The Best Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie

This post may contain affiliate links, such as Amazon, Please read my disclaimer.

If you are looking for the perfect union between coconut cream and chocolate pie, you have come to the right place. This rich and decadent Chocolate coconut cream pie is filled with a decadent old-fashioned chocolate custard pudding inside a light and flaky pastry. Topped with homemade whipped topping sprinkled with pan toasted coconut flakes. An instant crowd-pleaser for any coconut and chocolate lover.

Slice of chocolate coconut cream pie on a white plate with a blue polish pottery dessert spoon.

This chocolate coconut pie was originally published Feb 27, 2014. It has been updated with a Dairy Free chocolate cream pie variation, new images, and helpful tips to make your Chocolate Coconut cream pie baking experience better than ever. 

Most people think that “From Scratch” means that there is a lot of work involved. But this Chocolate Coconut Cream pie recipe is fairly easy. The part that takes the longest is merely waiting for the custard filling to set up.

We love to indulge in this cream pie all year long, but it is especially perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other Holiday desserts, Summer BBQs, fun potluck dinners, National Pi Day, and random pie competitions. It is always the right time to enjoy this homemade Chocolate Coconut Cream pie!

Haupia Pie Vs Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie

A while ago I came across something called Haupia pie. This is a very popular traditional chocolate cream pie with coconut that comes from Hawaii. And looking at some of the recipes, I was surprised at just how similar it is to our coconut cream chocolate pie.

I wondered…is this the same thing? Did I unintentionally make Haupia pie on accident just because I wanted a chocolate cream pie with coconut?

After digging a bit deeper, I discovered that no, they actually aren’t the same. But they are very similar.

Our chocolate coconut cream pie is made with an old-fashioned chocolate custard pie filling with coconut flakes, poured into a flaky pie crust, and topped with fresh whipped cream.

Slice of chocolate cream pie on a white plate with a right hand holding a dessert spoon with a bite of the pie waiting to be enjoyed

Chocolate Haupia pie is a multilayer cream pie with a thick and rich dark chocolate cream bottom layer, a coconut cream filling “haupia” center layer, and a whipped coconut cream topping. Basically, it has an extra layer of regular coconut custard on top of the chocolate cream filling before the whipped topping. And it doesn’t have the coconut flakes mixed into the custard.

So while they are very similar, they are in fact different. But that’s not going to stop me from learning to make a Haupia pie in the very near future!

🥥 Ingredients Needed:

This post may contain affiliate links.

The Recipe Card at the end provides full measurements of each ingredient.

Overhead view of ingredients for a chocolate custard pie filling

Pie Crust: I often use my Grandma’s Flaky Pie Crust or this butter Shortcrust Pastry pie crust. But if you are short on time, you can also use a store-bought pie shell or pie pastry. Just be sure to blind bake the pie crust before you fill it.

Whipped Cream: I love using homemade whipped cream because it tastes much better. We also have a diary free whipped cream that uses coconut milk and maple syrup that is divine with this chocolate coconut cream pie. Or if you are tight on time, you can also use store-bought whipped topping. But I will forever say it tastes best with homemade.

Granulated Sugar: for sweetness obviously. 😉

Fine Sea Salt: This really helps to bring out the chocolate flavor

Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the custard.

Egg Yolks: They play a crucial role in thickening the custard and helping it set, while also imparting a rich, luxurious texture that surpasses anything you’d find in store-bought frozen pies

Almond Coconut Milk: our original recipe uses Almond coconut milk and I love the flavor it lends to this recipe. But I know that is not a milk most households keep in stock. I have made this coconut cream chocolate pie using coconut milk and regular dairy including fat-free milk, 1% milk, and 2% milk. They all work well. So take your pick of your favorite milk! I have not yet tried it with chocolate milk, so if you do, PLEASE let me know in the comments below how it turns out!

Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips: don’t skimp on these. If you get the cheapest option they are often gritty and the filling isn’t as smooth and creamy. I like using Enjoy Life or GHIRARDELLI Semi-Sweet Chocolate chips for this recipe. This is one time I will be a brand snob and get the more expensive bag of chocolate chips because it makes a difference. I like the richness that the semi-sweet offers. Just enough dark chocolate to make it rich and decadent, but not too dark to be bitter.

