This is one of my favorite pies. If you get the custard base of this coconut cream pie down, you can use it for many other custard desserts, including banana pudding.
1prepared pie crust(flour or graham cracker crust)
whipped cream(see instructions below)
For the Whipped Cream
2cupsheavy whipping cream
6tablespoonspowdered sugar
1/2teaspoonvanilla extract
Instructions
For the Coconut Cream Pie
In a medium-size heavy saucepan, whisk together sugar and cornstarch. In a large bowl, whisk milk and egg yolks. Begin to slowly whisk milk and egg mixture into the saucepan with the dry ingredients. Bring mixture almost to a boil (medium heat) and whisk continuously until thickened, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add butter, one tablespoon at a time, allowing each one to melt completely before adding the next, while continually stirring. Add the extract, salt, and 1 3/4 cups coconut, until combined. Save the rest of the coconut to sprinkle on top. Pour custard into baked pie shell. Cover with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap is touching the custard, and cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. Place in the refrigerator until set.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On a sheet pan, place the remaining coconut and bake for 5 to 6 minutes or until the coconut is lightly toasted. Turn pan and stir once during the cooking cycle.
Remove pie from refrigerator and spread whipped cream all over the pie. Sprinkle with toasted coconut.
For the Whipped Cream
In a stand mixer or electric mixer, whip cream at a high speed until it's foamy with stiff peaks and has increased in volume. Add vanilla and then slowly add sugar until soft peaks form.