Coconut Banana Cream Pie: Two Great Pies Combined in One

Are you craving a dessert that combines the delicious creaminess of banana cream pie with the tropical flavor of coconut? Look no further! This Coconut Banana Cream Pie is the perfect fusion of two beloved pies, offering a rich, indulgent treat that is perfect for any occasion.

The smooth coconut custard filling complements the sweetness of ripe bananas, while the toasted coconut topping adds texture and depth of flavor. Get ready to impress your guests with this irresistible dessert!

Ingredients for Coconut Banana Cream Pie

For the crust

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or a gluten-free alternative, like crushed gluten-free cookies)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ⅓ cup melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

For the filling

  • 2 cups whole milk (you can substitute with almond milk, oat milk, or any non-dairy option)
  • 1 cup coconut milk (unsweetened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sliced ripe bananas (approximately 2 medium bananas)
  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (for the topping, toasted)
  • Whipped cream for topping (optional, but highly recommended!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Crust

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your crust will bake evenly.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until everything is evenly coated with butter.
  3. Press the mixture into a pie pan to form a uniform layer. Make sure to press the mixture firmly on the bottom and sides of the pan to form a solid crust.
  4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set it aside to cool completely. If you prefer a crunchier crust, you can bake it for an additional 5 minutes until it turns a light golden brown.

Making the Coconut Banana Cream Filling

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, coconut milk, sugar, and egg yolks. This combination forms the base for the creamy custard. Make sure the ingredients are well mixed before heating.

  1. Add the cornstarch to the mixture and continue whisking over medium heat. Keep stirring as the mixture begins to thicken, which should take around 5-7 minutes. It’s important to whisk constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
  2. Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. The butter will melt and blend into the filling, creating a rich, velvety texture.
  3. Slice the bananas into thin rounds and layer them evenly over the cooled crust. The bananas will act as a fresh, sweet base for the creamy coconut filling.
  4. Pour the coconut custard filling over the bananas, spreading it out evenly. Be sure to cover the bananas completely with the coconut custard. Let the pie sit for a few minutes to cool down before chilling.

Chilling the Pie

  1. Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the filling to set properly. The chilling time is crucial for achieving the perfect consistency.
  2. The filling will firm up as it cools, creating a delightful, sliceable pie with layers of creamy goodness.

Adding the Finishing Touches

  1. Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream to add an extra layer of richness. You can either use store-bought whipped cream or make your own from heavy cream for a fresh, fluffy topping.

  1. Toast the shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Sprinkle this toasted coconut generously on top of the whipped cream for an added crunch and a deeper coconut flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Coconut Banana Cream Pie is a dessert that will transport you to tropical paradise with every bite.

The balance of creamy coconut and sweet bananas offers a refreshing, indulgent treat that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings, family dinners, or special occasions like birthdays and holidays.

The gluten-free crust option makes this pie accessible for people with dietary restrictions, and it’s easily customizable to fit vegan or dairy-free diets.

Variations and Customization Ideas

  1. Vegan Option: To make this pie vegan-friendly, simply replace the whole milk with almond, coconut, or oat milk. Use a plant-based butter and coconut cream in place of the dairy butter. For the whipped cream topping, you can substitute with coconut whipped cream or a dairy-free whipped topping.

  1. Chocolate Twist: For an extra indulgent twist, consider adding a layer of melted chocolate between the banana slices and the coconut custard. A rich dark chocolate layer will add depth to the flavor and create a beautiful contrast with the coconut filling.
  2. Berry Garnish: For an added touch of color and flavor, top the pie with fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries. The slight tartness of the berries will balance the sweetness of the coconut and banana.
  3. Almond or Nut Crust: If you prefer a nutty flavor, you can swap the graham crackers for crushed almonds or cashews. This will create a deliciously crunchy base that pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.

Tips for Perfect Coconut Banana Cream Pie

  • Don’t rush the cooling process: Be sure to let the pie chill long enough for the filling to firm up. This is key to achieving the perfect consistency.
  • Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas provide the perfect level of sweetness and flavor for this pie. Avoid overripe bananas, which may make the pie too mushy.
  • Toast the coconut: Toasting the shredded coconut brings out its natural flavors and adds a delightful crunch to the topping.

  • Try adding a touch of rum or coconut liqueur: For an adult twist, you could infuse the coconut filling with a splash of rum or coconut liqueur for an extra kick of flavor.

A Tropical Twist on a Classic Dessert

This Coconut Banana Cream Pie is a perfect dessert to showcase at your next gathering. Its tropical flavors, creamy texture, and beautiful presentation make it an unforgettable treat.

Whether you’re serving it for a special celebration or simply indulging in a weekend dessert, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try making it today and discover how easy it is to combine two great pies into one amazing dessert!

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Emily Carter

Emily is a home cooking enthusiast who loves experimenting with simple, flavorful recipes. For her, cooking is a way to share special moments with family and friends. When she’s not in the kitchen, she enjoys exploring new ingredients and trying dishes from different cultures.

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