Mary's Cocoanut Custard Pie Recipe

Mary's Cocoanut Custard Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of custard with the tropical sweetness of coconut. This recipe has been passed down through generations and is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Fun Fact: Did you know that custard pies have been enjoyed for centuries? The concept of a custard-based pie dates back to ancient Rome, where it was often made with honey instead of sugar.

To begin, line two medium-sized pie tins with your favorite rich pastry and bake them until golden brown. Pre-baking the crust ensures that it stays crispy and doesn't get soggy when filled with the custard mixture.

For the custard filling, you will need 3 egg yolks, 2 cups of granulated sugar, and 1 quart of milk. In a saucepan, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until well combined. Gradually add the milk and continue whisking until fully incorporated.

Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken. This process may take about 10-15 minutes.

Next, in a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of corn starch and 1 tablespoon of flour. Add a little cold water to moisten the mixture before adding it to the custard. This step helps to thicken the custard even further.

Continuing to stir the custard, slowly pour in the corn starch and flour mixture. Cook the custard for an additional 5 minutes or until it reaches a desired thick consistency.

To enhance the flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the custard. The aroma and taste of vanilla perfectly complement the sweetness of the coconut.

Once the custard has cooled slightly, it's time to incorporate the star ingredient - coconut! Grate one good-sized coconut and mix half of it with the custard. The coconut adds a tropical twist and a delightful texture to the pie.

Carefully pour the custard mixture into the two pre-baked pie crusts, evenly distributing the filling.

In a separate bowl, beat the three egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add a small quantity of sugar to the egg whites, continuing to beat until the mixture is glossy.

Spread the beaten egg whites on top of the custard-filled pies, creating an even layer. The egg whites will form a light and fluffy meringue-like topping that adds a wonderful contrast to the custard and coconut.

Finally, sprinkle the remaining half of the grated coconut over the tops of the pies. This not only adds extra coconut flavor but also creates a visually appealing finish.

Place the pies in the oven at a moderate temperature for a few minutes, or until the tops of the pies are lightly browned. Keep a careful eye on them to prevent burning.

Once the pies have cooled, slice and serve. The combination of creamy custard, sweet coconut, and fluffy meringue creates a truly irresistible dessert.

Similar recipes to Mary's Cocoanut Custard Pie include coconut cream pie, coconut custard tart, and coconut macaroon pie. These desserts all showcase the distinct flavor and texture of coconut, making them perfect for coconut lovers.

In conclusion, Mary's Cocoanut Custard Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of custard with the tropical sweetness of coconut. Its history can be traced back to ancient Rome, and it continues to be enjoyed by many today. So why not give this recipe a try? It's sure to become a favorite among friends and family.