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Mile High Coconut Cream Pie

If you’re a fan of coconut, this Mile High Coconut Cream Pie is about to be your new obsession. It’s loaded with a rich, dreamy no-bake filling and topped sky-high with a fluffy meringue because around here, we don’t do skimpy pies. Every bite is smooth, creamy, and totally irresistible.

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Easy Mile High Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

This easy Coconut Cream Pie is a true Southern classic. Simple to make, but rich in flavor. It’s topped with a light meringue, but if you’d rather keep things even easier, a generous dollop of whipped cream works just as well. The ingredients are everyday staples you can find at just about any grocery store, but when they come together, the flavor is pure magic. This recipe uses no egg yolks, cornstarch or butter as the filling is a quick no-bake option, that’s every coconut lover’s dream.

The creamy coconut custard filling starts with a dry whipped topping mix combined with vanilla pudding for a smooth, creamy texture that’s hard to beat. I like using Dream Whip, which you’ll find right in the baking aisle at stores like Walmart or Target. It gives the pie that perfectly fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth filling that coconut lovers dream about. Just pile it high into a flaky crust, and you’ve got a no-fuss dessert that tastes like it came straight from my Grandma’s kitchen.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make this easy Mile High Coconut Cream Pie Recipe: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

  • Pie Crust – One 9-inch deep dish pie crust either homemade, refrigerated or frozen.
  • Instant Pudding Mix – One box of vanilla pudding mix and one box of coconut cream pudding mix forms the filling.
  •  Dry Whipped Topping Mix – One 2.6 oz box of dry whipped topping mix. The brand is Dream Whip and it contains 2 packages. Use both.
  • Liquid – Half and half gives the filling a creamy texture.
  • Flavoring – Vanilla extract adds creamy floral notes.
  • Coconut – Sweetened flaked coconut gives the pie its signature flavor.
  • Meringue – Large egg whites, cream of tarter and granulated sugar.
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How to Make the Best Mile High Coconut Cream Pie

  • Heat Oven and Prepare the Crust – Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prick the bottom of a 9-inch deep dish pie crust with a fork. Fit with parchment and fill with beans or pie weights.
  • Oven – Blind bake the pie crust until lightly golden brown.Cool completely. This can be done an hour or two in advance.
  • Make the Whipped Cream Filling – Using an electric mixer, whip the dry whipped topping mix (Dream Whip) with half and half for 5 minutes or until soft peaks form.
  • Add Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix and Coconut Cream Pudding Mix – Whip in instant pudding mix with vanilla extract, and remaining half and half until thickened.
  • Shredded Coconut – Stir in sweetened flaked coconut by hand. Pour the filling into the cooled pie shell and spread evenly. Set aside.
  • Make the Meringue Topping – In a clean mixing bowl, use an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment to whip the egg whites. Add the cream of tarter and gradually add the granulated sugar. Whip until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the filling. Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp flaked coconut.
  • Broil the Meringue – Place onto a baking sheet and into the oven. Broil the meringue until golden brown.
  • Refrigerate – Chill for 4 hours then slice and enjoy.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Southern Coconut Cream Pie

  • One 9-inch deep dish pie dish or pie pan.
  • Electric mixer, either a stand mixer or a hand mixer.
  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Measuring cups and spoons.
  • Offset icing spatula to spread the filling and the meringue.
  • Sheet pan.
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Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

  • Homemade Pie Crust – I typically use a quality frozen pie crust for this recipe. That said, you can certainly go the extra mile and make your own pie dough. Checkout my recipe for Flaky Homemade Pie Crust here. 
  • Instant Pudding – If you’re unable to find coconut cream pudding mix, don’t panic! Use two boxes of instant vanilla pudding, adding 1-2 teaspoons of coconut extract to amp up the coconut flavor.
  • Half and Half – You can use whole milk, coconut milk or heavy cream in place of half and half.
  • Cool the Crust Completely Before Filling – The most important consideration when making my Southern style coconut cream pie, is to start with a homemade or quality deep dish pie crust. Whether you make it from scratch use a refrigerated crust or use a frozen pie crust, it should be baked and cooled before filling.
  • Dream Whip – Dream Whip is a brand of dry whipped topping mix. It’s readily available on the baking aisle of most grocery stores as well as big box stores like Target and Walmart. One box of Dream Whip contains 2 envelopes of whipped topping mix. This recipe will use both. It’s a vital ingredient in this recipe, don’t skip it.
  • Chill the Pie So the Filling Can Set – Make this pie at least 4 hours in advance to allow it ample time to chill in the refrigerator. It’s important to give the filling adequate chill time so it will set and slice perfectly.
  • Whipped Cream Topping – This coconut cream pie recipe is topped with a meringue. If you have a reason you need to adapt it, you could use fresh whipped cream or Cool Whip, instead.
  • Make Two Pies – You could easily adapt the generous filling to make two regular pies. The coconut cream filling makes enough for two pies. For me, I simply love making one mile high pie, but the filling is generous, hence the name.

