Judy's Dreamy Coconut Cream Pie 🥥🥧

Indulge in the tropical flavors of Judy's Coconut Cream Pie! This velvety dessert features a luscious coconut custard filling that will transport you straight to a beach paradise. Perfect for family gatherings or as a sweet surprise for a friend, this pie is sure to delight anyone with a love for creamy classics. Enjoy it chilled, perhaps with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a little extra flair! 🌴✨

Ingredients

For the coconut custard filling

• 1½ cups scalded milk
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 egg yolks
• 1 tbsp butter
• ½ cup shredded coconut
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

For the pie shell

• 1 pre-made pie crust (or your favorite homemade recipe)

Optional Topping

• Meringue or whipped cream
• Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the egg yolks with the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Mix well until smooth.

2. Gradually pour the scalded milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to avoid curdling the yolks.

3. Return the mixture to a double boiler and stir consistently until it thickens (about 5 to 7 minutes).

   🔥 Tip: Make sure to keep the heat gentle to avoid scorching the bottom. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can place a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.

4. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the butter, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract.

5. Pour the coconut filling into the uncooked pie shell.

6. Bake at 450°F (230°C) until the crust is set (approximately 10 minutes).

7. Reduce the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake until the custard is set (about 20-25 minutes).

   ⏲️ Reminder: Keep an eye on your pie; if the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil.

8. Let the pie cool completely before serving. Optional: top with meringue or whipped cream, and sprinkle toasted coconut flakes for a lovely garnish.

Serving Suggestions

• Chill it Down: For maximum creaminess, refrigerate the pie for a few hours before serving.
• Adding Mango: For a tropical twist, add diced fresh mango on top or mix it into the filling.

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust or make a crust using ground almonds or pecans.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute scalded milk with coconut milk or any plant-based milk alternative to keep it creamy and delicious!
• Chocolate Lovers: Add a layer of chocolate ganache at the bottom of the pie crust before pouring in the custard for a rich surprise. 🍫

Enjoy this delightful Coconut Cream Pie and bring a taste of the tropics to your dessert table! 🏖️