Sweetened Coconut Flakes: You will mix these into the chocolate pudding filling and toasted for the garnish on top.

Unsalted Butter: for a rich and creamy custard.

Coconut Extract: to enrich the coconut flavor

Pure Vanilla Extract: Again, it’s all about flavor! A pure vanilla extract will give you richer depth of flavor than an imitation extract.

chocolate coconut cream pie in a glass pie plate with one slice missing

🥛 Dairy Free Coconut Cream Pie with Chocolate

For several years we had to be a dairy-free household because our kids had allergic reactions to dairy when they were toddlers. That is how this recipe came about – trying to create a dairy-free version of my favorite coconut cream pie, but with chocolate. This way we all were still able to enjoy our favorite chocolate cream pie with coconut but without any reactions afterwards.

For a Dairy free chocolate pie with coconut milk you will use

👩🏻‍🍳 How to Make Coconut Cream Pie With Chocolate

To make a chocolate coconut cream pie, you have 4 main components.

  1. The Crust.
  2. Chocolate custard filling
  3. Whipped topping
  4. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes and chocolate shavings (optional).

⏲️ Plan Ahead

Bake Your Crust: Prepare and fully blind bake your single pie crust. If you need help, visit our guide with video on how to blind bake pie crust. You can use a homemade pie crust or one that you buy from the store. But it will need to be fully baked and cooled completely before filling.

overhead view of a fully baked shortcrust pastry in a white pie plate on a white marble counter

Toast the Coconut: For the garnish, we sprinkle toasted coconut on top. I often do this in a pan on the stovetop. For directions on how to toast a lot of coconut at once, or how to do it in the oven or air fryer see our in-depth guide on how to toast coconut.

Side view of a chocolate pie in a white pie plate topped with freshly toasted coconut

Put about 1//2-1 cup sweetened shredded coconut flakes into a skillet on a medium heat. Stir frequently and continue until the coconut is likely toasted. Remove the skillet immediately from heat, transfer the toasted coconut to a plate and allow to cool.

🍫 Chocolate Filling for Pie

Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. This dry mixture will help thicken the pudding later.

Add the Egg Yolks and Milk: Crack and separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Add the egg yolks into the saucepan and whisk them together with the dry ingredients. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of your preferred milk (dairy or non-dairy works!). Whisk everything until smooth and well combined.

Custard filling in a sauce pan on medium heat with a black whisk

Heat Gently: Turn your stovetop burner to medium low heat and place the saucepan on it. Begin heating the mixture slowly, whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, helps prevent the eggs from cooking in clumps and scrambling.

Temper the Milk: In a separate microwave-safe glass, bowl, or jar, heat the remaining 1 1/2 cups of milk for 1-2 minutes, or until it’s very hot but not boiling.

Tip: You can also heat the milk on the stovetop over medium heat in a separate pan, just make sure it doesn’t boil over!

Add the Flavorings: Now it’s time for the yummy part! Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and coconut extract. Increase the heat to medium heat and keep stirring as the mixture thickens.

Chocolate custard filling right after the chocolate chips and coconut are added before it turns into a custard.

Cook Until Thickened (But Not Too Thick!): Continue cooking on medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a pudding-like consistency. Be careful not to overcook it, or your pie filling will be too thick.

As soon as the mixture reaches a thick pudding-like consistency (it should coat the back of a spoon), remove it from the heat. It will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

Chocolate coconut custard filling after it has thickened sticking to the whisk to show the desired thickness.

Finishing Touches: Finally, stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until everything is well combined.

Set Aside: Set chocolate custard filling aside on a hot pad or in the fridge to cool. You want it slightly cooled to the touch so it doesn’t “sweat” in the pie crust causing a soggy bottom.

🥄 Assemble the Pie

Fill the Pie Crust: Allow the chocolate custard to cool to the touch (meaning it won’t burn you if you dip your finger into it for a little taste – don’t worry, I won’t tell if you do sneak a little taste.). Pour the custard into the pie crust and spread evenly. Place the chocolate cream pie into the fridge to chill.

shortcrust pastry pie crust in a white pie plate filled with chocolate custard pie filling on a marble counter.

