Can I use fresh coconut instead of shredded?

Oh honey, I tried this once - what a mess! Fresh coconut has too much moisture and won't toast the same way. Stick with sweetened shredded coconut from the bag. It's drier, toasts perfectly, and gives that classic coconut cream pie texture we all love.

How long does coconut cream pie last in the fridge?

In my experience, it's best within 3 days - though the toasted coconut starts losing its crunch after day two. The pie itself stays safe to eat for up to 4 days if stored properly. Pro tip: If you know you'll have leftovers, store the toasted coconut separately and sprinkle it on each slice when serving.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day. Just wait to add the whipped topping and toasted coconut until about an hour before serving. The filling needs at least 6 hours to set, so overnight is perfect.

What if I can't find coconut cream pudding mix?

No worries! Vanilla pudding works fine - just bump up the coconut extract to 2 teaspoons. Some stores carry coconut pudding in the international aisle too. I always grab extra boxes when I see them!

Why does my pie get watery?

Two likely culprits: Either your milk wasn't cold enough (I've made this mistake!), or you didn't whisk the pudding mix long enough. That full 2 minutes of whisking is crucial for proper thickening. Also, make sure your whipped topping is fully thawed but still cold when folding it in.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

You can, but it won't hold up as well in the fridge. The stabilizers in whipped topping help it stay fluffy for days. If you prefer homemade, stabilize it with a little powdered sugar and cornstarch - and plan to eat the pie within 24 hours.

Help! My toasted coconut burned!

Been there! The trick is constant stirring and removing it from heat the second it turns golden. If disaster strikes, scrape off the burnt bits and toast a fresh batch. Burnt coconut flavor will overpower the whole pie - trust me, it's worth redoing!

Dreamy No-Bake Coconut Cream Pie in Just 6 Hours

Description

This easy and creamy no-bake coconut cream pie is bursting with coconut flavor. It’s topped with toasted coconut for the perfect tropical-inspired dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pre-made graham cracker crust (6-ounce/9-inch)
⅓ cup sweetened shredded coconut
6.8 ounces coconut cream instant pudding mix (two 3.4-ounce packets)
2 cups whole milk, very cold
1½ teaspoons coconut extract
8 ounces extra creamy whipped topping, thawed and divided

Instructions

Prepare the Pie Crust: Remove the plastic lid from the graham cracker crust and place it on a plate.
Toast the Coconut: Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat and add the coconut. Stir frequently and toast for 3–4 minutes until golden brown. Be careful—it can burn quickly! Transfer the toasted coconut to a plate to cool.
Make the Coconut Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix, cold milk, and coconut extract. Whisk for 2 minutes until the mixture is soft-set.
Fold in the Whipped Topping: Add 4 ounces (half of the tub) of thawed whipped topping to the pudding mixture. Gently fold together until fully incorporated and creamy.
Assemble the Pie: Pour the coconut cream filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top. Spread the remaining 4 ounces of whipped topping evenly over the filling.
Add the Toppings: Garnish with the cooled toasted coconut, sprinkling it evenly over the top.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, before slicing and serving.

Notes

For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle a bit of melted white chocolate over the top before chilling.
You can also substitute coconut milk for part of the milk for a richer flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: no bake coconut cream pie, coconut dessert, tropical pie, easy cream pie, coconut pudding pie