A true coconut-lover's dream pie with a graham cracker and toasted coconut crust, a creamy coconut custard filling and a rum-spiked whipped cream topping.
Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spread the 5 tablespoons of coconut in a small baking pan and toast in the oven until golden brown, about 9 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes. When cool enough to handle, reserve 1 tablespoon for garnishing the finished pie.
Pulse the graham crackers and the remaining 4 tablespoons toasted coconut in a food processor until the crackers are broken down into coarse crumbs, about ten 1-second pulses. Process the mixture to evenly fine crumbs, about 12 seconds more. Transfer the crumbs to a medium bowl and stir in the sugar to combine; add the melted butter and toss with a fork until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Empty the crumb mixture into a 9-inch glass pie plate. Press the crumbs evenly into the bottom and up the sides, forming a crust. Bake the crust until deep golden brown and fragrant, about 22 minutes. Cool the crust on a wire rack while making the filling.
Make the Filling: Bring the coconut milk, whole milk, shredded coconut, 1/3 cup of the sugar, and the salt to a simmer in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon to dissolve the sugar. When the mixture reaches a simmer, whisk the egg yolks in a medium bowl to break them up, then whisk in the remaining 1/3 cup sugar and cornstarch until well combined and no lumps remain. Gradually whisk the simmering liquid into the yolk mixture to temper it, then return the mixture to the saucepan, scraping the bowl with a rubber spatula. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly, until 3 or 4 bubbles burst on the surface and the mixture is thickened, about 30 seconds. Off the heat, whisk in the vanilla and butter. Pour the filling into the cooled crust, press a sheet of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the filling and refrigerate until the filling is cold and firm, at least 3 hours.
Make the Whipped Cream Topping: When ready to serve, beat the cream and sugar in the chilled bowl of an electric mixer at medium speed to soft peaks; add the rum and vanilla. Continue to beat to barely stiff peaks. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled filling. Sprinkle the reserved 1 tablespoon toasted coconut over the whipped cream and serve. Cover any leftovers with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.
Coconut Milk: Be sure to stir it well before using, and ensure you are using coconut milk, NOT cream of coconut. This is found in the Asian section of the grocery store (or purchased online).
Unsweetened Shredded Coconut: This is different than what you usually find in the baking aisle (which is sweetened shredded coconut). I have found unsweetened coconut in the natural foods section of the grocery store, and you can also buy it online. You can substitute sweetened shredded coconut, but you may want to reduce the sugar in the filling to compensate.
Whole Milk – Using whole milk creates a thick and creamy custard; I do not recommend substituting lower fat alternatives or the filling may not thicken correctly.
Rum: You can omit the rum entirely from the whipped cream to make a regular homemade whipped cream. You may also substitute Cool Whip or coconut whipped topping, So Delicious Coco-whip, or make a meringue for the topping.
Coconut Flakes: Instead of garnishing with reserved toasted coconut, toast up extra-large coconut flakes and use those instead.
Leftover Egg Whites: This recipe uses just egg yolks; you can save the whites for an omelet or try any of the following recipes – Angel Food Cake, Pavlova, or Meringue Cookies.
Storage: Store the finished pie in the refrigerator for up to 1 day covered with plastic wrap.
Make-Ahead: The pie can be assembled up to pouring the filling in the pie crust. Press the plastic wrap against the surface and refrigerate for up to 3 days before topping and serving.
Freezing Instructions: To freeze coconut cream pie, allow the filling to set in the refrigerator for 3 hours with plastic wrap directly covering the filling and then cover with an extra layer of plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil before moving to the freezer. Use within 3 months.
Thawing directions: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before topping with whipped cream and serving.