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Original Coconut Cream Pie

Image may contain Cutlery Fork Pottery and Saucer
Photo by Chelsea Kyle

This is the most popular dessert at Mrs. Rowe’s Restaurant and Bakery. Enough said.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    makes one 9-inch pie

Ingredients

1/2 recipe Plain Pie Pastry (page 17) or Vinegar Pie Crust (page 19), prebaked
3 eggs yolks
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 to 1/2 cup water
3 cups milk
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 recipe Mrs. Rowe’s Meringue (page 24)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 325°F.

    Step 2

    Stir together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and just enough of the water to make a smooth paste. Heat the milk in a double boiler set over simmering water. When the milk begins to steam, gradually whisk in the egg mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until very thick, about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in 3/4 cup of the coconut, the butter, and the vanilla.

    Step 3

    Pour the filling into the crust and top with the meringue, sealing the edges well. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup coconut over the meringue.

    Step 4

    Bake for about 30 minutes, until the meringue is golden brown and it’s firm to the careful touch (it’s easy to poke a hole in the meringue). Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours before slicing. Serve the pie at room temperature or, for a special treat, serve it warm—pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds.

Mrs. Rowe's Little Book of Southern Pies
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