Chill: How long you chill your pie really depends on how quickly it cools down. You want the chocolate custard to set enough to hold its shape under the whipped cream. You also want it cool enough that it won’t “melt” the whipped cream when it is placed on top. Usually, I can get away with chilling the pie for the amount of time it takes me to make the whipped cream. But to play it safe I’d say let it chill for about 20-30 minutes. But you can check it earlier and if it is cool to the touch, you can try adding the whipped cream.

Make Whipped Cream: While the chocolate cream pie is chilling, make homemade whipped cream or coconut whipped cream. If you are using store-bought whipped topping, you can skip this step.

Whipped cream at stiff peak stage sticking up from a stand mixer whisk in front of a plate of cookies and a bowl of strawberries

Layer Whipped Cream: Remove the chilled chocolate pie from the fridge. Top with whipped cream. You can spread it evenly with a spatula or you can do fancy pipe work. It is really up to you. I do it the old-fashioned way and just spread it evenly across the top of the pie.

Half view of a chocolate custard pie with homemade whipped topping spread on top.

Garnish: Sprinkle the top with the toasted coconut flakes. You can take it one step further and include chocolate shavings as well for extra beautiful topping.

Overhead view of a completed chocolate coconut cream pie in a pie tin with toasted coconut sprinkled on top.

Chill Again: Return your pie to the fridge and allow it to chill until it is time to serve.

A right hand holding a polish pottery dessert spoon in the process of scooping a bite out of a chocolate coconut cream pie as it sits on a white dessert plate.

🍽️ Serving Tips

If you want it fully set it will need to chill for about 3-4 hours. If you want a firmly set custard, then chill overnight. But, if you are impatient, you can serve after just 30 minutes. You get the same amazing flavor, but the chocolate custard filling will be a little softer like pudding and each slice won’t be as perfectly beautiful. But sometimes flavor substance trumps style, right?

Enjoy!

Single slice of coconut chocolate cream pie on a white plate on a dark counter

🫙 Storage

Store any leftovers in an air-tight pie carrier or cover in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. After that the crust softens and the whipped cream begins to weep. So technically it is still good for up to 5 days, but it won’t have the same fresh texture after the 3rd day.

Vertical image of a chocolate coconut cream pie slice on a white plate in front of a stack of plates holding another slice of pie all on a white marble counter.

🥧 Love Pies?

Check out these other amazingly delicious and award-winning pies that we love to bake with our family!

Did you try this recipe? Leave a ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ rating below and share it on InstagramFacebook & Pinterest!

 

Yield: 12 slices

Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie

Slice of chocolate coconut cream pie on a white plate with a blue polish pottery dessert spoon.

This easy decadent chocolate coconut cream pie recipe is bound to be the best instant crowd pleaser you ever tasted! Including complete Dairy-Free recipe alterations.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

Filling

  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup Milk (1%, 2%, Fat Free, Coconut Milk, Almond Coconut milk, or any milk of your choice)
  • 1 1/2 cup Scalded Milk of Choice
  • 1/2 Cup Semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract

Other

Instructions

Plan Ahead

Bake Your Crust: Prepare and fully blind bake your single pie crust. If you need help, visit our guide with video on how to blind bake pie crust. You can use a homemade pie crust or one that you buy from the store. But it will need to be fully baked and cooled completely before filling.

Toast the Coconut: For the garnish, we sprinkle toasted coconut on top. I often do this in a pan on the stovetop. For directions on how to toast a lot of coconut at once, or how to do it in the oven or air fryer see our in-depth guide on how to toast coconut.

Put about 1//2-1 cup sweetened coconut flakes into a skillet on a medium heat. Stir frequently and continue until the coconut is likely toasted. Remove the skillet immediately from heat, transfer the toasted coconut to a plate, and allow to cool.


Chocolate Filling for Pie

Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. This dry mixture will help thicken the pudding later.

