Yesterday, I read about a coconut pie served at a New Jersey restaurant called The Claremont Diner. It was a favorite of the cookbook author Richard Sax, who says in his book Classic Home Desserts that the Claremont’s pies were “showy”, but also made from scratch and with top quality ingredients. After looking over the recipe posted in Sax’s book, I ran to the store, bought all the ingredients and baked it that afternoon.
A Little Gelatin Makes a Difference
We love just about all coconut cream pies, but the Claremont Diner pie special in that it is similar to a Bavarian Cream. That is, it has just enough gelatin to make it stiff enough to hold its shape, while still being light and creamy.
Claremont Diner Pie is a great pie and much lighter than a lot of other coconut pies. It’s not too “coconutty” either. It’s more like a vanilla cream pie with coconut on it.
Lots of Whipped Cream
Richard Sax mentioned the diner put a topping of whipped cream over the pie and gives alternate directions should you wish to do that as well. I did, so I went ahead and re-wrote the recipe with the added whipped cream. Due to time constraints and not wanting to mess up more dishes, I used a store-bought pie crust. The filling was so good it didn’t matter much, but next time I’ll take the time to bake my own crust.
Recipe
Coconut Cream Pie
Ingredients
- 1 9-inch baked pie shell
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 ½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin (I use less, about 2)
- ½ cup sugar (100 grams)
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons butter (28 grams)
- 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Sweetened Whipped Cream
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream well chilled
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar (30 grams)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 3 ½ ounces sweetened shredded coconut about 1 ½ cups, toasted**
Instructions
- Place ½ cup cold milk in a mixing bowl and sprinkle with the gelatin, stirring once or twice to moisten. Set aside to soften for about 5 minutes.
- Bring the remaining 2 ½ cups milk to nearly a boil in a heavy non-reactive saucepan over medium heat.
- When the gelatin is soft, add the sugar, cornstarch, egg and egg yolks and whisk until very well blended. Gradually whisk a little of the hot milk into the gelatin mixture. Continue adding milk about ¾ cup at a time until you've used it all.
- Pour the warmed gelatin mixture from the mixing bowl into the saucepan with the hot milk and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking. Boil, whisking constantly, for about 2 minutes
- Strain the pastry cream into a clean bowl; whisk in the butter and vanilla until smooth. Place a sheet of wax paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pastry cream and refrigerate.
- Whip the 1 ½ cups cream until nearly stiff. Stir in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Gently fold a little over half of it into the pastry cream.
- Sprinkle a big handful of the coconut in the bottom of the baked pie shell. Pour the filling into the pie shell, mounding the filling in the center. Chill for about 30 minutes. Spread reserved whipped cream over Bavarian cream and sprinkle top with remaining toasted coconut. Chill for four or five hours or until set.
Marianne Murray says
Simply yummy!!!!
Kim LeMaitre says
I have had the original Sax recipe for almost 30 years now and it is absolutely delicious. I made it many years ago and took it with me to my friend's family Easter dinner. It was such a hit that her parents still talk about 'that pie'. I am hesitant to make crust from scratch and have made this using pie crust dough already made but it turns out beautifully and no one knows the difference because the pie itself is so good.
Gail Sherman says
I am from NJ and am so excited to find the original recipe from the Claremont Diner for coconut cream pie. I can't wait to try it. I dream of the wonderful pies and food at the Claremont. Those kinds of places just don't exist anymore. Great memories, thanks.
Laura says
Yum! I made this for Christmas, and it was a hit. Thanks so much! : )
kitty62 says
Have to make just one more comment about this recipe......Since my last comment, i have had a few more pieces of coconut cream pie made by other people and im glad to report.....mine is still the best. Make this recipe and you will be glad you did, others just dont come close. Enjoy!
kitty62 says
Made this yesterday and yes, ......it is the best!!!! Try it ...you will love it.
Bev says
Patti, if you scroll down to the end of the recipe/instructions, you will see the two
**. Anna explains how to toast coconut.
Debbi says
My husband loves coconut cream pie. I'm for sure going to have to make this for him. Thanks for another great recipe!
Blake says
That is the most gorgeous pie! I'm drooling.
Judy says
This really looks interesting, and I'm putting it on my baking list. This is much easier than the coconut pie I've always made from fresh coconut. Just opening those things is a chore!
Chris Mower says
Mmmmm! I'm going to have to make this one for my pops. After cherry pie, coconut cream is his 2nd favorite.
dawn says
coconut & banana cream pie, if done right are my downfall--I will eat the whole thing. I think your idea of using a graham cracker crust is perfect.
Lisa Ernst says
This looks good enough to dig into, right on the screen. LOL I have a spare pie crust in the freezer and have been toying with making a coconut cream pie with it. I think your photo and recipe seals the deal. However, I will challenge myself to make it vegan. (I'm not vegan, but love desserts so much that I'm always seeking ways to make them a bit healthier while not sacrificing flavor. Wish me luck.
yael says
Yum, that looks luscious!
Mimi says
Coconut pie is my son's favorite he would be in hog heaven if I made this for him.
Mimi
Randi says
Once again, I gotta sing the praises of CI's CCpie, its amazing.
Missy says
Oh, yum. Can you hear my stomach growling?
Patti says
Did I miss something? I'm trying to figure out why you put ** after "toasted." I'm probably just overlooking it, but...?
I've got to try this pie soon! I love coconut - anything and everything!
Lorie says
This looks delicious and may be just what I'm looking for. It's really thick, too, and I like that.
Sue says
My husband would be thrilled if I made this pie for him. He loves coconut cream and banana cream and the poor man never gets either one!
Natalie says
oh this surely looks delicious. I go mad for coconut 🙂
Anna says
I want to try it again with a graham cracker crust.
Emily says
Look at that! That pie looks perfect! It's huge. Coconut cream pie is my favorite kind.
Louise says
Now I feel a need for coconut. I love this pie too, but I really love Coconut Custard Pie. The diner pies in New Jersey are usually 6" high and have their own revolving case. The late Richard Sax had some fantastic recipes. "The Cookie Lover's Cookie Book" from 1986 is worth searching for in used books if only for the recipe for Date Chewies with Sour Cream.
Cheryl says
Looks and I'm sure tastes amazing!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
This is my ALL time favorite pie!