Introduction
Coconut Meringue Pie is a delightful twist on a classic dessert, combining a rich, creamy coconut filling with a fluffy, golden meringue topping. This pie is the perfect treat for any special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether served at a festive gathering or as a comforting dessert at home, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
– Pie crust: 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
– Granulated sugar: 200g
– Cornstarch: 40g
– Salt: 1g
– Whole milk: 480ml
– Eggs: 4 large, separated
– Unsalted butter: 30g
– Vanilla extract: 5ml
– Shredded coconut: 80g
– Cream of tartar: 1g
– Powdered sugar: 50g
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Coconut Meringue Pie is not only delicious but also a wonderful way to bring a touch of tropical flavor to your dessert table. Enjoy this homemade delight as a perfect ending to any meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F), filling the air with warmth and anticipation for your delightful coconut creation.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a medium saucepan, combine 200g of granulated sugar, 40g of cornstarch, and 1g of salt. Gradually whisk in 480ml of whole milk until you achieve a smooth mixture.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. Watch as the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, releasing a sweet aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 4: Temper the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, lightly beat 4 large egg yolks. Slowly add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the yolks, whisking continuously to prevent them from curdling.
Step 5: Combine and Cook Again
Return the tempered egg mixture to the saucepan and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly. The filling should become thick and velvety.
Step 6: Add Flavor
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 30g of unsalted butter, 5ml of vanilla extract, and 80g of shredded coconut. This combination will create a rich, aromatic filling.
Step 7: Fill the Crust
Pour the luscious coconut filling into the pre-baked 9-inch pie crust, spreading it evenly to create a beautiful base.
Step 8: Beat the Egg Whites
In a clean bowl, beat the 4 egg whites with 1g of cream of tartar using an electric mixer until soft peaks form, showcasing a glossy, cloud-like texture.
Step 9: Sweeten the Meringue
Gradually add 50g of powdered sugar to the egg whites while continuing to beat, transforming them into stiff peaks that stand tall and proud.
Step 10: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the fluffy meringue over the coconut filling, spreading it gently to seal the edges of the crust, ensuring no filling escapes.
Step 11: Bake the Meringue
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the meringue turns a beautiful golden brown, creating a striking contrast against the creamy filling.
Step 12: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving. The combination of the creamy coconut filling and the fluffy meringue is sure to delight.
Notes
Ingredient Tips
Ensure your egg whites are at room temperature for better volume when beating.
Texture Tips
For an extra coconut flavor, consider toasting the shredded coconut before adding it to the filling.
Perfect Meringue Tips
Avoid any egg yolk in the egg whites for the meringue to form properly.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Coconut Meringue Pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
Cook Techniques
Pre-Baking the Pie Crust
Pre-baking the pie crust helps ensure it remains crisp and holds up well against the moist coconut filling. This technique prevents a soggy bottom.
Whisking for Smoothness
Whisking the sugar, cornstarch, and salt with the milk ensures a smooth and lump-free mixture before cooking it. This step is crucial for a creamy filling.
Tempering the Eggs
Tempering the egg yolks by gradually adding hot milk prevents them from cooking too quickly, which could result in scrambled eggs in your filling.
Beating Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks
When whipping egg whites for meringue, continue beating until stiff peaks form. This will give the meringue its desired structure and texture.
Sealing the Meringue
Spreading the meringue over the coconut filling all the way to the crust edge prevents it from shrinking during baking. A good seal also maintains moisture in the filling.
Baking to Golden Perfection
Baking the meringue until it is golden brown requires careful attention. This indicates that the egg whites are fully cooked and adds a beautiful color contrast to the pie.
FAQ
Can I use sweetened or unsweetened coconut in the filling?
You can use either, but sweetened coconut will add extra sweetness, so adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly.
How do I prevent the meringue from weeping?
Make sure to spread the meringue all the way to the edge of the pie crust and bake it until it’s fully cooked; this helps to seal moisture and prevent weeping.
Can I prepare the pie crust in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and pre-bake the pie crust a day in advance. Just store it covered at room temperature until you’re ready to use it.
What should I do if my meringue collapses?
If your meringue collapses, it may be due to undercooking or not enough sugar. Ensure your egg whites are whipped to stiff peaks and baked until golden.
How should I store leftover Coconut Meringue Pie?
Store leftover pie in the refrigerator. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap to protect the meringue while preventing moisture buildup.
Conclusion
Indulging in a Coconut Meringue Pie offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that is sure to impress. This sweet treat, with its creamy coconut filling and light, airy meringue, is perfect for any occasion. Whether served at a family gathering or as a special dessert for yourself, this pie embodies the essence of homemade sweetness that will leave a lasting impression.
Chocolate Meringue Pie
For chocolate lovers, substitute the coconut filling with a rich chocolate custard. Topped with fluffy meringue and baked until golden, this pie is a decadent alternative.
Key Lime Meringue Pie
Turn up the tanginess by using a key lime filling instead of coconut. The combination of tart lime and sweet meringue creates a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for warmer weather.
Pineapple Coconut Meringue Pie
Combine fresh pineapple with shredded coconut for a tropical twist. This fruity filling pairs beautifully with the airy meringue for a delightful summery treat.
Banana Cream Meringue Pie
Create a luscious banana cream filling by mixing ripe bananas with pastry cream and topping it with meringue. The sweetness of bananas complements the lightness of meringue nicely.
Mixed Berry Meringue Pie
Use a medley of mixed berries for a vibrant filling. The tartness of the berries contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the meringue, making for a colorful and delicious pie.
Almond Meringue Pie
For a nutty flavor, try an almond cream filling. Top it with meringue for a delightful pie that offers a unique twist on the classic.
