Heavenly Coconut Cream Pie

Ingredients

• 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
• 3 cups half-and-half
• ¾ cup white sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 (9 inch) pie shell, baked
• 1 cup frozen whipped topping, thawed

Instructions

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread the coconut evenly on a baking sheet and toast it in the preheated oven until golden brown, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes. This step adds a delightful crunch and enhances the coconut flavor.

2. While the coconut is toasting, it’s time to prepare the creamy custard filling. In a medium pot, combine the half-and-half, sugar, flour, beaten eggs, and salt. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a wooden spoon, creating a luscious custard. This process takes approximately 15 minutes, but the result is well worth the wait.

3. Once the custard reaches the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat and stir in ¾ cup of the toasted coconut and the vanilla extract, reserving the remaining toasted coconut for garnishing the pie later.

4. Pour the heavenly custard into the pre-baked pie shell, spreading it evenly. Then, chill the pie in the refrigerator until firm, which usually takes about 4 hours. This step allows the flavors to meld together and sets the custard perfectly.

5. When you’re ready to serve, top the chilled pie with a generous dollop of thawed whipped topping, spreading it smoothly over the custard. Sprinkle the reserved toasted coconut on top for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Now, it’s time to slice into this divine creation and enjoy the tropical paradise that awaits. Each forkful of this Coconut Cream Pie is a symphony of creamy custard, toasted coconut, and buttery crust, creating a dessert experience that is truly unforgettable. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving a taste of the tropics, our Coconut Cream Pie recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. So go ahead, treat yourself to a slice of paradise today!