One of the best indulgences in life is a slice of creamy, tart key lime pie. But when you add a hint of coconut to the mix, it becomes a heavenly dessert that's hard to resist. This recipe for Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie is a tropical take on the traditional key lime pie. It's not only delicious, but also easy to whip up.
The star ingredients for this recipe are key limes and coconut cream. Key limes are smaller and sweeter than regular limes and are often available in the produce section of grocery stores. If they're hard to find, bottled key lime juice can be a good substitute. Coconut cream, on the other hand, is a thicker, more concentrated version of coconut milk and is usually available in the international aisle.
Ingredients for Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie
Egg yolks: Provides richness and helps to bind the pie filling together.
Key lime zest: Adds a punch of citrus flavor and aroma.
Sweetened condensed milk: Gives the pie its creamy, sweet base.
Key lime juice: Balances the sweetness with its tartness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors of the pie.
Graham crackers: Provides the crunchy texture for the pie crust.
Coconut flakes: Adds a tropical flavor to the crust.
Light brown sugar: Sweetens and moistens the crust.
Butter: Binds the crust ingredients together.
Whipping cream: Used to make the coconut whipped cream topping.
Coconut cream: Gives a rich, creamy, coconut flavor to the whipped cream topping.
Confectioners' sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream.
Vanilla: Enhances the flavor of the whipped cream.
Sweetened coconut: Used for garnishing the pie.
One reader, Ferdinanda Waltz says:
This coconut cream key lime pie recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture and zesty lime flavor create a perfect balance. The coconut whipped cream adds a delightful tropical twist. It's a refreshing and indulgent dessert that's a hit with everyone. I highly recommend trying this recipe!
Techniques Required for Making Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie
How to prepare the pie filling: Whisk together the egg yolks, grated lime zest, condensed milk, lime juice, and vanilla until smooth and thickened. Set aside for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How to make the graham cracker crust: In a food processor, combine graham crackers, coconut flakes, and brown sugar, then pulse until they form fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch glass pie plate. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
How to bake the pie: Add the thickened filling to the pie crust and bake for about 15 minutes until the center is firm but jiggles slightly in the middle. Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled for about 3 hours.
How to make the coconut whipped cream: Combine the whipping cream, coconut cream, confectioners' sugar, and vanilla. Beat until it forms soft peaks. Spread on top of the chilled pie and garnish with toasted coconut.
How To Make Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie
The all-American key lime pie gets a tropical twist with the infusion of coconut. The smooth and tart filling is topped with sweet coconut whipped cream.
Serves:
Ingredients
For the Pie:
- 4large egg yolks
- 2tspkey lime zest,grated
- 14ozsweetened condensed milk,(1 can)
- ¼cupfresh key lime juice
- ¼tsppure vanilla extract
- 8whole graham crackers
- ¼cupsweetened coconut flakes
- 2tbsplight brown sugar
- 6tbspbutter,melted
For Coconut Whipped Cream:
- 1½cupswhipping cream,(very cold)
- ¼cupcoconut cream,(plus 1 tbsp)
- 2tspconfectioners’ sugar,heaping
- 1tspvanilla
- ½cupsweetened coconut,lightly toasted for garnish
Instructions
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In a medium sized mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, grated lime zest, condensed milk, lime juice, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth and thickened. Set aside for about 20 minutes.
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. In a food processor, combine graham crackers, coconut flakes, and brown sugar and pulse until they are fine crumbs.
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Add the melted butter and press into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch glass pie plate. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
-
Add the thickened filling to the pie crust and bake for about another 15 minutes until the center is firm but jiggles slightly in the middle.
-
Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature and then refrigerate until chilled about 3 hours.
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Combine the whipped cream, coconut cream, confectioners sugar, and vanilla. Beat until it forms soft peaks.
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Spread on top of chilled pie and garnish with toasted coconut.
Nutrition
- Calories: 529.07kcal
- Fat: 36.54g
- Saturated Fat: 23.21g
- Trans Fat: 0.36g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.07g
- Carbohydrates: 45.03g
- Fiber: 1.61g
- Sugar: 35.40g
- Protein: 7.94g
- Cholesterol: 181.73mg
- Sodium: 150.92mg
- Calcium: 202.02mg
- Potassium: 333.39mg
- Iron: 1.28mg
- Vitamin A: 267.14µg
- Vitamin C: 4.89mg
Crucial Technique for Perfecting Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie
When toasting the coconut for garnish, keep a close eye on it as it can burn quickly. Spread the coconut in a thin layer on a baking sheet and toast it in a 350-degree oven. Stir it every 5 minutes to ensure even browning. Once it's golden brown, remove it from the oven and let it cool before sprinkling it on the pie. This will add a delightful crunch and extra coconut flavor to your key lime pie.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Delicious Dessert
Prep ahead: Prepare the graham cracker crust and the key lime filling a day in advance. This will save time on the day you plan to serve the pie.
Use store-bought crust: If you're short on time, consider using a pre-made graham cracker crust instead of making it from scratch.
Chill the pie: Ensure the pie is thoroughly chilled before adding the whipped cream topping to prevent melting and save time on re-chilling.
