and diverse pie recipes, lovingly crafted by some of my very favorite food bloggers. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, a classic comfort pie or a uniquely innovative creation, there’s truly a pie here for everyone to discover and enjoy. Explore these fantastic culinary creations and get inspired to bake something wonderful and celebrate Pi Day (or any day!) with a delicious slice of pie!
Discover More Pi Day Pie Recipes from Our Favorite Bloggers:
- Beef Stew Pot Pie with Homemade Puff Pastry Topping by Amy’s Cooking Adventures
- Brownie Mint Pie by Family Around The Table
- Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen (You’re already here, savoring the best!)
- Chocolate Mint Pie by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart by The Redhead Baker
- Chocolate Velvet Pie with Meringue Crust by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Cinnamon Streusel Topped Carrot Pie by Cooking With Carlee
- Coconut Chess Pie by The Spiffy Cookie
- Crazy Easy No Bake Key Lime Pie by Jonesin’ For Taste
- Easy Buttermilk Pie Recipe by West Via Midwest
- Easy Lemon Pie by Corn, Beans, Pigs & Kids
- Lamb, Basmati Rice, and Grape Leaf Pi(e) by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Mini Custard Pie by The Freshman Cook
- Mini Lemon Meringue Pies by Cookaholic Wife
- Mixed Berry Mini Pies by Bear & Bug Eats
- Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie by Everyday Eileen
- Shamrock Shake Pie by Kate’s Recipe Box
- Smoked Salmon and Herb Pie by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Strawberry Lemonade Pie by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Strawberry Pie by Palatable Pastime
- Torta Pascualina (Spinach Ricotta Pie) by Caroline’s Cooking
- Upside Down Apple Pie by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
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