If you adore tropical flavors blended with a creamy, luscious texture, the French Coconut Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful pie brings together the nutty sweetness of shredded coconut and the rich decadence of dulce de leche for a dessert that feels both elegant and irresistibly homey. The golden, slightly gooey filling nestled inside a buttery crust is proof that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a show-stopping experience that everyone will rave about at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this pie plays a starring role, contributing to a perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the silky smooth melted butter to the chewy coconut, these components keep the pie vibrant and comforting without complicating the process.
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Provides a flaky, buttery foundation for the pie’s rich filling.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the custard and helps caramelize the top for that irresistible golden finish.
- 3 large eggs: Bind the filling together and give it a creamy custard-like texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and moistness, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Introduces a warm, fragrant note that complements the coconut beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the filling, ensuring it slices cleanly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the other flavors.
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut: Adds chewy texture and distinctive coconut flavor throughout the pie.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the custard, contributing to the creamy consistency.
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche, warmed for drizzling: Drizzled on top for a luscious caramel finish that’s pure magic.
How to Make French Coconut Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Fit your pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges to create a beautiful decorative border. This sets the stage for the filling and helps keep everything intact during baking.
Step 2: Whisk the Filling Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, flour, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This blend forms the rich custard base that will hold all the delightful textures together.
Step 3: Incorporate Coconut and Milk
Next, stir in the sweetened shredded coconut and milk gently but thoroughly, ensuring the coconut is evenly distributed throughout the custard. This mixture promises a luscious bite bursting with coconut flavor in every forkful.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Set
Pour the coconut filling into your prepared pie crust. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is a gorgeous golden brown and the filling feels set but still holds a slight jiggle in the center. This balance means the pie will be perfectly creamy and not overcooked.
Step 5: Cool and Drizzle
Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature before drizzling the warmed dulce de leche over the top. This final touch introduces a caramel richness that melts into the pie’s surface, giving it that unforgettable finishing flavor.
How to Serve French Coconut Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, consider topping your pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. These simple garnishes enhance the texture contrast and add a touch of elegance to every slice.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The freshness and creaminess from these sides play off the richness of the coconut and dulce de leche, creating a well-rounded dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving slices on colorful dessert plates with a small decorative drizzle of extra dulce de leche on the plate. You can also cut bite-sized squares for a bite party platter—guests will love the sweet coconut and caramel combination in a neat, finger-friendly form.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover French Coconut Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the pie’s creamy texture and keeps the coconut chewy and fresh tasting.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, thaw the pie overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
For a warm slice, gently reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm the whole pie in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, as this can alter the custard’s creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust works wonderfully and saves time. Just make sure to follow the instructions for crimping and fitting it perfectly into your pie dish.
Is it necessary to warm the dulce de leche before drizzling?
Warming the dulce de leche makes it more fluid and easier to drizzle evenly over the pie, enhancing its presentation and allowing it to gently melt into the filling.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
While this recipe relies on butter and milk for richness, you can experiment with dairy-free substitutes like coconut oil and almond milk, but it may slightly change the texture and flavor.
How do I know when the pie is fully baked?
Look for a golden brown top and a filling that is set with just a little jiggle at the center. This indicates the custard is cooked through but still creamy.
Can I add more coconut to intensify the flavor?
Yes, you can add a bit more shredded coconut if you love that tropical texture—just be mindful that it might slightly alter the custard’s consistency and baking time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s bursting with flavor and offers a beautiful balance of creamy and chewy textures, the French Coconut Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe is a must-try. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself to a little slice of magic. Don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and get baking. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this sweet, decadent pie becomes a cherished favorite.
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French Coconut Pie with Dulce de Leche Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Southern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This French Coconut Pie with Dulce de Leche is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines a creamy coconut custard filling with a flaky pie crust, topped with warm, caramel-like dulce de leche. Perfectly baked until golden brown and slightly jiggly in the center, this southern-inspired pie delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup milk
Topping
- 1/2 cup dulce de leche, warmed for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie dish and crimp the edges neatly to prepare for the filling.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, melted unsalted butter, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Coconut and Milk: Stir in the sweetened shredded coconut and milk until the filling mixture is evenly combined, ensuring the coconut is well distributed throughout.
- Pour Filling and Bake: Pour the prepared filling mixture into the pie crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature to let the filling set properly.
- Add Dulce de Leche and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle the warm dulce de leche evenly over the top of the pie. Slice and enjoy your decadent French Coconut Pie.
Notes
- For an extra indulgent version, spread a thin layer of dulce de leche on the bottom of the unbaked pie crust before adding the coconut filling.
- This pie is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled for optimal flavor and texture.
- Pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness.
