Lemon Coconut Cream Pie

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🍋🥥 Lemon Coconut Cream Pie: A Zesty Tropical Delight 🥧✨

The Lemon Coconut Cream Pie is a dreamy, creamy dessert that fuses the bright citrusy tang of lemon with the tropical richness of coconut. Tucked into a golden graham cracker crust and topped with billowy whipped cream or meringue, this pie is sunshine on a plate. Whether served at a summer picnic, a holiday table, or just a casual family dessert night, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles with every bite.

🧾 Ingredients

📌 Option 1: Homemade Graham Cracker Crust

  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 full sheets)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

📌 Creamy Lemon Coconut Filling

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup unsweetened coconut milk (canned)
  • ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon coconut extract (optional)

📌 Topping

  • 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Toasted coconut flakes (for garnish)
  • Lemon zest or thin lemon slices (optional for garnish)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions & Methods

Step 1: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate.
  4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until golden and fragrant. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Coconut Cream Filling

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk and coconut milk over medium heat.
  3. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot mixture to the yolks (tempering), whisking constantly.
  5. Return the egg yolk mixture to the saucepan and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until very thick.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, zest, butter, vanilla, and coconut extract.
  7. Fold in the shredded coconut.
  8. Pour the filling into the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  9. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

  1. Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
  2. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie.
  3. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and lemon zest.

🕰️ Formation & Timing

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Chill Time: 4+ hours
  • Total Time: ~5 hours

📜 History

Coconut cream pies date back to the early 1900s in American cooking, popularized during the rise of canned and preserved ingredients. Lemon pies, particularly lemon meringue, were already beloved in the 1800s. The fusion of coconut and lemon is a more modern innovation—likely emerging in the mid-20th century during the tropical flavor trend. Together, they balance richness and brightness for a distinctly refreshing dessert.

🌱 Benefits

  • Lemon is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
  • Coconut offers medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) for energy.
  • Egg yolks provide essential fats and choline.
  • Homemade whipped cream contains fewer additives than store-bought toppings.
  • Graham cracker crust keeps things simple and gluten-adjustable.

🍽️ Lovers of This Pie

This pie is adored by:

  • Coconut lovers who enjoy its creamy tropical texture.
  • Lemon fans who crave a citrusy punch in a smooth dessert.
  • Home bakers seeking an elegant pie with minimal fuss.
  • Summer entertainers who need a chill dessert for warm evenings.

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

  • Calories: 420
  • Fat: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 27g

(Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and portion size.)

🔚 Conclusion

Lemon Coconut Cream Pie is a dessert that dazzles with every forkful. The tang of lemon and the silkiness of coconut cream create a balance that is indulgent yet refreshing. It’s a celebration of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy—all in one chilled masterpiece. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this pie never disappoints.

💞 Shared with Love

Serve it at:

  • Family gatherings
  • Bridal showers
  • Summer BBQs
  • Holiday dessert spreads

Or just savor a slice on your porch with a cup of tea and a quiet sunset 🌅💛

Would you like a no-bake version or a vegan twist on this pie too?

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