By Wendy Stoltz and Gusti Ayu Wahyuni Mertawati / Last Modified On April 2, 2023

 Are you a fan of creamy, dreamy tropical desserts? Look no further than this irresistible gluten-free coconut cream pie recipe. With a buttery, crumbly crust and a luscious coconut custard filling, this pie is a perfect indulgence for any occasion.

If you're gluten-free, you don't have to miss out on classic desserts like pies and puddings. Try this easy gluten-free key lime pie recipe for a refreshing and tangy dessert. Or, if you're in the mood for a classic fall treat, make the gluten-free pumpkin pie. This gluten-free apple pie recipe makes for a comforting dessert that's perfect for any time of year. And if you want something sweet and creamy, indulge in the gluten-free banana pudding. These recipes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping you gluten-free!

Learn how to make delicious gluten-free artisan bread with this Udemy course and impress your friends and family with your baking skills!

Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

The gluten-free coconut cream pie is bursting with a tropical flavor that will transport you to a beautiful island getaway. The combination of coconut milk and desiccated coconut gives the pie a rich and delicious taste that is hard to resist.

The pie has a great crust that works so well with the creamy custard filling. The crust's crumbly buttery texture perfectly balances the smooth and velvety filling. Each bite is a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that make this pie a real treat.

This gluten-free coconut cream pie is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on any occasion. This pie is perfect whether you want to celebrate a special event or need a sweet pick-me-up. Its impressive tropical flavor makes it a great choice for summer gatherings, but it's equally great any time of the year.

Why You’re Going to Love This Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie

Tropical flavor - Combining coconut milk and desiccated coconut gives the pie a rich and delicious tropical flavor.

Great pie crust - The creamy custard filling is perfectly balanced with a crumbly buttery crust, creating a satisfying texture contrast.

Perfect for any occasion - This is both an indulgent and comforting dessert. Whether enjoyed on a special occasion or as a treat to brighten up your day. 

Ingredients in Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie

The Crust

Flour - 1 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour

Xanthan gum - ½ tsp xanthan gum

Sugar - 1 tbsp powdered sugar

Salt - ¼ tsp salt

Butter - ¼ cup cold butter. This adds richness and flavor to the crust.

Egg - 1 egg yolk

The Filling

Egg - 2 large egg yolks

Sugar - ¾ cup granulated sugar

Half and half - ¾ cup half and half

Coconut milk - 1 ½ cup coconut milk

Cornstarch - ¼ cup cornstarch

Butter - 1 tsp butter

Salt - ¼ tsp salt

Whipping cream - ½ cup Heavy Whipping cream

Sugar - 1 tsp Powdered Sugar

Extract - 1tsp vanilla extract

Coconut - ½ cup desiccated coconut

The Topping

Cream - ⅔ cup heavy cream

Sugar - ¼ cup powdered sugar

Extract - 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment Needed for This Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie

Pie pan - The 7-inch pie pan is needed to bake the crust and hold the filling.

Mixing bowl - The mixing bowls are used to mix and whisk the ingredients for both the crust and the filling.

Hand mixer - The handheld mixer is required to whip the heavy cream for the filling and the topping.

Piping bag with a star pastry tip - A piping bag and star pastry tip is optional but recommended for decorating the top of the pie.

If you have any questions about making Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie, please leave a comment, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How to Make Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie

Make The Pie Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 7-inch pie pan and grease it with butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, mix gluten-free flour, xanthan gum, powdered sugar, and salt. Mix well.
3. Add butter and make the flour-butter mixture into crumbles using your hand.
4. After it crumbled, add the egg yolk and knead several times. If the dough is too dry, you may add cold water to it.
5. On a flat surface, add parchment paper and put the dough on it. Add another parchment paper and roll the dough into an 8-inch disk.
6. Put the dough carefully on the pan and press carefully to make it fit into the pan.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Take it off the oven and let it cool.

Make The Pie Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, mix egg yolks, granulated sugar, half and half, coconut milk, and cornstarch. Mix until incorporated.
2. Strain the filling into a saucepan. Cook over low heat until it thickens.
3. Add butter and salt, and mix well again. Take off from the heat.
4. Pour the pie custard into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Make sure the plastic wrap touches the surface of the custard.
5. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
6. After 1 hour, in a large mixing bowl, mix heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer until stiff.
7. Fold in refrigerated custard to the whipped cream, and mix using a spatula.
8. Add desiccated coconut to the cream mixture and mix well.
9. Pour into the cooled pie crust and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Make The Topping

1. Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer until stiff.
2. Pour into a pipping bag with a star pastry tip. Squeeze onto the cooled pie. Decorate your pie as you like.
3. Serve with toasted coconut flakes, and enjoy.

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie

Cook the filling until thickened - Cook it over low heat until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This will ensure that the filling is the correct consistency.

Chill the pie - Chill the pie in the fridge for at least two hours before serving. This will help the filling set and make it easier to slice.

Chill the coconut milk - Chill the coconut milk in the refrigerator for a few hours before using it in the recipe. This will help to separate the cream from the water, making it easier to work with.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Store Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie?

Store Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is best to cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie?

You can store Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is best to cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.

Can You Make This Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie ahead of time. After making the pie, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. If you want to make it more than a day ahead, you can freeze it.

What Substitutions / Replacements Can I Make in This Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie?

Xanthan gum - If you do not have xanthan gum, you can substitute it with psyllium husk powder.

Half and half - Instead of half and half, you can use heavy cream. For a dairy-free coconut cream pie, you can use coconut cream.

Coconut milk - If you do not have coconut milk, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk. The taste will be different, however.

Butter - You can use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of butter if you need to make a gluten-free dairy-free coconut cream pie.

Whipping cream - You can use coconut cream or any other dairy-free whipped cream for heavy whipping cream.

How Do You Thicken Coconut Cream Pie Filling?

To thicken the coconut cream pie filling, you can use cornstarch, as I have used. Cornstarch is a gluten-free thickener that works well in custard-based desserts like this pie. It helps to bind the ingredients together and gives the filling a smooth and creamy texture.

Is Coconut Cream Gluten-Free?

Coconut cream is generally considered to be gluten-free. However, it's always important to check the label of any product you're using to ensure that it doesn't contain any gluten-containing ingredients or was processed in a facility that also handles gluten.

 Did you make this Gluten-Free Coconut Cream Pie recipe? Please leave me a comment below, letting me know what you think.