Silky Mini Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

Dreamy Silky Mini Coconut Cream Pie Recipe for Sweet Lovers

Decadent desserts often hide surprising simplicity, and this silky mini coconut cream pie recipe proves that elegance can be effortless.

A classic tropical treat that blends creamy coconut goodness with delicate pastry promises pure indulgence.

Each miniature pie bursts with rich, smooth coconut flavor that dances across your palate.

Light and luscious, these tiny delights pack an incredible punch of sweetness in every single bite.

The delicate crust cradles a velvety coconut filling that melts perfectly on your tongue.

Crafted with precision and love, these mini pies transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert experience.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible coconut cream confection that will surely become your new favorite sweet escape.

FAQs

  • What ingredients give this mini coconut cream pie its unique flavor?

The combination of coconut milk, coconut extract, and shredded coconut creates a rich, tropical coconut taste that makes these mini pies incredibly flavorful and authentic.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these mini pies a day in advance. The crust and filling can be made and chilled, and you can add the whipped cream topping just before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.

  • Is this recipe difficult for beginner bakers?

Not at all! This recipe is quite straightforward. The key is to follow the steps carefully, especially when tempering the egg yolks and watching the filling as it thickens on the stove.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these mini pies?

You’ll need a mini muffin tin and a whisk. A stand mixer or hand mixer is helpful for whipping the cream, but you can also whip it by hand with a whisk if needed.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need to Make Mini Coconut Cream Pies

For Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a classic, sweet foundation with delightful crunch and traditional pie base flavor.
  • Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps bind crust ingredients together.
  • Butter: Creates rich, golden texture and helps crumbs stick perfectly.
For Coconut Cream Filling:
  • Milk, Coconut Milk: Delivers creamy, luscious base with tropical coconut undertones.
  • Sugar: Balances flavors and adds delicate sweetness.
  • Cornstarch: Ensures smooth, thickened filling without lumps.
  • Egg Yolks: Provides rich, silky texture and helps filling set properly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic background flavor.
  • Coconut Extract: Intensifies coconut essence for deeper tropical profile.
  • Shredded Coconut: Introduces delightful texture and authentic coconut taste.
For Whipped Cream Topping:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates light, airy, luxurious topping.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes whipped cream.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall dessert flavor with subtle warmth.
Bonus Topping:
  • Toasted Shredded Coconut: Adds beautiful golden color and extra nutty crunch.

Must-Have Gear for Mini Coconut Pie Success

  • Mini Muffin Tin: Essential for creating perfectly sized mini crusts and holding the pies.
  • Medium Saucepan: Crucial for cooking the coconut cream filling smoothly and evenly.
  • Medium Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing crust mixture and tempering egg yolks.
  • Whisk: Key tool for blending ingredients and preventing lumps in filling and cream.
  • Mixing Bowl with Electric Mixer or Whisk: Perfect for whipping cream to stiff peaks.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for precise ingredient quantities.
  • Spoon: Helpful for smoothing filling and spooning whipped cream on top.
  • Cooling Rack: Useful for cooling crust after baking.

Crafting Mini Coconut Cream Pies Made Simple

  • Craft Crispy Coconut Base

Blend graham cracker pieces with sweet crystals and melted butter. Press mixture firmly into mini muffin cups. Bake quickly until edges turn golden brown. Let cool completely before filling.

  • Create Silky Coconut Custard

Warm milk and coconut liquid in saucepan. Whisk egg yolks separately. Slowly combine hot liquid with eggs to prevent scrambling. Cook mixture until thick and bubbling. Stir in vanilla and shredded coconut. Allow to cool slightly.

  • Fill and Chill Mini Treats

Spoon creamy coconut mixture into prepared crusts. Smooth tops gently. Refrigerate for minimum one hour to set completely.

  • Whip Dreamy Topping

Beat heavy cream with powdered sugar until peaks stand tall and firm. Add vanilla for extra flavor.