Add the Egg Yolks and Milk: Crack and separate the egg yolks from the egg whites. Add the egg yolks into the saucepan and whisk them together with the dry ingredients. Then, pour in 1/2 cup of your preferred milk (dairy or non-dairy works!). Whisk everything until smooth and well combined.

Heat Gently: Turn your stovetop burner to medium-low heat and place the saucepan on it. Begin heating the mixture slowly, whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, helps prevent the eggs from cooking in clumps and scrambling.

Temper the Milk: In a separate microwave-safe glass, bowl, or jar, heat the remaining 1 1/2 cups of milk for 1-2 minutes, or until it's very hot but not boiling.

Tip: You can also heat the milk on the stovetop over medium heat in a separate pan, just make sure it doesn't boil over!

Add the Flavorings: Now it's time for the yummy part! Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, shredded coconut, and coconut extract. Increase the heat to medium heat and keep stirring as the mixture thickens.

Cook Until Thickened (But Not Too Thick!): Continue cooking on medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches a pudding-like consistency. Be careful not to overcook it, or your pie filling will be too thick.

As soon as the mixture reaches a thick pudding-like consistency (it should coat the back of a spoon), remove it from the heat. It will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

Finishing Touches: Finally, stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until everything is well combined.

Set Aside: Set chocolate custard filling aside on a hot pad or in the fridge to cool. You want it slightly cooled to the touch so it doesn't "sweat" in the pie crust causing a soggy bottom.

Assemble the Pie

Fill the Pie Crust: Allow the chocolate custard to cool to the touch (meaning it won't burn you if you dip your finger into it for a little taste - don't worry, I won't tell if you do sneak a little taste.). Pour the custard into the pie crust and spread evenly. Place the chocolate cream pie into the fridge to chill.

Chill: How long you chill your pie really depends on how quickly it cools down. You want the chocolate custard to set enough to hold its shape under the whipped cream. You also want it cool enough that it won't "melt" the whipped cream when it is placed on top. Usually I can get away with chilling the pie for the amount of time it takes me to make the whipped cream. But to play it safe I'd say let it chill for about 20-30 minutes. But you can check it earlier and if it is cool to the touch, you can try adding the whipped cream.

Make Whipped Cream: While the chocolate cream pie is chilling, make the homemade whipped cream or coconut whipped cream. If you are using store-bought whipped topping, you can skip this step.

Layer Whipped Cream: Remove the chilled chocolate pie from the fridge. Top with whipped cream. You can spread it evenly with a spatula or you can do fancy pipe work. It is really up to you. I do it the old-fashioned way and just spread it evenly across the top of the pie.

Garnish: Sprinkle the top with the toasted coconut flakes. You can take it one step further and include chocolate shavings as well for extra beautiful topping.

Chill Again: Return your pie to the fridge and allow it to chill until it is time to serve.

Notes

*This filling makes enough for 1 deep-dish pie. If you use a store-bought pie crust, there will likely be some filling leftover. I recommend using the extra to fill mini tart crusts or small glasses, then let that set in the fridge to make delicious homemade pudding cups.

Dairy-Free Chocolate Cream Pie Variation

  • Use Almond Coconut Milk or Coconut Milk
  • Replace all butter with your choice of Ghee, cold coconut oil, or Crisco.
  • Crisco works great as a butter substitute in the pastry shell. 
  • Use Dairy Free Semi-Sweet chocolate chips like Enjoy Life brand.
  • For a dairy-free whipped topping substitute, use coconut whipped cream.

Serving Tips

If you want it fully set it will need to chill for about 3-4 hours. If you want a firmly set custard, then chill overnight. But, if you are impatient, you can serve after just 30 minutes. You get the same amazing flavor, but the chocolate custard filling will be a little softer like pudding and each slice won't be as perfectly beautiful. But sometimes flavor substance trumps style right?

🫙 Storage

If you happen to have any leftovers, cover the pie with an air-tie pie carrier or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. After that the crust softens and the whipped cream begins to weep.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1 slice pie

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 379Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 240mgCarbohydrates: 53gFiber: 3gSugar: 37gProtein: 4g

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although Busy Creating Memories attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Similar Posts

64 Comments

  1. I can’t even tell you how up my alley that pie is!! My husband works for a company in which they always bring in pies to celebrate Pi Day on 3.14. It cracks me up.

