Shortcut Coconut Cream Pie Recipes

THE RED ARROW DINER'S COCONUT CREAM PIE

Steps:

• Make the crust: Pulse the flour and salt in a food processor until combined. Add the shortening and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse cornmeal. Add the ice water, then continue to pulse until the mixture becomes a shaggy dough. Form the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into an 11-inch round (about 1/8 inch thick), then fit into a 9-inch pie dish. Fold under any excess dough and prick the bottom all over with a fork. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the bottom of the pie with foil or parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake until the bottom is just starting to set and the edges are just starting to brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove the foil and weights and continue to bake until the crust is golden brown and cooked through, about 10 more minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool completely.
• Meanwhile, make the filling: Spread 1 cup coconut on a baking sheet and bake, stirring halfway through, until toasted, about 20 minutes; let cool.
• Beat the heavy cream, granulated sugar, pudding mix, vanilla and salt in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until thick and creamy, 2 to 4 minutes. Fold in 3/4 cup of the toasted coconut and the remaining 1 1/2 cups untoasted coconut; set aside the remaining 1/4 cup toasted coconut for topping. Spread the filling in the crust and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
• Make the topping: Beat the heavy cream, confectioners' sugar and vanilla in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Spread over the pie and top with the reserved toasted coconut.

DAD'S FAVORITE COCONUT CREAM PIE

Steps:

• For the crust: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and set it aside.
• In a food processor, combine the chocolate cookies with the coconut oil and salt and pulse until the mixture is sandy and starts to clump together. Add the coconut and pulse just a couple more times to get it evenly distributed.
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing it up against the sides to give it a 1- to 1 1/2-inch-tall crust. Bake until set, about 25 minutes. Let it cool.
• For the filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the milk, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, salt and egg yolks. Cook over medium-high heat, whisking constantly, until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded coconut and pour into the cooled crust. Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours. (This can be done up to 2 days in advance; keep covered in the refrigerator.)
• For the topping: Toast the coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Let it cool.
• With an electric mixer or in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Spread it on the pie, then sprinkle with the toasted coconut flakes. Top with shaved chocolate or chocolate sprinkles. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
• When you're ready to take it out of the pan, run a small offset spatula around the edge and carefully remove the sides. Enjoy!

SHORTCUT COCONUT CREAM PIE

Steps:

• Combine the pudding mix and coconut milk in a large bowl and whisk until pale and smooth, about 2 minutes.
• Fold in 1 cup whipped topping until you see a marble effect, about 30 seconds.
• Pour into the crust, then smooth over with a spatula and refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.
• Top with the remaining 2 cups whipped topping and the coconut chips. Slice and serve.