  • Finish with Flair

Crown each mini pie with fluffy cream dollop. Sprinkle toasted coconut shreds on top. Serve chilled and watch everyone smile.

Coconut Cream Pie Tweaks for Texture and Taste

  • Learn expert techniques to elevate your mini pies from good to absolutely irresistible.
  • Whisk constantly while cooking to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth coconut cream texture that melts in your mouth.
  • These mini pies can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining and party planning.
  • Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that doesn't compromise on taste.
  • Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based milk alternatives to create a completely dairy-free dessert that's just as creamy and delicious.

Sweet Serving Ideas for Mini Coconut Cream Pies

  • Tropical Brunch Companion: Pair these delightful mini coconut cream pies with fresh mango slices and a light passion fruit mimosa for a refreshing tropical breakfast experience.
  • Party Presentation Delight: Arrange the mini pies on a decorative platter with edible flowers or mint leaves, creating an elegant dessert display perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
  • Texture Contrast: Enhance the serving experience by adding a crunchy element like caramelized coconut chips or toasted almond slivers on top of the whipped cream for an exciting textural surprise.
  • Sweet Afternoon Tea Treat: Serve these mini pies alongside a warm cup of chai tea or coconut-infused coffee, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that complement the delicate coconut cream filling.

Storing Your Mini Coconut Cream Pies Smartly

  • Store mini coconut cream pies in an airtight container within the refrigerator, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Stack carefully using parchment paper between layers to prevent whipped cream smudging.
  • Freeze individual mini pies without whipped cream topping for up to 2 weeks. Wrap each pie securely in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe container to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
  • Prepare graham cracker crusts and coconut cream filling one day before serving. Keep components separately refrigerated to maintain optimal consistency and prevent soggy bottoms. Assemble just before guest arrival for maximum freshness.
  • Always serve mini coconut cream pies chilled. Remove from refrigerator 5-10 minutes before serving to soften whipped cream slightly, enhancing overall dessert experience and allowing flavors to bloom gently.
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Silky Mini Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

Silky Mini Coconut Cream Pie Recipe


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4.8 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Delightful Mini Coconut Cream Pie delights dessert enthusiasts with its rich, creamy texture and tropical essence. Coconut lovers will savor each spoonful of this compact, elegant treat that perfectly balances sweetness and subtle nutty undertones.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (360 ml) graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tbsps (84 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
  • ½ cup (40 g) shredded sweetened coconut
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp coconut extract (optional, for extra coconut flavor)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsps (15 g) powdered sugar
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup (20 g) toasted shredded coconut, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Crust Preparation: Pulverize graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, pressing the mixture firmly into mini muffin tin cavities to create uniform golden shells. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden, then cool completely.
  2. Custard Creation: Whisk milk, coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Temper egg yolks by gradually adding hot liquid while stirring constantly, then return to pan. Cook until the mixture thickens into a smooth custard, stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Remove custard from heat and blend in vanilla and coconut extracts. Fold in shredded coconut, then allow the filling to cool slightly, maintaining its creamy texture and preventing skin formation.
  4. Filling and Chilling: Carefully spoon the coconut cream into pre-baked graham cracker shells, leveling the surface with a small offset spatula. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to ensure complete setting and optimal flavor development.
  5. Finishing Touches: Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Pipe or dollop the whipped cream onto chilled mini pies, then garnish with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for a luxurious final presentation.

Notes

Prevent Soggy Crust: Toast graham cracker crumbs before pressing into muffin tins to enhance crispness and prevent moisture absorption from the creamy filling.

Control Custard Consistency: Continuously whisk custard mixture over medium heat, watching for thickening signals to avoid lumps or burning, ensuring a smooth, silky texture.

Optimize Coconut Flavor: Toast shredded coconut before adding to filling for deeper, nuttier notes and enhanced aromatic complexity in the mini pies.

Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream and use plant-based milk alternatives to create a vegan-friendly version without compromising the dessert’s rich, creamy profile.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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