If you’re a coconut lover looking for a simple, satisfying dessert that’s big on flavor but light on effort, this Crustless Coconut Pie is a must-try! This golden, chewy, and slightly custardy pie delivers everything you love about coconut pie — without the need for a crust. As it bakes, the batter magically forms a lightly crispy edge and a creamy coconut center that tastes like a tropical hug.
Whether you’re serving this for a family dessert, brunch, or just want something sweet without the hassle of rolling dough, this recipe is a winner. Let’s dive into how you can make it with basic pantry ingredients.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No crust required – It forms its own as it bakes!
- One bowl, no mixer – Just mix, pour, and bake.
- Versatile – Sweetened or unsweetened coconut? Both work.
- Perfect texture – Moist inside, golden on the outside.
- Crowd-pleaser – Great for potlucks, holidays, and everyday treats.
🧾 Ingredients
You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have at home:
- 1 cup shredded coconut – sweetened for a richer dessert, or unsweetened for a less sweet option.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – feel free to reduce to ⅓ cup for a less sweet version.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour – helps give it structure.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – gives a gentle rise.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances flavor.
- 4 large eggs – binds everything together and adds richness.
- 1 cup whole milk – creates a smooth custard-like base.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for aroma and depth.
- ¼ cup butter, melted and cooled – adds moisture and richness.
- Optional toppings: whipped cream or toasted coconut flakes for serving.
🥣 Instructions
1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie plate or round baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Combine the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the shredded coconut, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Then add the milk, vanilla extract, and melted (cooled) butter. Mix until well blended.
4. Combine and mix
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined. The mixture will be thin — that’s exactly what you want.
5. Pour and smooth
Pour the batter into the greased pie dish. Gently smooth the top with a spatula or spoon to ensure even baking.
6. Bake to golden perfection
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
7. Cool before serving
Allow the pie to cool for at least 15 minutes. It will continue to firm up as it cools. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
8. Garnish (optional)
Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for extra texture and flavor.
💡 Expert Tips
- Use a glass pie dish if you want to keep an eye on the browning of the edges.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just enough to combine for a soft, tender bite.
- Let it cool before slicing, so the texture sets properly.
- Make ahead – This pie tastes even better the next day after chilling in the fridge.
🍴 Variations to Try
This recipe is very forgiving and easy to customize:
- Lemon Coconut Pie: Add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the batter for a zesty twist.
- Chocolate Coconut Pie: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top before baking.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy milk with almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.
- Low Sugar: Cut sugar to ⅓ cup or use a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia blend.
🧊 How to Store
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Reheat: Warm up a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds for a fresh-baked feel.
🥥 What to Serve With Coconut Pie
This pie is so delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate it:
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce
- Sprinkle of toasted almonds for crunch
- A spoonful of fruit compote (mango or pineapple works wonderfully!)