Ingredients:
- 1 ¼ cups All-Purpose (Plain) Flour
- 1 Tbsp Granulated Sugar (for crust)
- ½ tsp Fine Sea Salt (for crust)
- ½ cup Unsalted Butter, chilled, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 3–4 Tbsp Ice Water
- 1 (15 oz) can Cream of Coconut (e.g., Coco López)
- 1 cup Evaporated Milk
- 3 large Egg Yolks, at room temperature
- 1 large Whole Egg, at room temperature
- ¼ cup Granulated Sugar (for filling)
- 3 Tbsp Cornstarch (Maize Starch)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Shredded Coconut (optional)
- Pinch Salt (for filling)
- 1 cup Double Cream (Heavy Whipping Cream), chilled
- 2 Tbsp Icing Sugar (Confectioner's Sugar)
- ½ cup Toasted Coconut Flakes (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Phase 1: Prepare and Blind Bake the Pastry Shell. Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl or food processor. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, mixing just until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap tightly, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes.
- Roll the chilled dough out to a 12-inch circle. Carefully fit it into the 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom with a fork.
- Blind Bake: Line the pastry with parchment paper, fill with pie weights. Bake at 375°F / 190°C for 15 minutes. Remove weights and paper, and bake for an additional 8–10 minutes until lightly golden and set. Cool slightly.
- Phase 2: Create the Creamy Filling. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the Cream of Coconut and the evaporated milk over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly.
- Temper the Eggs: Very slowly drizzle about one cup of the hot liquid mixture into the egg mixture while whisking vigorously to prevent scrambling.
- Thicken the Custard: Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot liquid. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring continuously, until the custard thickens significantly and coats the back of the spatula (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Finish the Filling: Stir in the vanilla extract and the optional shredded coconut.
- Phase 3: Bake and Set the Pie. Pour the warm filling directly into the pre-baked, cooled pie crust.
- Bake Gently: Return the pie to the oven. Reduce the temperature to 325°F / 160°C. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centre has a slight wobble (like firm jelly).
- Cool completely on a wire rack for 2 hours at room temperature.
- Chill Completely: Transfer the cooled pie to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the custard to fully set.
- Phase 4: Finishing and Serving. Just before serving, beat the double cream with the icing sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe or spoon the whipped cream onto the chilled pie. Garnish liberally with toasted coconut flakes. Slice and enjoy.