Coconut Cream Pie

Is it just me or are most coconut cream pies just not that coconut-y?  I feel like they are usually just a vanilla pudding with some coconut mixed in.  Meh.  That is seriously insufficient coconut flavoring.  But not to worry, this pie remedies all that.  Coconut milk plus coconut extract in the filling, and even a little kick of coconut flavor in the whipped cream.  Now THIS is a real coconut cream pie.  All you coconut lovers out there rejoice.  I know I did!  I made this delicious beauty for Thanksgiving (along with, literally, 8 other pies) and when "pie day" came around in March and I was only making one pie, I knew this was the one to choose.  Also, did I mention you make the custard in the microwave??  So fast and easy, no slaving over the stove...it is joyous.

Coconut Cream Pie

Time to Prepare: 2 hours 20 minutes (with pie crust already prepared)
Number of Servings: 12

• 1 (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 1/2 cups half and half
• 2 eggs plus 1 egg yolk, beaten
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups sweetened flaked coconut, divided
• 1 tsp coconut extract
• 1 pie crust, cooked and cooled (use your favorite recipe or keep things simple and buy it premade)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp coconut extract

Combine coconut milk, half and half, eggs, egg yolk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large microwave-safe bowl and whisk well.  Microwave on high for one minute, then stir.  Continue microwaving in one minute intervals, whisking in between, until a thick custard has developed (about 7 minutes).  Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the flaked coconut, as well as 1 tsp coconut extract.

Pour custard into cooled pie shell.  Refrigerate for 2 hours, until completely cooled.

Spread remaining 1/2 cup coconut in a medium skillet and toast over low heat, keeping an eye on it and tossing it regularly so it doesn't burn.

Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form.  Add powdered sugar and 1 tsp coconut extract and whip until stiff peaks form.

Spread whipped cream on top of custard and sprinkle with toasted coconut.

Produce Used: Coconut
Source: slightly adapted from Mom on Timeout