  2. This chocolate coconut cream pie looks delicious!! I would so eat this one over the other you chose! Yumm! I’d bet my husband would like it too. I’ll have to try to make it!

  3. It’s been a long time since I’ve had coconut cream pie, and never since I’ve had chocolate coconut cream pie. This pie looks amazing!

  4. You’re recipe is amazing! That is my kind of pie! I like your collection too. I think I’m going to celebrate on 3.14 – thanks for clarifying that Pie making is rooted in math!

  5. That pie looks like a slice of Heaven. I miss eating pies and have been seeing them all over the internet. Makes me almost want to go back to sugar.

  6. I want a slice of this right now! I love chocolate cream pie and coconut cream pie, but never thought to combine the two!

  7. That pie looks delicious!! I’m not really big on math (numbers and I don’t get along), but I’m all about Pi Day since it encourages me to eat pie! Not that I need encouragement, lol!

  8. Ohhh myyyy goodness–that frozen peanut butter cup pie! YUM! And my husband would die for your chocolate coconut cream pie! I’m not a fan of coconut, but I should make this for him!

  9. Now that is a great way to celebrate National Pi day, chocolate and coconut are such a great combination. Cannot wait to try this.

  10. That Chocolate Cream Pie looks amazing! You should definitely have that for National Pi day. Forget that 3.14 or whatever it was mess. ๐Ÿ™‚

  11. I love pie way too much! Chocolate coconut cream pie looks and sounds delicious so I’m definitely putting this recipe on my next to try list! I really think my family will love it and I have a serious love for for coconut.

  12. That looks delicious. My mom used to make coconut cream pies when I was a kid because it was one of my dad’s favorites. I’ve never tried making it myself.

  13. I have just made 2 of these for my husband to take to work tomorrow for Pi Day. They are currently setting in the fridge. He gets 2 hours off for taking a homemade pie. If it tastes as good as it looks and smells then this is a winner! Shame I won’t get a slice though. ๐Ÿ™

    1. Oh you should have hidden one of the pies for yourself! lol. Sad to say he probably won’t be bringing home any left overs. It really is that good. I have had people telling me it didn’t last a day in their house. I am going to be making another one myself for Pi day tomorrow. Too bad I can send one with the husband to the college so he can get a day off. lol.

      1. I did think about just keeping one! I have yet to win one of his work cooking competitions to get him a whole day off. I was beaten out on ‘cookie day’ by someone who used liquor in the recipe. Cheaters! ๐Ÿ˜‰ I am hoping this one will be my winner! ๐Ÿ˜€ I am just trying to decide whether to add chocolate to my whipped cream topping? And whether I should pipe the cream or smear it on?

        1. honestly if I had a steady enough hand and enough experience, I would have piped the whipped topping.
          Definitely add the chocolate shavings and toasted coconut.

          I toasted my coconut on a small skillet on the burner so I could keep it mixing to prevent any burning of any of it.

          For the shaved chocolate; slightly warm a chocolate bar in the microwave, and then use a potato peeler to shave it.

          Good luck! I hope you win!!!!
          And then when they all beg you the recipe, send them my way. lol.

  14. My kids get to buy pie at school on pi day.. I wish I realized it was coming to make one myself. Will have to give yours a try. Thanks so much for sharing it on foodie friday.

  15. Pingback: Top 15 Pie Recipes To Try! - The Relaxed Homemaker
  16. Pingback: A Collection Of The 7+ Best Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes - As Mom Sees It
  17. I am an amateur cook and I constantly try out my recipes on family and friends.
    I made this Chocolate Coconut Cream Pie recipe
    I have never had such enthusiasm about any of my recipes.
    I gave up on commercial pie crusts you get in the refrigerated section at the grocery store. And with my limited experience at pastry crusts I made the homemade version. Once the pie was completed and chilled I had my family and a friend try the pie.
    Everyone raved about this recipe, a first after at least 2 decades of experimenting on them.
    This is going to be part of my permanent menu list at #1

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.