Old-Fashioned Southern Coconut Pie

Every Southern family's got that coconut pie recipe - the one scrawled in Grandma's handwriting with mysterious notes like "bake till it jiggles." This isn't the creamy diner-style coconut pie with meringue piled high. Nope.

This one's baked, golden, and gooey like pecan pie without the nuts. The filling sets into a buttery caramel dream, flecked with toasted coconut that smells like heaven's kitchen. Serve it warm or chilled - it's pure nostalgia baked in a flaky crust.

Table of Contents

• 🗝️ Why this old-fashioned southern coconut pie just hits different
• 🧾Stuff you'll need to make this homemade coconut pie
• 📖 Recipe
• 🔪 How to bake this old-fashioned coconut pie perfectly
• 👩‍🍳💬 Pie panic hotline: your coconut pie questions answered
• 🥧 If you loved this recipe, try these next
• 💬 Comments

🗝️ Why this old-fashioned southern coconut pie just hits different

A baked coconut pie that's gooey like pecan pie, rich with dark corn syrup and butter, and kissed with toasted coconut. Simple pantry ingredients, pure Southern charm, and holiday flavor in every bite.
This isn't your average coconut pie. It's baked - not chilled - so the filling turns into a golden, gooey custard that's more like pecan pie than a cream dessert. That dark corn syrup gives it deep caramel notes, while sweet flaked coconut adds chewy texture and old-fashioned flavor that tastes like holidays at Grandma's table.

Best part? It's a pantry-staple recipe that looks like you spent all day in the kitchen. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a big swirl of homemade whipped cream and call it Southern luxury at its finest.

From potlucks to cookouts and especially the holiday dessert table, Southern coconut pie is versatile and delicious all year-'round.

🧾Stuff you'll need to make this homemade coconut pie

Nothing fancy here - just the kind of pantry staples every Southern kitchen keeps on hand for dessert emergencies and holiday miracles. You can use a store-bought crust in a pinch, but a homemade butter pie crust baked in a glass pie dish gives it that "Sunday supper at Grandma's" magic.

• Coconut - use sweetened flaked coconut for that chewy, toasty texture.
• Dark corn syrup - adds depth, sweetness, and that caramel-gold color that makes this pie shine.
• Sugar - because we're not pretending this is diet food.
• Butter - melted and cooled; it gives the filling that glossy, rich finish.
• Eggs - they're the magic glue that makes everything set just right.
• Vanilla extract - for warmth and balance. (Vanilla bean paste if you're feeling fancy.)
• Pie crust - unbaked, deep-dish, and preferably homemade, though no judgment if it's store-bought.

📖 Recipe

🔪 How to bake this old-fashioned coconut pie perfectly

This pie doesn't need fancy tools or chef credentials - just a good whisk, a hot oven, and a little patience. The filling bakes up rich and caramel-sweet, with golden edges that smell like every Southern holiday you've ever loved.

1. Whisk the eggs like you mean it. No lazy wrists - this is Southern dessert, not Pilates.
2. Add the sugar, dark corn syrup, cooled butter, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth. If it looks a little curdled, don't panic - that's just the butter being dramatic.
3. Stir in the coconut. That's the good part. It's not dessert until the coconut sticks to your spoon and your soul.
4. Pour the filling into the unbaked pie crust and slide it into the oven. Then walk away and let the magic happen - hovering doesn't make it bake faster, bless your heart.

👩‍🍳💬 Pie panic hotline: your coconut pie questions answered

🥧 If you loved this recipe, try these next

When the craving hits for something moist, gooey, and full of holiday flavor, my Southern Pecan Pie with Karo syrup never disappoints. It's got a secret baking trick that guarantees that perfect "set but still soft" filling every single time - no more guessing games or cracked tops.

Need something cool and creamy instead of baked? The Two-Layer Peanut Butter Pie is a no-bake wonder - rich, silky, and perfect for when you'd rather chill than preheat.

If coconut is your love language, keep the sweetness rolling with Southern Coconut Cake, a triple-layer beauty filled with raspberry jam and finished with white chocolate frosting that makes angels sing. Or take a tropical detour with the Coconut Praline Pie, where whipped cream clouds meet a crunchy caramel-praline layer that's pure heaven.

Whether you're filling a holiday dessert table or just treating yourself on a Tuesday, these recipes prove one simple truth: in a Southern kitchen, there's always room for one more slice.

I've heard this called French coconut pie. I have no idea of that's the "real name" or not, y'all. It's just delicious. Make no mistake - once you've served this to family and friends you'll be making it a lot! It's the best coconut pie I've ever had, hands down.

Don't forget to print your Coconut Pie Cheat Sheet PDF before you preheat the oven - trust me, you'll want it for next time."

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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