“Tropical Coconut Cream

Introduction

Coconut Cream Pie is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. The combination of a buttery crust, creamy filling, and fluffy coconut topping makes this pie a favorite among coconut lovers. Below is a step-by-step recipe to create this tropical treat at home.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, chilled and diced
• 4-5 tbsp ice water

For the Filling:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut, toasted

Instructions

Crust:

1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Add chilled butter and use a pastry cutter to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle ice water over the mixture and stir until the dough comes together.
2. Chill: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the dough and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Prick the bottom with a fork, cover with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights. Bake for 15 minutes, remove the weights, and bake for another 5-10 minutes until golden. Cool completely.

Filling:

1. Cook the Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together coconut milk, half-and-half, eggs, sugar, flour, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and boils. Remove from heat.
2. Add Flavors: Stir in shredded coconut and vanilla extract. Pour the filling into the cooled crust and chill until set, about 4 hours.

Topping:

1. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
2. Garnish and Serve: Spread the whipped cream over the set filling. Sprinkle with toasted coconut before serving.

Conclusion

This Coconut Cream Pie offers a wonderful blend of textures and flavors that are sure to delight. The crisp crust, smooth filling, and lush cream topping create a luxurious dessert perfect for ending any meal on a high note. Enjoy your creation and the compliments that are sure to follow!

Feel free to customize the levels of coconut flavor by adjusting the amount of shredded coconut used both in the filling and as a topping, based on your preference.