Storage and Leftovers

  • Leftovers – Store this Mile High Coconut Cream Pie in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer – You can freeze this pie prior to adding the meringue. Thaw in the fridge overnight and top it with the meringue or whipped cream, just before serving.
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More Southern Style Pie Recipes to Make

We love our pies in the South and they come in many flavors. There are some that are iconic and expected to be served for any most any special occasion. Other easy pie recipes you may like to try:

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5 from 1 vote

Mile High Coconut Cream Pie

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Chill Time4 hours
Total Time4 hours 35 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: mile-high-coconut-cream-pie
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 345kcal
Author: Melissa Sperka

Ingredients

  • 1 9-inch frozen deep dish pie crust
  • 1 2.6 oz box Dream Whip contains 2 packages. Use both
  • 2 3/4 cup cold half and half divided
  • 1 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding
  • 1 3.4 oz instant coconut cream instant pudding mix
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut plus 1 Tbsp
  • 3 large egg whites
  • 1/2 tsp cream of tarter
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. Fit with parchment and fill with beans or pie weights. Blind bake the pie crust for 8-10 minutes then remove the pie weights and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes. Cool completely.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip both envelopes of Dream Whip with 1 3/4 cup half and half until soft peaks form, around 5 minutes.
  • Add both the vanilla pudding mix and the coconut cream pudding mix, vanilla extract and the remaining 1 cup half and half to the bowl. Whip on medium-high for 2 minutes or until thickened.
  • Stir in 1 cup flaked coconut by hand. Pour the filling into the cooled shell and spread evenly. Set aside.
  • In a clean mixing bowl, use an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment to whip the egg whites and the cream of tarter on medium-high speed. Gradually add the granulated sugar. Whip until stiff peaks form.
  • Spread the meringue over the filling. Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp flaked coconut.
  • Place onto a baking sheet and into the oven. Broil for 5 minutes turning as needed for even browning of the meringue.
  • Chill for 4 hours.

Notes

  • Homemade Pie Crust – I typically use a quality frozen pie crust for this recipe. That said, you can certainly go the extra mile and make your own pie dough. Checkout my recipe for Flaky Homemade Pie Crust here. 
  • Instant Pudding – If you’re unable to find coconut cream pudding mix, don’t panic! Use two boxes of instant vanilla pudding, adding 1-2 teaspoons of coconut extract to amp up the coconut flavor.
  • Half and Half – You can use whole milk, coconut milk or heavy cream in place of half and half.
  • Cool the Crust Completely Before Filling – The most important consideration when making my Southern style coconut cream pie, is to start with a homemade or quality deep dish pie crust. Whether you make it from scratch use a refrigerated crust or use a frozen pie crust, it should be baked and cooled before filling.
  • Dream Whip – Dream Whip is a brand of dry whipped topping mix. It’s readily available on the baking aisle of most grocery stores as well as big box stores like Target and Walmart. One box of Dream Whip contains 2 envelopes of whipped topping mix. This recipe will use both. It’s a vital ingredient in this recipe, don’t skip it.
  • Chill the Pie So the Filling Can Set – Make this pie at least 4 hours in advance to allow it ample time to chill in the refrigerator. It’s important to give the filling adequate chill time so it will set and slice perfectly.
  • Whipped Cream Topping – This coconut cream pie recipe is topped with a meringue. If you have a reason you need to adapt it, you could use fresh whipped cream or Cool Whip, instead.
  • Make Two Pies – You could easily adapt the generous filling to make two regular pies. The coconut cream filling makes enough for two pies. For me, I simply love making one mile high pie, but the filling is generous, hence the name.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 345kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 25mg | Sodium: 356mg | Potassium: 151mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 236IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @melissassk or tag #melissassk!

19 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I love everything that you have given recipes for!!!! I’ve made some wonderful dishes for the family!!! Thank You so much!!!

  2. Hi, the recipe said use dairy ( half & half ) can I use coconut milk instead of half & half. If I use coconut milk,should I just follow the recipe or I have to cook the mix coconut milk and the puddings? thank you for the idea

    1. I haven’t tested using coconut milk in place of half & half but, yes you would swap out and follow the recipe directions. Let us know how it goes!

    1. Half heavy cream half whole milk. It’s sold here in the US as such but, can easily be made at home, if you don’t have access to it.

    1. Meringues can do that. Use a sharp knife and cut carefully. Also, make sure you use the cream of tarter to it help it set.

  3. This is soooooooo good! I used a nilla wafer crust since I am not a fan of pie crusts otherwise I kept the recipe the same. I made it for work and half of it was gone before 10 am 🙂

    1. Excellent Idea for the crust!!! I was going to make as is, but when I saw your idea…..spot on!!!! Thanks!!!!

5 from 1 vote

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