Coconut Cream Pie

Ingredients

• 1 pie crust (all butter pie crust or pre-baked graham cracker crust)
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch ((aka cornflour))
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 14 oz cream of coconut
• 3/4 cup half and half (or 1/2 cup milk & a 1/4 cup whipping cream)
• 1 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon skimmed milk powder (optional)
• Toasted coconut (for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat your oven and line your pie pan with the pie crust dough. Prick the bottom and sides with a fork. Cover the dough with baking paper and pour baking beads onto the parchment paper. Bake until golden brown and set aside to cool.

2. 2

   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, salt, and cornstarch until smooth and glossy.

3. 3

   In a saucepan, mix the cream of coconut and half and half. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

4. 4

   Temper the eggs by slowly pouring about a quarter of the hot liquid into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly. Then, slowly whisk in the rest of the hot liquid.

5. 5

   Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a low boil. Continue to cook for a short while.

6. 6

   Strain the custard through a fine sieve into a mixing bowl.

7. 7

   Stir in the butter, vanilla extract, and unsweetened flaked coconut.

8. 8

   Pour the filling into the cooled crust, cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the filling. Leave it to cool until set.

9. 9

   --- For the whipped cream topping ---

10. 10

    Combine the whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and skimmed milk powder (if using) in a mixer or food processor. Whip until it thickens.

11. 11

    Spread the whipped cream over the pie and sprinkle with toasted coconut.

12. 12

    Chill the pie uncovered up to a few hours or serve immediately. Cover leftovers and store in the refrigerator.