Crustless Coconut Pie Dessert

Section: Easy Appetizers and Side Dishes for Any Meal

Enjoy a comforting slice of crustless coconut pie made with pantry staples and minimal effort. Shredded coconut bakes into a golden, chewy layer above a creamy, custard-like base — all without the need for a pastry crust. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a light, buttery dessert that highlights simple flavors. Perfect for casual occasions, this sweet treat can be made ahead and stores well, offering versatility for any gathering. Customize with dairy-free swaps or serve with whipped cream for extra flair.

A chef smiles for the camera.
Brought to You By Ryan
Last modified on Sat, 02 Aug 2025 11:23:37 GMT
A slice of crustless coconut pie dessert. Bookmark
A slice of crustless coconut pie dessert. | palatablelife.com

This crustless coconut pie is my go-to whenever I want a dessert that feels special but takes almost no effort. With just a handful of pantry essentials you mix everything in one bowl and get a dreamy custard pie topped with golden chewy coconut. It is just the right amount of sweet and buttery where every slice feels homemade and comforting. No fussy crust means less mess and more time to enjoy the results with friends or over coffee after dinner.

Every time I bake this my kitchen fills with warm coconut aroma and someone inevitably peeks in asking if it is ready yet. It is the easiest dessert to share and always disappears quickly at family gatherings.

Ingredients

  • All purpose flour: flour is the foundation for setting the pie and keeps the texture light. Choose a trusted name brand checked for freshness so you get no lumps
  • Granulated sugar: for sweetening and a golden crust. Fine granulated sugar dissolves best for a tender finish
  • Unsalted butter: melted butter is key for rich taste and moist crumb. Buy real butter for pure flavor
  • Milk: adds a creamy mouthfeel and keeps the custard smooth. Whole milk delivers the best results
  • Large eggs: help the pie puff and set with a silky middle. Always pick fresh eggs so the texture is delicate not eggy
  • Vanilla extract: brings warmth and rounds out the coconut. Use pure vanilla over imitation for fuller flavor
  • Sweetened shredded coconut: makes the chewy golden crown and gives bursts of coconut in each bite. Check labels to ensure moist fresh shreds not dry bits
  • Pinch of salt: sharpens all flavors. Fine sea salt disappears seamlessly in the batter

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Set your oven rack in the middle position so your pie bakes evenly and preheat the oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred seventy five degrees Celsius. Grease a nine inch pie dish with soft butter or baking spray being sure to coat the sides and bottom thoroughly so nothing sticks later
Mix The Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl combine the all purpose flour granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Use a wire whisk to ensure everything is blended smoothly and break apart any lumps for an even base
Add The Wet Ingredients:
Pour in the melted butter followed by milk eggs and vanilla extract. Whisk gently but thoroughly until the mixture looks smooth and uniform with no visible streaks of egg or pools of butter remaining. This guarantees a consistent silky texture in the final pie
Incorporate The Coconut:
Stir in all of the sweetened shredded coconut using a spatula or spoon. Mix just until the coconut is evenly dispersed through the batter so every bite gets coconut flavor and chew
Pour And Bake:
Transfer the batter to the greased pie dish scraping the bowl to get it all in. Use the spatula to level the top so the pie bakes evenly and gets that signature golden edge. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for forty five to fifty minutes until the pie is well set and the top is deep golden. Check by inserting a knife in the center and making sure it comes out clean
Cool And Serve:
Let your pie cool completely on a rack before slicing. This important step allows the custard middle to set up for neat slices. Serve at room temperature or chill for a firmer bite
A slice of crustless coconut pie dessert.
A slice of crustless coconut pie dessert. | palatablelife.com

My favorite part about this recipe is the layer of toasted coconut that forms naturally on top. It always makes me think of sharing coconut treats with siblings as a kid everyone wanted the chewiest corner slices. Baking this pie guarantees the kitchen smells irresistible and it always draws a crowd as it cools.

Storage Tips

Store leftover coconut pie loosely covered with foil or wrap in the fridge for up to three days. Slices actually taste better after chilling a few hours since the flavors meld. To freeze wrap each slice in parchment then seal in bags or containers for up to two months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a dairy free version use a high quality plant based butter and full fat coconut milk for luscious texture. Almond milk can be used but the pie will be less rich. You can substitute unsweetened coconut and add one or two tablespoons more sugar if you like your pie sweeter.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled or at room temperature paired with a cloud of whipped cream or Greek yogurt and a spoonful of fresh berries. It makes a wonderful casual dessert after supper or dress it up for brunch alongside seasonal fruit. Fresh coffee or a strong black tea complements the coconut and custard.

Cultural Touch

Coconut pies like this have deep roots in both southern and island cooking traditions. Often called impossible pies these recipes were prized for how easily they come together and for their almost magical crust forming while baking. My own recipe adds a bit more coconut than tradition for extra chew since that was always the best bite at family gatherings.

A slice of crustless coconut pie dessert.
A slice of crustless coconut pie dessert. | palatablelife.com

There is just something special about a dessert where every step is simple and each bite brings back a wave of happy memories. Just chill and share this pie when you want an easy win for any gathering.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ How do I keep the dessert from sticking?

Grease your pie dish thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray so slices release cleanly after baking.

→ Can I use unsweetened coconut?

Yes, but add extra sugar to maintain sweetness as unsweetened coconut yields a less sweet result.

→ What is the texture like?

This dessert features a soft, custard-like interior with chewy coconut and lightly golden edges.

→ Should I serve it warm or cold?

Let it cool completely before serving. It can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature for best texture.

→ How do I tell when it’s baked through?

Look for a golden top. Insert a knife in the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready to cool and slice.

→ Can I substitute dairy ingredients?

Use plant-based butter and full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free treat with creamy texture.

Crustless Coconut Pie Dessert

Soft coconut custard with a golden top delivers a tropical, fuss-free treat, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Total Time
65 minutes
Brought to You By: Ryan

Recipe Category: Appetizers and Sides

Skill Level: Perfect for Beginners

Culinary Inspiration: American Southern-Caribbean

Yields: 8 Portion Size (1 nine-inch dessert)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian-Friendly

What You’ll Need

→ Batter

01 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
04 2 cups whole milk
05 4 large eggs
06 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
07 1.5 cups sweetened shredded coconut
08 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and position rack in the center. Grease a 9-inch pie dish thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray, making sure to coat the bottom and sides.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and fine sea salt until evenly blended and free of lumps.

Step 03

Add melted butter, whole milk, eggs, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and homogenous.

Step 04

Fold in the sweetened shredded coconut using a spatula or wooden spoon, ensuring the coconut is evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared pie dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the surface is golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 06

Remove from oven and allow to cool completely on a wire rack. Slice and serve at room temperature or chilled for optimal texture.

Handy Tips

  1. For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free flour. The dessert keeps well refrigerated for up to three days and flavors intensify if prepared in advance.
  2. For added tropical flavor, substitute half of the vanilla extract with coconut extract or sprinkle grated nutmeg on top before baking.
  3. Let cool fully before slicing to ensure clean portions and optimal custard texture.

Must-Have Tools

  • 9-inch pie dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Wire cooling rack

Potential Allergens

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if needed.
  • Contains eggs, milk, wheat (gluten), coconut and may contain traces of nuts

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional information is provided for reference and shouldn’t replace expert guidance.
  • Calories: 352
  • Fats: 19 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 38 grams
  • Proteins: 6 grams