Organize ingredients: Before you start, gather all the ingredients and equipment needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Multi-task: While the pie is baking, use that time to prepare the coconut whipped cream and garnishes to save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie Recipe
egg yolks - Substitute with 1/4 cup silken tofu: Silken tofu can provide a similar creamy texture and binding properties as egg yolks in the pie filling.
sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut condensed milk: Coconut condensed milk can add a rich and creamy texture with a hint of coconut flavor, similar to sweetened condensed milk.
graham crackers - Substitute with gluten-free graham crackers: For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers to maintain the crust's texture and flavor.
whipping cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used to create a dairy-free alternative for the coconut whipped cream, adding a rich and creamy texture with a hint of coconut flavor.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter in the crust, providing a subtle coconut flavor.
whipping cream - Substitute with whipped coconut cream: Whipped coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to create a coconut-flavored topping for the pie.
Presentation Ideas for Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie
Elevate the pie crust: Create a thin, crisp graham cracker and coconut crust that adds a delightful crunch to each bite.
Garnish with precision: Sprinkle toasted coconut over the pie with a delicate hand, ensuring each piece is adorned with a perfect touch of texture and flavor.
Emphasize color contrast: Pair the vibrant green of the key lime filling with a dusting of powdered sugar and a hint of toasted coconut to create an eye-catching visual appeal.
Incorporate geometric shapes: Cut the pie into precise, clean slices and arrange them on the plate with a meticulous attention to detail, creating a visually stunning presentation.
Utilize negative space: Allow the pie to stand out by incorporating ample white space on the plate, drawing attention to the exquisite flavors and textures of the dessert.
Essential Tools for Making Key Lime Pie with Coconut Cream
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients and allowing flavors to meld together.
Whisk: Used for mixing and aerating ingredients, such as eggs, sauces, and batters.
Food processor: Ideal for crushing graham crackers and coconut flakes to create the pie crust.
9-inch glass pie plate: Perfect for baking the key lime pie.
Electric mixer: Helpful for whipping the cream and coconut cream to create the coconut whipped cream topping.
Measuring cups and spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring ingredients for the recipe.
Pie server: Useful for serving the delicious coconut cream key lime pie.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie
- Once the coconut cream key lime pie has cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Place it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- When you're ready to serve the frozen pie, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- For best results, add the whipped cream topping just before serving. If you've already topped the pie with whipped cream, you can still freeze it, but the texture of the whipped cream may change slightly upon thawing.
- If you have any leftover pie slices, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- To maintain the best texture and flavor of the graham cracker crust, avoid freezing the pie for too long. The longer it stays in the freezer, the more likely the crust will become soggy upon thawing.
Interesting Trivia About Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie
The key lime pie recipe includes coconut cream and key lime as its main ingredients.
Is Making Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie at Home Cost-Effective?
This coconut cream key lime pie recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The key lime juice and sweetened condensed milk are affordable, while the coconut cream and sweetened coconut may be pricier. The use of egg yolks and whipping cream adds to the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. The delightful flavors and creamy texture make it a delightful treat, earning a solid 8/10 rating.
Is Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie Healthy or Unhealthy?
This coconut cream key lime pie recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High in saturated fat from the condensed milk, butter, and coconut cream
- Significant amount of added sugar from the condensed milk, brown sugar, and confectioners' sugar
- Relatively low in nutrients, as it primarily consists of fat and sugar
However, there are a few redeeming qualities:
- Key limes provide some vitamin C and antioxidants
- Eggs offer protein and nutrients like choline and vitamin D
- Coconut contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which may have some health benefits
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace some or all of the condensed milk with a lower-fat, lower-sugar alternative like evaporated skim milk or coconut milk
- Use a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia to reduce the added sugar content
- Incorporate more whole grains into the crust by using a mix of graham crackers and whole-wheat flour or oats
- Reduce the amount of butter in the crust and replace some with heart-healthy olive oil
- Top the pie with fresh fruit like berries or mango to add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
- Use a smaller serving size to control portions and reduce overall calorie, fat, and sugar intake
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious dessert that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Remember, moderation is key, and even healthier versions of desserts should be enjoyed in reasonable portions as part of a well-rounded diet.
Editor's Opinion on This Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie Recipe
This coconut cream key lime pie recipe is a delightful twist on the classic key lime pie. The combination of the tangy key lime filling with the sweet coconut whipped cream creates a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of coconut in both the crust and the whipped cream adds a tropical flair that elevates the dessert to a whole new level. The recipe's clear instructions make it accessible for home cooks, and the result is a refreshing and indulgent treat that is sure to impress.
Enhance Your Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie
Appetizers and Main Dishes to Complement Your Pie
Why trust this Coconut Cream Key Lime Pie Recipe:
This coconut cream key lime pie recipe is a delightful tropical twist on a classic dessert. The combination of key lime juice and zest provides a refreshing and tangy flavor, balanced perfectly by the creamy sweetness of sweetened condensed milk and coconut cream. The use of coconut flakes in both the crust and the whipped cream topping adds a delightful texture and a hint of tropical flavor. With a golden graham cracker and coconut crust, this pie offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.
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